Longtime KTLA Weather Anchor Mark Kriski Let Go in Nationwide Nexstar Staff Cuts

Longtime KTLA weather anchor Mark Kriski, a beloved figure in the Los Angeles TV scene, has been let go by the station as part of nationwide staff cuts by Nexstar. Kriski, who has won eight Emmy awards and has been a fixture on “KTLA Morning News” since its launch in 1991, is one of several high-profile departures from Nexstar stations, including WPIX New York and WGN Chicago.

Joining Kriski in the layoffs at KTLA were midday anchors Glen Walker and Lu Parker. Walker had been with KTLA since 2010, while Parker had been with the station since 2015. Over at WGN, the Chicago Tribune reported eight layoffs, including veteran anchor Dean Richards, who had been with the station since 1991.

Other notable departures at WGN included Sean Lewis, Ray Cortopassi, Bronagh Tumulty, Judy Wang, Julian Crews, Paul Lisnek, and Chris Boden. Meteorologist Mike Janseen, who had been with the station since 2010, also did not have his contract renewed. Additionally, six newswriters were laid off, and three technical director positions were eliminated.

At WPIX in New York, anchors Kori Chambers, Arrianae LeBeau, John Muller, and Craig Treadway were among those let go in the recent round of layoffs.

Nexstar, the parent company of these stations, declined to comment on the personnel changes but stated that they are making necessary adjustments to remain competitive in a rapidly changing media landscape.

The layoffs come at a time when Nexstar is in the process of acquiring the Tegna station group, which will further consolidate their control over TV news departments in major local markets nationwide.

In response to the layoffs, SAG-AFTRA criticized Nexstar for eliminating union positions at KTLA and WGN. The union is currently in negotiations with Nexstar stations in several markets and expressed concern over the impact of these cuts on local communities.

SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin condemned the layoffs, stating that they undermine the quality of local news coverage and highlight the risks of media consolidation. The union is advocating for fair contracts that protect journalists and uphold the public interest.

Communications Workers of America, another union representing media workers, has also criticized Nexstar for obstructing employees’ efforts to form unions and retaliating against union activists.

The CWA highlighted instances where Nexstar refused to recognize union elections’ outcomes and engaged in unfair labor practices, including terminating employees who supported unionization.

As for Kriski, the beloved meteorologist was the last original host from the launch of “KTLA Morning News” in 1991. He faced health challenges, including a stroke in 2024, but returned to the air the following year before his recent departure from the station.