KTLA Anchor, Meteorologists Hit By Nexstar Layoffs In Multiple Cities As TV Giant Seeks Merger

A wave of terminations has struck local television news as Nexstar Media Group, the parent company of stations in Los Angeles and Chicago, recently laid off a roster of veteran anchors and meteorologists. This workforce reduction is part of a broader cost-cutting strategy necessitated by Nexstar's pursuit of a major merger with rival broadcaster Tegna. The decision impacts high-profile figures, including KTLA's eight-time Emmy-winning weatherman Mark Kriski, alongside co-anchor Lu Parker and reporter Ellina Abovian, marking a significant shift in the local news landscape. The specific casualties in Los Angeles include a mix of on-air talent who have served the market for years. Mark Kriski, a fixture of the KTLA Morning Show known for his ability to cover weather-related news ranging from the recent Malibu fires to the devastating 1994 Northridge Earthquake, is among those exiting. His departure, along with weathercaster Kacey Montoya and midday anchors Glen Walker and Lu Parker, represents the loss of institutional memory for the station, which has long been a staple of the region's media diet. Corporate restructuring often leads to such difficult personnel decisions as media companies strive to optimize their portfolios ahead of the Tegna acquisition. While the Chicago market is also reportedly feeling the impact of these cuts, the focus remains on the strategic realignment required to finalize the massive deal. As the industry continues to consolidate, the layoffs signal a challenging period for local news employees who are caught in the crossfire of corporate financial engineering.