KTVA, the CBS-affiliate in Anchorage, is canceling the weekday morning and weekend newscasts, resulting in the layoffs of staffers “across several departments,” according to a station statement. The changes are effective immediately.
“These changes will allow us to address the market’s programming requirements as we continue to invest and expand into a local high definition station that truly reflects the needs of our viewers and our advertisers,” said KTVA general manager Jerry Bever said.
While the exact number of staffers laid off is unknown, Bever said he did not anticipate future staff reduction. Staffers cut yesterday included weeknight anchor Dave Stroh, who joined KTVA in 1995.
“I’ve come to the end of a long journey after being laid off at channel 11 today after 17 years,” he wrote on Facebook. “I had a great time!”
When contacted by TVSpy, KTVA news director Staci Feger declined to comment further on the staff reduction.