Wgn Layoffs Trigger Major On-Air Cuts at WGN-Ch. 9 as Nexstar Prepares for Tegna Deal
The latest wgn layoffs removed eight reporters and anchors Monday at WGN-Ch. 9, a move described as part of a broader downsizing that has also included behind-the-scenes reductions. Another account puts the number slightly higher, saying 8-9 camera-facing employees were let go the same day. The personnel changes arrive amid companywide cost-cutting as the station’s parent prepares a major acquisition.
Wgn Layoffs: Headcount and discrepancies
One account states that eight reporters and anchors were laid off Monday at WGN-Ch. 9. A separate account characterizes the round as 8-9 camera-facing employees being let go the same day. The differing tallies appear alongside reports of recent newsroom reductions that included writers, but the exact total affected across all departments is unclear in the provided context.
Notable on-air departure: Sean Lewis
Among those identified in the context as let go was weekend morning anchor Sean Lewis, described as a nearly 20-year veteran of the station. Lewis was informed of his dismissal Monday afternoon after filing what became his final report for the noon broadcast.
Recent behind-the-scenes cuts
The on-air cuts follow additional reductions in recent months. The context lists six newswriters and three technical directors let go last month and four floor directors cut in October. One of the accounts also notes recent layoffs behind the scenes that included writers, indicating newsroom staffing reductions have been ongoing.
Corporate positioning: Nexstar, debt and the Tegna acquisition
The station is owned by Dallas-based Nexstar Media Group. The cuts come as Nexstar awaits federal approval of its proposed $6. 8 billion acquisition of Tegna, a deal described in the provided context as one that would further expand the nation’s largest local TV station group. Last week, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr signaled he is prepared to approve the merger.
One explanation offered in the context frames the layoffs as an apparent effort to cut costs in anticipation of the excessive debt Nexstar will incur from money borrowed to buy Tegna. The context also states that Nexstar already has been carrying debt from its $4. 1 billion purchase of Tribune Media in 2019.
Nexstar statements and station history
Nexstar declined to comment on specific personnel matters but conveyed that it is taking steps necessary to compete effectively in this period of unprecedented change. A Nexstar spokesperson also said: "Nexstar does not comment on personnel issues, but the company is taking steps necessary to compete effectively in this period of unprecedented change. "
The context notes that Nexstar acquired WGN in 2019 as part of its $4. 1 billion purchase of Tribune Media, bringing the Chicago station under the umbrella of the country’s biggest local TV operator.
Local newsroom reaction and site publishing notes
Newsrooms at Chicago TV stations are described in the context as buzzing after the round of layoffs, an event that has rarely affected the station known as "Chicago’s Very Own. " One account underscores that WGN remains very profitable despite changes in viewing habits, while noting that cuts have to come from somewhere and that the affected employees are not at fault.
The contextual material also included reader-facing elements appended to the coverage: a subscription prompt inviting readers to stay current email, a donation appeal noting the site is free thanks to community supporters with voluntary donation options, and links or references to terms and policy pages such as terms of use, privacy notice, cookie policy, terms of sale and an AI-related policy. Those site elements appeared alongside the news accounts in the provided context.
What’s next
Recent updates indicate the staffing picture and the total number affected may evolve as corporate decisions finalize and the regulatory review of the Tegna deal continues. Details may change beyond what is contained in the provided context.
