WGN-Ch. 9 Experiences Further Layoffs Amid Nexstar Consolidation
WGN-Ch. 9 has experienced a second round of layoffs this week, affecting three creative services employees, including a producer with 15 years of service. These reductions follow earlier layoffs on Monday that impacted eight veteran reporters and anchors, as well as staff cuts in previous months.
The actions are part of ongoing consolidation efforts by Nexstar Media, the Dallas-based owner of WGN and over 200 TV stations nationwide, which has also included reassignments and similar layoffs at other stations across the country.
Recent Layoffs Impact Creative Services
On Wednesday, three creative services employees at WGN-Ch. 9 were laid off. Among those affected was Debbie Brockman, a producer who had served the station for 15 years. The recent layoffs also included a newly hired art director. Ms. Brockman did not comment on the recent layoffs.
In October, Ms. Brockman had been detained by federal immigration agents while en route to work. A video captured her being forced to the ground, handcuffed, and placed into a van. She was released the same day without charges after approximately seven hours, despite holding U.S. citizenship.
Earlier Newsroom Reductions and Staff Changes
These recent layoffs follow a significant newsroom reduction earlier in the week, on Monday, when eight veteran reporters and anchors were laid off. These individuals included Sean Lewis, Ray Cortopassi, Bronagh Tumulty, Judy Wang, Julian Crews, Paul Lisnek, Chris Boden, and Dean Richards. Additionally, meteorologist Mike Janssen's contract was not renewed the previous week.
WGN has undergone staff reductions for several months. In the previous month, six newswriters were laid off, and three technical director positions were eliminated. October saw the elimination of four floor director positions. The restructuring has resulted in job losses for nearly two dozen WGN employees in total.
Nexstar's Company-Wide Consolidation Efforts
As part of the company's consolidation, three other creative services employees at WGN were reassigned to a new regional hub in Nashville. Similar on-air and creative services layoffs have occurred this week at other Nexstar TV stations across the country, including KTLA in Los Angeles.
Nexstar Media, the parent company, acquired WGN-Ch. 9 in 2019 as part of its $4.1 billion acquisition of Tribune Media, establishing Nexstar as the nation's largest local TV station group. Nexstar owns over 200 TV stations. Gary Weitman, a spokesperson for Nexstar Media, declined to comment on the layoffs.
Nexstar's Acquisition Strategy and Industry Outlook
In August, Nexstar reached an agreement to purchase rival TV station owner Tegna for $6.8 billion. This merger requires Federal Communications Commission approval and a potential adjustment to the 39% national TV audience ownership cap.
During an earnings call, Perry Sook, Nexstar's Chair and CEO, stated that the Tegna deal is expected to close by the end of the second quarter.
Mr. Sook commented that industry consolidation is accelerating and that the transaction aims to provide an opportunity for local television broadcasters to compete with larger tech and media entities, while also strengthening local journalism.