According to reports on FTVLive.com, layoffs may soon be on their way to all NBC O&O’s, including WTVJ. According to sources, NBC O&O’s are being asked to pay in excess of 10 million dollars together to help cover the reported nearly $40 million dollars being given to Conan O’Brien and his staffers as a severance payment. The alleged problem is there is simply no way to raise the money without layoffs. FTVLive says that in other words, more layoffs are expected to hit the owned and operated stations.
“The only way the O&O’s will be able to raise the money will be through layoffs.” A source tells FTVLive’s Scott Jones.
So what’s next to go at WTVJ? Better yet, what exactly can go at WTVJ? The once glorious station is running a skin and bones operation as it is; already dissolving it’s weekend morning news and sports. What more can they get rid of? What (or who) do you think is next to go?
Joel Connable, anchor and consumer reporter at NBC6, has been laid off from WTVJ. According to very new information, Joel was laid off yesterday as part of a new round of cutbacks at WTVJ. More layoffs are said to come. Joel’s last day was yesterday, April 27th. (More info to come) and Updates Below. 
My Interview With Joel Connable
Photo Via: Joel Connable
On April 27th, Joel Connable was dismissed from WTVJ with a sea of controversy and questions following soon behind him. After much persistence, I had the chance to speak with Mr. Connable and ask him some questions about what happened at WTVJ, and what he’s doing now.
The big news is a lawsuit has been filed against NBC. Gina Cadogan of Schnall and Cadogan is representing him in this case, currently filed in Florida state court. NBC claims Mr. Connable violated NBC policy by accepting a trip free of charge, in exchange for taping a story featuring the Ritz Carlton in St. Thomas. When we asked Connable about the allegations, he said this.
“I did not solicit favors from anybody… and I am truly hurt by the allegations” Connable said.
The lawsuit claims a producer at NBC6 suggested Connable and another NBC employee shoot a story for his travel segment, called “The Departure Lounge,” while they were on the trip. The lawsuit says Connable never agreed to shoot a story and they were all going on a personal trip and not taking any NBC equipment.
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