We hear that the layoffs at WFSB don’t end with anchor Dennis House. Sadly, they include 10 more people: morning co-anchor Eric Parker (above), Assistant News Director Shawana Perry, meteorologist Mike Cameron, nightside Executive Producer Bill Hall, and the entire Art department (which creates the station’s graphics). In addition, the station is reopening its contract with NABET, the union to which all of the photographers, editors, and engineers belong.
Here’s the memo from WFSB General Manager Dana Neves:
Good Afternoon,
It has been a difficult morning for all of us at WFSB. The economic picture in our industry (most industries really), coupled with the uncertainty of what is next, made staff reductions necessary. This was a tough business decision that did not come lightly.
As we go forward there will be significant changes in our operation. I wanted to share a few, as follows:
- WFSB, along with the entire Local Media Group, has begun a 3-month transition that centralizes both creative services and graphics. There are two creative hubs in LMG; we will be serviced by the Phoenix hub. Greg Thomas will see that transition through before beginning a new role in sales as our Director of Marketing & Commercial Production. In his new role, he will oversee many things, including the production of Better Connecticut. Jamie Calli will now report to Greg in sales. For creative and marketing, Brian Kowalenko will be our local leader in that area and both he and Andrea Almeida will report to news.
- Shari Greco will continue to report to Bill Whittle and she will assume the management of the 3 local sales teams. Allison Bowman will report directly to me.
Temporary and permanent schedules will be announced in the next few days.
All of this undoubtedly has you asking, “what’s next?” This was a one-day event, the reduction plan at WFSB is complete. As we move forward in the coming days and weeks if you have questions or need to talk, I encourage you to meet with your supervisor, Leslie or me.
We had to say goodbye to some incredibly talented and respected friends and colleagues. It is hard to adequately acknowledge their contributions in a memo. Whatever the future holds, I know you will join me wishing them much luck and success in their journey.
Thank you,
Dana
