Longtime KTLA Anchors and Meteorologists Laid Off Amid Nexstar-Tegna Merger

Veteran news personalities let go as Nexstar seeks cost savings for planned acquisition

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In a major shakeup at KTLA in Los Angeles, several longtime anchors and meteorologists have been laid off as the station's parent company, Nexstar Media Group, looks to cut costs ahead of a planned merger with rival Tegna. Among those let go are veteran weatherman Mark Kriski, weathercaster Kacey Montoya, midday anchors Lu Parker and Glen Walker, and reporter Ellina Abovian.

Why it matters

The layoffs at KTLA are part of a broader trend of consolidation and cost-cutting in the local TV news industry, as larger media companies like Nexstar seek to merge and streamline operations. This can lead to a loss of experienced, familiar on-air talent that viewers have come to rely on, raising concerns about the future of local news coverage.

The details

Nexstar, one of the largest owners of local TV stations in the U.S., is in the process of acquiring Tegna in a $5.4 billion deal. As part of the merger, Nexstar is looking to cut costs and eliminate redundancies across the combined company's portfolio of stations. The layoffs at KTLA, which is owned by Nexstar, are part of these efforts.

  • The layoffs at KTLA occurred on February 25, 2026.

The players

Nexstar Media Group

A large media company that owns and operates numerous local television stations across the United States, including KTLA in Los Angeles. Nexstar is currently in the process of acquiring rival Tegna in a $5.4 billion deal.

Tegna

A media company that owns and operates local television stations, including several in major markets. Nexstar is in the process of acquiring Tegna in a $5.4 billion deal.

Mark Kriski

A longtime weatherman for KTLA's morning show, who has won 8 local Emmy awards for his coverage of weather-related news events.

Kacey Montoya

A multiple Emmy award-winning weathercaster who has been with KTLA since 2013, covering the weather and other general interest segments on the station's weekend morning news.

Lu Parker

A midday anchor who co-hosted KTLA's 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 3pm newscasts.

Glen Walker

A midday anchor who co-hosted KTLA's 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 3pm newscasts alongside Lu Parker.

Ellina Abovian

A reporter at KTLA who was among those let go in the recent layoffs.

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What’s next

Nexstar is expected to continue evaluating staffing and operations at KTLA and its other stations as it works to complete its acquisition of Tegna. The future of local news coverage in affected markets remains uncertain.

The takeaway

The layoffs at KTLA highlight the challenges facing local TV news as the industry undergoes significant consolidation. Viewers may lose familiar faces and trusted sources of information as media companies prioritize cost savings over maintaining robust local news operations.