Staffers within KTLA have detailed a climate of fear within the Los Angeles station since bosses fired a key group of prominent on-air talent.
Anchors Ellina Abovian, Glen Walker and Lu Parker, as well as longtime meteorologist Mark Kriski and weathercaster Kacey Montoya were also shown the door in Wednesday’s cuts.
The layoffs are reportedly fueled by parent media company Nexstar Media Group as it seeks to finalize its acquisition of Virginia-based media company Tegna. One staffer still employed at KTLA said the whole thing has left them feeling ”sick” compared it to ”having five friends die.”
“Those who have had to fill in on the spots (of the fired employees) feel yucky about it,” the staffer added.
Employees have detailed how the purge went down, with Abovian apparently having just finished an on-air report from LAX when she was called in and let go.
Abovian, who had been with the station for 11 years, also revealed Thursday that she was fired on her 40th birthday in an emotional Instagram post.
Meanwhile, an insider claimed Montoya was at home on a sick day when they called her to fire her.
”The people who make a lot of money all have targets on their backs,” one insider said.
”They scoop up young reporters who still live with their parents to fill their places. Others are offered less money to stay. Everyone here feels like they are in hiding, or feel they have been punched in the stomach.”
Frank Buckley, one of the remaining KTLA staffers, addressed the devastating blow to viewers Thursday from the anchor desk.
“Before we move on this morning, we want to acknowledge some news that broke yesterday that effects all of us here at KTLA, you may have heard that a number of our beloved colleagues have been laid off.
As you probably know, we are extremely limited in what we can say,” Buckley said while looking into the camera.
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“This is a difficult time for us, and we will go through it together,” he said. “But we also have a job to do, and that is to bring you the news that you need. . . . But please know that our colleagues and our friends are in our thoughts as we move forward,” he added.
News director Erica Hill-Rodriguez addressed the firings in a memo shared with staffers that was obtained by The California Post.
“Out of respect for everyone’s individual situation and the process of some ongoing conversations, I am not yet able to share any confidential details. However, as soon as it is appropriate, I will,” Hill-Rodriguez said.
Admitting to “incredibly difficult and sad times,” Hill-Rodriguez told staffers that her “heart is with everyone on our team as we navigate these challenging times.” She remained tight-lipped on the “confidential details” regarding the sudden exit.
The lack of a proper farewell for the heavyweights sparked backlash from fans, who took to social media to vent.
The post KTLA insiders detail station bloodbath as beloved talent is fired appeared first on New York Post.
