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Tag Archive for ‘layoffs’

Report: Layoffs at WTVJ Imminent

Possible Layoffs at WTVJAccording 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?

NBC Centralizes Creative Services; Possible Layoffs at WTVJ

NBC recently announced they’re centralizing the creative services departments at all of their owned stations. According to Broadcasting and Cable this will result in “substantial layoffs” at all NBC-owned affiliates.

NBC-owned stations in Chicago, Los Angeles and Chicago will be hosting the new media planning and sales marketing teams who will assist the rest of the stations with their branding and promo strategies.

A creative services director will map out the branding and promotion strategy of the station, work with the centralized teams and with an outside creative agency with which NBC already has a working relationship.

NBC-owned KXAS in Dallas, Texas is said to be laying off 10 people by September 18.

What’s next to go at NBC6?

As the layoffs at WTVJ continue, the question often asked is “what’s next to go?” The following are predictions based on alleged tips, and general knowledge. None of the following is confirmed in any way.

  • South Florida Today – This really seems like the only “dead weight” left at the station. Think about it. They need morning news. They need evening news at 6PM and 11PM. Do they need to staff a “talk show” that pulls in low ratings, and is most likely costing more that than it makes? They just diminished the non-essential weekend sports show. South Florida Today is next on the hit list.
  • AM Producer(s)/Staffing – I want to stress that this is all just non-confirmed predictions. With the 11AM show gone, why keep the producer or staff for it? It’s just a given that if a show gets canceled, so does it’s staff.
  • Dead Weight Reporters – If you don’t report every night, or have no current time when you’re needed; why keep you? Political reporters are a thing of the past. If you can’t be multi-functional and a cost saver for your station, you can say goodbye.
  • The Studio – Several people have commented saying that a move to Hialeah is possible. Telemundo owns a facility there, and that was the location T51 was planning on moving into after the sale. Why pay for two facilities in this tough time?

Note: I’m not talking about anyone in specific in the article. I’m just throwing out the most likely scenarios, and the repercussions of those scenarios. Your thoughts in the comments.

WTVJ Layoffs Is it the Economy or a Buyer?

When I read of the WTVJ layoffs a few theories popped up in my head while trying to figure out why they keep laying people off. Nothing based on tips or anything, just guessing on what could be going on.

1. A buyer for WTVJ has emerged, interested in the station:

a)  Buyer looking to run things on the lean. Assuming NBC isn’t flexible on the asking price this potential buyer is probably willing to give NBC the asking price but only in exchange for less burden i.e. high-paid on-air talent, too much staff.

b) the buyer is a  media company who sees the need to invest in WTVJ in order to make them a viable competitor but to do this, and give NBC the asking price, WTVJ has to ‘shed some weight’ if you will.
Continue reading ‘WTVJ Layoffs Is it the Economy or a Buyer?’

First on SFLTV – Confirmed: Major Layoffs at WTVJ!

UPDATE: More talent layoff news after the jump below.

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Breaking news now confirmed by SFLTV.com: Major talent layoffs at WTVJ NBC6 today. Shocked tipsters are telling SFLTV.com that longtime anchor and South Florida icon/news legend Kelly Craig was laid off from the station early Monday afternoon. You heard right. The anchor that has been there since April of 1990 was laid off. Joining in this major round of lay-offs are weekday morning reporter Joe Carter, and Andrea Brody, the only female sports anchor at WTVJ. SFLTV is told that these layoffs were all most likely due to the economy.

Talent wasn’t the only cost-cutting item to go.  SFLTV.com has confirmed that  WTVJ has canceled the NBC6 weekend morning newscast.

We observed this “Tweet” by WTVJ executive producer Tammy Delgado, which seemed to originally confirm the suspicion of the layoffs:

“I hate today.. hate it.. hate it.. hate it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Tammy would be the producer in charge of both Kelly Craig and Joe Carter. As of 3:30 PM on 6/29, their bios have been removed.

We contacted Ms. Craig and received this response:

Continue reading ‘First on SFLTV – Confirmed: Major Layoffs at WTVJ!’