Thu Feb 26 15:40:00 UTC 2026: ### WGN Chicago Hit by Massive Layoffs Amidst Nexstar-Tegna Merger

The Story:
WGN-TV, “Chicago’s Very Own,” has been hit with significant layoffs, cutting nine on-air personnel, including prominent figures like entertainment critic Dean Richards and sports anchor Chris Boden, on Monday, February 23, 2026. The cuts also affected news anchors Ray Cortopassi, Sean Lewis, and Judy Wang, reporters Julian Crews and Bronagh Tumulty, meteorologist Mike Janssen, and political analyst Paul Lisnek. These layoffs are attributed to cost-cutting measures in anticipation of the debt Nexstar will incur from its impending merger with Tegna.

Key Points:

  • Nine on-air personalities were laid off from WGN-TV on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • Those laid off include Dean Richards, Chris Boden, Ray Cortopassi, Sean Lewis, Judy Wang, Julian Crews, Bronagh Tumulty, Mike Janssen, and Paul Lisnek.
  • The layoffs are linked to Nexstar’s acquisition of Tegna for $6.2 billion, a deal requiring FCC approval and the lifting of ownership caps.
  • Nexstar acquired Tribune Media in 2019 for $4.1 billion and is still carrying that debt.
  • WGN News performs well in the morning, dominates Fox 32 at 9 p.m., and is competitive at 10 p.m.
  • The merger with Tegna would create a broadcast behemoth covering about 80% of U.S. TV households.

Critical Analysis:
The layoffs at WGN, a historically stable and successful station, highlight the pressures facing local news outlets in the current media landscape. The acquisition of Tribune Media in 2019 by Nexstar for $4.1 billion, coupled with the pending $6.2 billion Tegna merger, has created a significant debt burden. Even though WGN remains profitable, Nexstar is implementing cost-cutting measures, impacting long-standing and well-known personalities. The reference to Nexstar needing the FCC to lift its 39% ownership cap suggests the merger is not a straightforward regulatory process, potentially adding to the financial pressures.

Key Takeaways:

  • Media consolidation can lead to significant job losses, even at successful local stations.
  • Debt incurred through acquisitions can force companies to implement cost-cutting measures, impacting employees.
  • Regulatory hurdles in media mergers can exacerbate financial pressures on acquiring companies.
  • The changing media landscape is forcing even profitable stations to adapt and cut costs.
  • The loss of experienced on-air talent could impact the quality and local connection of news programming.

Impact Analysis:

The layoffs at WGN signify a larger trend of consolidation and cost-cutting within the media industry. The Nexstar-Tegna merger, if approved, will reshape the broadcasting landscape, potentially leading to further consolidation and job losses across the country. The loss of experienced journalists and on-air personalities could diminish the quality of local news coverage and erode the connection between stations and their communities. Furthermore, the focus on debt reduction may lead to a decline in investment in local programming and investigative journalism, affecting the overall health of the media ecosystem.

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