Nexstar Media Group has recently implemented a wave of layoffs across its major television stations located in New York and Los Angeles, following similar cutbacks at its Chicago station. This decision affects key news and production roles, though the precise number of positions eliminated has not been disclosed.
At WPIX in New York, significant departures included anchors John Muller, Craig Treadway, Kori Chambers, and Arrianae LeBeau. Muller had been a morning anchor on weekends, Treadway was well-known for early morning broadcasts, Chambers anchored the evening news at 6 and 10 p.m., while LeBeau hosted the 4 and 5 p.m. segments.
In Los Angeles, the cuts hit the weekday morning team as seasoned meteorologist Mark Kriski and midday anchors Glen Walker and Lu Parker were let go, alongside an unspecified number of reporters from both locations.
This restructuring marks a critical moment for Nexstar as it has now completed layoffs at major stations within the top three media markets in the United States. All affected stations are affiliates of the CW network, which Nexstar directly controls after acquiring Tribune Media in 2019.
The push for these layoffs seems to be driven by Nexstar’s financial struggles, particularly its existing debt, compelling the company to streamline operations and reduce costs. While the impact on other markets where Nexstar operates has yet to be verified, these layoffs underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the broadcasting industry.
The situation highlights a broader trend within the media landscape, where companies are adapting to shifting business models and viewer habits. As Nexstar navigates these changes, there remains a potential for future growth and innovation in programming strategies, which may lead to a revitalized approach in media delivery.