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KTLA just axed three beloved local anchors in a shocking cost-cutting move that left LA viewers devastated. Mark Kriski, Glen Walker, and Lu Parker all lost their jobs last night. The massive Nexstar-Tegna merger is forcing drastic changes that will reshape Southern California news forever.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Three anchors fired: Mark Kriski, Glen Walker, and Lu Parker all let go on February 25, 2026
- Kriski’s tenure: Eight-time Emmy winner who’s been at KTLA since 1991, covering everything from Northridge to Malibu fires
- Reason for cuts: Nexstar Media Group seeking cost reductions ahead of $6.2-billion Tegna merger deal
- Industry backlash: SAG-AFTRA condemned the layoffs as eroding local journalism and community trust
Mark Kriski’s Departure Shocks KTLA Viewers
Mark Kriski was the last remaining original host of the KTLA Morning News, having anchored weather segments since the show’s 1991 launch. The eight-time local Emmy winner became a LA institution covering decade after decade of major weather events and emergencies. Kriski reported on everything from the 1994 Northridge earthquake to the recent Malibu fires, making him a trusted voice for generations of Angelenos. Fan comments on social media reveal genuine shock at losing someone who shaped LA television for more than 35 years. His absence will fundamentally change the fabric of morning news broadcasting in Southern California.
Viewers expressed their devastation online, with many saying they cannot imagine the KTLA Morning News without Kriski’s familiar presence. Some loyal fans indicated they’ll switch to competing stations altogether, signaling potential ratings damage for Nexstar.
KTLA layoffs cut Mark Kriski, Glen Walker and Lu Parker last night
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Glen Walker and Lu Parker Lose Midday News Roles
Glen Walker and Lu Parker hosted KTLA’s midday news broadcasts together, co-anchoring the 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. newscasts. Walker joined the station in 2010, while Parker arrived in 2005, giving both nearly two decades of history at the outlet. Both were multiple local Emmy winners respected throughout the Los Angeles news community. Their midday partnership represented stability and continuity for viewers who tuned in daily. Parker, notably, is a former Miss USA and established keynote speaker beyond her broadcasting work.
The loss of both Walker and Parker simultaneously removes the cornerstone anchoring team from KTLA’s daytime programming, leaving a significant gap in the station’s news delivery.
The Nexstar-Tegna Merger’s Devastating Impact
| Factor | Details |
| Deal Size | $6.2 billion acquisition by Nexstar |
| Nexstar Reach | 201 stations in 116 markets, 70% of U.S. households |
| Tegna Reach | 64 stations in 51 markets, 100+ million monthly viewers |
| Post-Merger Size | 265 stations in 44 states, reaching 80% of U.S. TV households |
Nexstar CEO Perry Sook has aggressively lobbied to eliminate the longstanding 39% ownership cap, arguing it’s outdated in the streaming era. The company is making strategic cuts now to maximize profitability before finalizing the massive deal. Kacey Montoya, an Emmy-winning meteorologist since 2013, was also cut in the purge at KTLA, along with reporter Ellina Abovian. Chicago’s WGN, also owned by Nexstar, lost 21 employees including 9 reporters and anchors in parallel cuts just days earlier.
This wave of layoffs represents a troubling pattern as streaming platforms drain traditional TV advertising revenue.
SAG-AFTRA Slams Consolidation and Union-Busting
“By laying off journalists across the country, Nexstar is eroding the resources and talent that local communities rely on for trusted news.”
Sean Astin, SAG-AFTRA President
The union condemned Nexstar for cutting SAG-AFTRA bargaining unit positions while simultaneously pushing to gut severance packages and limit workers’ negotiation power. SAG-AFTRA emphasized that these layoffs arrive during active contract negotiations with Nexstar stations. The union characterized the timing as particularly troubling given the multi-billion-dollar merger consolidation. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director, stated the union will continue fighting for journalist protections. Local news directors and industry observers worry that cutting experienced talent will degrade the quality of reporting and community service.
This move exemplifies broader concerns about media consolidation threatening local journalism’s viability.
Can LA Local News Recover from This Blow?
KTLA viewers face an uncertain future as Henry DiCarlo and Kirk Hawkins may fill some on-air roles. The station will struggle to replace the 35 years of Kriski’s experience or the established credibility of Walker and Parker. Nexstar’s statement about competing in “unprecedented change” rings hollow to critics who note that consolidation, not innovation, drives these decisions. The company risks alienating loyal viewers who built decades-long relationships with these anchors. Southern California’s news landscape is now fundamentally altered, with question marks surrounding KTLA’s viability as a respected news source. Industry analysts worry similar cuts could ripple through other Nexstar markets facing merger integration pressures.
Will loyal KTLA viewers stick with the station, or will they switch to competitors NBC4 and ABC7? The answer could determine KTLA’s future success in an already competitive Los Angeles media market.
Sources
- Los Angeles Times – Coverage of Nexstar’s cost-reduction strategy and Tegna merger implications
- Deadline Hollywood – Comprehensive reporting on all affected stations and industry reaction
- LA Magazine – Analysis of SAG-AFTRA’s union response and media consolidation concerns
