KTLA TV News Team's Emotional Response to Layoffs: 'We Will Get Through It Together'
The KTLA TV news team faced a challenging day when they announced layoffs, affecting five well-known on-air journalists. Morning news anchor Frank Buckley addressed the loss on-air, acknowledging the difficult time the newsroom and viewers were experiencing. Buckley emphasized the family-like atmosphere at KTLA, stating that the team will support each other through this tough period.
KTLA news anchor Lu Parker, who was laid off, expressed her emotions in a video post on Threads, highlighting the impact of the sudden departure. She mentioned the hurt and the deep connection she had with her work and the viewers. Parker also noted that layoffs in 2026 are not unique to her industry, but the timing of her layoff on her 40th birthday made it especially challenging.
The cuts also affected meteorologist Mark Kriski, who had been with the station since its inception in 1991, and midday news anchors Glen Walker and Kacey Montoya. Reporter Ellina Abovian, who joined the station in 2015, also faced the abrupt end of her career. Abovian's video post expressed her disbelief and the emotional impact of the layoff, emphasizing the personal connections she had made with viewers.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the KTLA team remains committed to their job of delivering the news to viewers. Buckley assured the audience that the team will continue to bring them the news they need every morning. The emotional response from the team and the viewers highlights the impact of layoffs on a personal level, even in a professional setting.
