Sam Rubin, a veteran entertainment reporter who spent the bulk of his career with Ktla-tv in Los Angeles, died Friday morning from a heart attack at the age of 64.
His death was first reported in a news story aired by Ktla early Friday afternoon. The television station said the circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately known. Entertainment publication TMZ later revealed it to be a heart attack.
“The Sam that you saw on the air is the Sam that was off the air,” Rubin’s colleague Frank Buckley said on television. “To all of us he shared his mornings with on television, and to those he worked with behind the scenes at Ktla, we will not forget him.”
Rubin started at Ktla in 1991, serving as the lead entertainment correspondent for the Ktla Morning News. He was well-connected in Hollywood, scoring must-have interviews with A-list celebrities from the worlds of film,...
His death was first reported in a news story aired by Ktla early Friday afternoon. The television station said the circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately known. Entertainment publication TMZ later revealed it to be a heart attack.
“The Sam that you saw on the air is the Sam that was off the air,” Rubin’s colleague Frank Buckley said on television. “To all of us he shared his mornings with on television, and to those he worked with behind the scenes at Ktla, we will not forget him.”
Rubin started at Ktla in 1991, serving as the lead entertainment correspondent for the Ktla Morning News. He was well-connected in Hollywood, scoring must-have interviews with A-list celebrities from the worlds of film,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
Ktla news director Pete Saiers is out at the Nexstar-owned station after two years.
In his farewell note Saiers wrote to staffers, “I thank everyone for the privilege of having been part of this talented and dedicated team. Take care of each other. And take care of the loyal audience.”
The abrupt exit comes six months after the poorly handled departure of weekend co-anchors Lynette Romero and Mark Mester: Romero left suddenly for rival Los Angeles station Knbc in October. When Mester criticized management on-air for not allowing Romero to make a farewell video, he was suspended and later fired.
Also Read:
Ktla News Anchor Mark Mester Fired After Off-Script Tribute to Former Colleague Lynette Romero
A Nextstar executive confirmed the news Friday to TheWrap. Deadline first reported Saiers’ exit from Ktla.
Saiers started at Ktla in April 2021. He was previously news director at Seattle NBC station King and prior to that,...
In his farewell note Saiers wrote to staffers, “I thank everyone for the privilege of having been part of this talented and dedicated team. Take care of each other. And take care of the loyal audience.”
The abrupt exit comes six months after the poorly handled departure of weekend co-anchors Lynette Romero and Mark Mester: Romero left suddenly for rival Los Angeles station Knbc in October. When Mester criticized management on-air for not allowing Romero to make a farewell video, he was suspended and later fired.
Also Read:
Ktla News Anchor Mark Mester Fired After Off-Script Tribute to Former Colleague Lynette Romero
A Nextstar executive confirmed the news Friday to TheWrap. Deadline first reported Saiers’ exit from Ktla.
Saiers started at Ktla in April 2021. He was previously news director at Seattle NBC station King and prior to that,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Lynette Romero began a new chapter in Los Angeles Monday by making her debut on NBC Los Angeles.
The former anchor who abruptly left Ktla last month, was hired by Today in LA to serve as an anchor for NBC4’s weekday newscast from 4-7 a.m. alongside Adrian Arambulo, meteorologist Belen De Leon and traffic anchor Robin Winston.
“I don’t know why people felt so connected or invested or passionate about it. Somebody said we didn’t know people were so passionate about local news,” Romero said this morning about the response to her departure from Ktla. “They just feel connected somehow. Or they relate. We all go through different things in our lives that we relate to, and maybe you’re going through a change in your job, your career. You take a jump, you take a risk.”
Fb Lives, tweets, and hearts, oh my!
The former anchor who abruptly left Ktla last month, was hired by Today in LA to serve as an anchor for NBC4’s weekday newscast from 4-7 a.m. alongside Adrian Arambulo, meteorologist Belen De Leon and traffic anchor Robin Winston.
“I don’t know why people felt so connected or invested or passionate about it. Somebody said we didn’t know people were so passionate about local news,” Romero said this morning about the response to her departure from Ktla. “They just feel connected somehow. Or they relate. We all go through different things in our lives that we relate to, and maybe you’re going through a change in your job, your career. You take a jump, you take a risk.”
Fb Lives, tweets, and hearts, oh my!
- 10/10/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Mester, who had previously been the anchor for Ktla’s Weekend Morning News, has been fired after taking issue on the airwaves with how his co-anchor Lynette Romero was recently terminated.
