WGN-TV Cuts 8 On-Air Staff Amid Strong Financial Performance
WGN-TV has recently laid off eight on-air staff members amid a display of robust financial performance. This decision aligns with broader job cuts initiated by Nexstar Media Group, the parent company of WGN-TV.
Nexstar Media Group’s Financial Performance
Nexstar reported substantial financial results for the fourth quarter, achieving a net revenue of $1.29 billion. This figure positions the company as the largest local television broadcaster in the United States.
Layoffs at WGN-TV
The layoffs include notable names such as:
- Sean Lewis
- Ray Cortopassi
- Bronagh Tumulty
- Judy Wang
- Julian Crews
- Paul Lisnek
- Chris Boden
- Dean Richards
This round of layoffs occurs as Nexstar awaits federal approval for its proposed $6.8 billion merger with Tegna, another large media company. President Donald Trump publicly supported this merger earlier this month, highlighting the need for increased competition against major news networks.
Community Impact and Reactions
In a recent post on social media, Bronagh Tumulty reflected on her time in Chicago, saying, “Not sure what’s next…but I’ve climbed bigger mountains than this.” Her sentiments resonate with many who question the implications of such job cuts.
Nexstar, which acquired WGN-Ch. 9 in 2019 for $4.1 billion, owns over 200 stations across 116 markets, reaching approximately 220 million viewers—or about 70 percent of U.S. television households.
Concerns Over Media Consolidation
The layoffs at WGN and other stations have drawn criticism from SAG-AFTRA. The organization emphasized that these cuts diminish local news resources crucial for community information. SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin asserted, “By laying off journalists across the country, Nexstar is eroding the resources and talent that local communities rely on for trusted news.”
The ongoing changes at WGN-TV reflect pivotal shifts in the media landscape, highlighting the challenges facing local journalism. As Nexstar continues to expand, the community’s reliance on quality reporting remains a growing concern.
