Story perspectives

WGN-TV Cuts Staff Amid Nexstar-Tegna Merger Concerns

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

On February 24, 2026, WGN-TV laid off eight journalists and a meteorologist, Dean Richards, entertainment reporter, and Paul Lisnek, political analyst.
The layoffs reflect broader media cutbacks driven by declining revenues and local viewership.
Experts say the cuts are linked to the pending Nexstar-Tegna merger, with journalism professor Timothy Franklin noting anticipated impact.
Layoffs followed FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's support for the Nexstar-Tegna merger, which U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed.

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Story summary

On February 24, 2026, WGN-TV laid off eight journalists and a meteorologist, Dean Richards, entertainment reporter, and Paul Lisnek, political analyst.
The layoffs reflect broader media cutbacks driven by declining revenues and local viewership.
Experts say the cuts are linked to the pending Nexstar-Tegna merger, with journalism professor Timothy Franklin noting anticipated impact.
Layoffs followed FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's support for the Nexstar-Tegna merger, which U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed.