WGN-Ch. 9 is facing significant upheaval as it experienced a wave of layoffs that has deeply affected its newsroom. On Monday, the station let go of eight long-standing reporters and anchors, including notable figures such as Sean Lewis, Ray Cortopassi, and Judy Wang, in a move that has left many in the industry stunned.
Sean Lewis, who has spent almost two decades at WGN and anchored the weekend morning broadcast since 2010, expressed his dismay over the layoffs. He reported his departure during the noon show, noting, “A lot of really good people lost their jobs today, and it’s a shame.” His termination came unexpectedly while he was participating as a union steward in a meeting regarding another layoff.
Insiders described the atmosphere in the newsroom as somber following the layoffs, which are part of a broader trend of staff reductions at WGN. The station’s owner, Dallas-based Nexstar Media, is reportedly streamlining operations in reaction to the changing media landscape. Multiple sources within the newsroom indicated that the recent cuts seem to transform the station into a shell of its former self, creating a sense of uncertainty about the future of local news coverage.
This wave of layoffs follows previous reductions at WGN, including the non-renewal of meteorologist Mike Janssen’s contract and layoffs among newswriters and technical staff over the past few months. Nexstar has maintained a policy of not commenting on personnel matters; however, a spokesperson stated that the company is taking necessary steps to remain competitive amid significant industry changes.
Akemi Harrison, who was appointed as news director in August, has begun conducting meetings with staff to discuss changes moving forward. In terms of broader strategic moves, Nexstar’s acquisition of WGN-Ch. 9 in 2019 and plans for further expansion, including a pending acquisition of Tegna, have raised concerns about the increasing consolidation within the media sector.
SAG-AFTRA, representing broadcast journalists at WGN, criticized the layoffs in a statement, highlighting the detrimental impact on local communities that rely on credible news. The union’s president emphasized the urgent need for regulators to address the issues posed by media consolidation and the welfare of journalism professionals.
WGN, which has served Chicago since its inception in 1948, is known for its extensive local programming and significant cultural contributions, such as its long association with the Chicago Cubs. Lewis, deeply connected to the station and the city, lamented the loss of “institutional knowledge” and expressed a profound sense of attachment to his work and the audience he served. He remarked, “I have loved WGN since I watched it as a kid… I can’t wait to see what the next chapter of my story is, but I’m not moving. This is my city.”
The layoffs and restructuring signal a worrying trend for local news outlets, emphasizing the critical juncture at which many stations stand in the evolving media landscape. While the future remains uncertain, the dedication of seasoned journalists like Lewis illustrates a commitment to continuing the tradition of storytelling that resonates with local audiences.