Veteran Indianapolis Anchor Quits Nexstar Station

Chris Widlic departs WTTV amid uncertainty over Nexstar-Tegna merger.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:06am

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An abstract illustration featuring stark, geometric black silhouettes against a grey background, conveying a sense of instability and transition in the news industry.As the media landscape shifts, veteran talent navigates an uncertain future.Indianapolis Today

Chris Widlic, a longtime sports anchor and reporter at Nexstar's WTTV in Indianapolis, has announced his departure from the station. Widlic's exit comes as Nexstar's proposed acquisition of Tegna remains tied up in legal battles, leaving employees at both companies uncertain about their futures.

Why it matters

Widlic's resignation is the latest in a series of anchor departures from Nexstar stations as the company navigates the complex Tegna merger process. These high-profile exits underscore the unsettled nature of the media landscape and the impact that corporate consolidation can have on local news talent.

The details

Widlic has been a fixture at WTTV, the Nexstar-owned CBS affiliate in Indianapolis, since 2017. In a social media post, he cited the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Nexstar-Tegna deal as a key factor in his decision to leave the station.

  • Widlic has been a sports anchor and reporter at WTTV since 2017.
  • Nexstar's proposed acquisition of Tegna has been tied up in legal battles since 2025.

The players

Chris Widlic

A veteran sports anchor and reporter who has worked at Nexstar's WTTV in Indianapolis since 2017.

Nexstar Media Group

A major U.S. media company that owns and operates television stations, including WTTV in Indianapolis. Nexstar is currently in the process of acquiring Tegna, another major media company.

Tegna

A media company that owns and operates television stations across the United States. Nexstar is in the process of acquiring Tegna, but the deal has been delayed due to legal challenges.

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What they’re saying

“With the Nexstar/Tegna deal still lockdown in the courtrooms, staff at both companies don't know what the future holds?”

— Scott Jones, Author

The takeaway

Widlic's departure is a sign of the broader uncertainty facing media professionals as major industry consolidation efforts like the Nexstar-Tegna merger play out. These types of corporate shakeups can lead to instability and high-profile talent exits at the local level, underscoring the challenges facing the news industry.