A shocking development has rocked the local TV news scene in Los Angeles, as the Nexstar Media Group merger with Tegna takes its toll. In a move to streamline costs, the company has initiated layoffs, affecting some of the city's most beloved and experienced anchors. Mark Kriski, Kacey Montoya, Lu Parker, Glen Walker, and Ellina Abovian are among those who have lost their jobs.
Kriski and Montoya, in particular, have been integral to KTLA's success over the years. Kriski, a weather expert, has covered countless stories, from the recent Malibu fires to the Northridge earthquake in 1994, earning him a reputation as a trusted source for local news. Montoya, a fellow Emmy winner, has been a valued member of the KTLA team since 2013.
But here's where it gets controversial: the impact of these layoffs extends beyond the loss of familiar faces on our screens. The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has spoken out against Nexstar, highlighting the erosion of union positions at KTLA. This comes at a time when SAG-AFTRA is actively negotiating with Nexstar stations across multiple markets.
"By laying off journalists, Nexstar is undermining the very foundation of local news," said SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin. "These talented individuals are the lifeblood of our communities, and their absence will be felt deeply."
And this is the part most people miss: the broader context of these layoffs. As Nexstar finalizes its multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Tegna, it's also pushing to reduce severance pay and insert restrictive provisions into union contracts, limiting workers' rights. This consolidation of power, coupled with the layoffs, raises serious concerns about the future of local news.
Nexstar, with its reach into 70% of homes across the country and 201 stations in 116 local markets, wields significant influence. Tegna, on the other hand, owns 64 television stations, reaching over 100 million people monthly through various platforms.
National executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland from SAG-AFTRA emphasized, "Our members are the voice of their communities. We will not allow their futures, and the future of local news, to be compromised."
As of now, the affected TV personalities have remained silent on social media. The question remains: will these layoffs spark a wider conversation about the future of local news and the role of media conglomerates? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
