KTLA weekend anchor Mark Mester has reportedly been suspended after speaking about the departure of fellow anchor Lynette Romero.
On Wednesday, we reported Romero abruptly left the station after 24 years. Entertainment reporter Sam Rubin announced the news on-air saying Romero left for another opportunity.
During a five minute segment on the Saturday morning 8 a.m newscast, Mester apologized to viewers for Romero’s absence and told them that what happened Wednesday was “rude” and “cruel.”
“It was inappropriate and we are so sorry,” said Mester. “I also want to say sorry to Lynette Romero, because Lynette I love you so much, you really are my best friend. You did not deserve what happened to you on Wednesday.”
After calling out station gm Janene Drafs by name and applauding her for letting Romero move on to another unnamed job, he talked about the script Sam Rubin read on air announcing Romero’s departure.
“It was unfortunate,” said Mester. “It was inappropriate and we are so sorry about that when we deserve to say goodbye. I don’t know who wrote the script. I don’t know who handed it to Sam Rubin. Regardless this was a mistake. We owe you an apology.”
According to FTVLive, who first reported the story, the station was so upset over the segment, Drafs visited the station on Sunday to talk to the staff.
We asked Nexstar about it and will update when we hear back.