The anchor was reportedly emotional about the limited fanfare given to her departure, which was announced on air three days before his broadcast last Saturday.
Romero departed as the anchor after being given an opportunity at another news network, and the Los Angeles Times said she requested a weekday anchor position at Ktla but was denied.
Since Romero wasn’t given the chance to do a proper on-air farewell, it was left to an emotional Mester who apparently went off-script rather quickly and didn’t hold back.
Mester was supposed to just honor Romero, but instead spoke more directly against the station’s conduct.
“What the viewers experienced was rude, it was cruel, it was inappropriate, and we are so sorry,...
The anchor was reportedly emotional about the limited fanfare given to her departure, which was announced on air three days before his broadcast last Saturday.
Romero departed as the anchor after being given an opportunity at another news network, and the Los Angeles Times said she requested a weekday anchor position at Ktla but was denied.
Since Romero wasn’t given the chance to do a proper on-air farewell, it was left to an emotional Mester who apparently went off-script rather quickly and didn’t hold back.
Mester was supposed to just honor Romero, but instead spoke more directly against the station’s conduct.
“What the viewers experienced was rude, it was cruel, it was inappropriate, and we are so sorry,...
- 10/3/2022
- by Jacob Linden
- Uinterview
Fox News maintained a steady lead against CNN and MSNBC during last week’s cable primetime in terms of both total viewership and in the advertiser-coveted 25-54 news demographic, though CNN and MSNBC battled it out for second place in the demo.
During primetime from Monday, Sept. 19 through Friday, Sept. 23, Fox News came in first with an average total viewership of 2.56 million. MSNBC took second place at 1.59 million viewers and CNN trailed in third place with 742,000 average viewers, according to official live plus same-day Nielsen data.
In the demo, Fox News took the cake with 346,200 average viewers, as compared to CNN’s 155,400 average viewers in the demo. MSNBC came in third place with 141,200.
Also Read:
Lynette Romero Confirms Move to Knbc After Ktla Exit, Will Anchor ‘Today in LA’ Morning Newscast
In the 8 p.m. hour, Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight” won with 2.98 million average total viewers and with 410,600 average viewers in the demo.
During primetime from Monday, Sept. 19 through Friday, Sept. 23, Fox News came in first with an average total viewership of 2.56 million. MSNBC took second place at 1.59 million viewers and CNN trailed in third place with 742,000 average viewers, according to official live plus same-day Nielsen data.
In the demo, Fox News took the cake with 346,200 average viewers, as compared to CNN’s 155,400 average viewers in the demo. MSNBC came in third place with 141,200.
Also Read:
Lynette Romero Confirms Move to Knbc After Ktla Exit, Will Anchor ‘Today in LA’ Morning Newscast
In the 8 p.m. hour, Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight” won with 2.98 million average total viewers and with 410,600 average viewers in the demo.
- 9/27/2022
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Lynette Romero is excited to introduce her new TV family. On Sept. 27, the former Ktla news anchor announced she will be joining fellow Southern California news station Knbc to work on Today in LA weekday mornings. "I know I haven't had a chance to talk to you directly," Lynette told followers in an Instagram video. "I've missed you and I want to thank you for reaching out to me. I know you've been worried about me and I want you to know I'm Ok and you know what? This is good news!" According to NBC Los Angeles, Lynette will join the show Oct. 10 as anchor and reporter, working alongside co-anchor Adrian Arambulo, meteorologist Belen De Leon and...
- 9/27/2022
- E! Online
Longtime Ktla News anchor Lynette Romero will join NBC4’s “Today in LA” as an anchor and reporter, Knbc announced Tuesday, with her first day on-air scheduled for Oct. 10.
Prior to NBC4, Romero worked as an anchor at Ktla Los Angeles for 24 years, with her most recent position being a weekend anchor for its morning newscast. Ktla announced her sudden exit on Sept. 14 without a goodbye message from Romero, which sparked controversy on social media.
Ktla news director Pete Saiers said in a statement to Variety: “After 24 years, Lynette Romero has decided to move on from anchoring our weekend morning news. We really wanted her to stay and Ktla Management worked hard to make that happen. Lynette decided to leave for another opportunity. We had hoped she would record a farewell message to viewers but she declined. Lynette has been a wonderful member of the Ktla family and wish her and her family the best.
Prior to NBC4, Romero worked as an anchor at Ktla Los Angeles for 24 years, with her most recent position being a weekend anchor for its morning newscast. Ktla announced her sudden exit on Sept. 14 without a goodbye message from Romero, which sparked controversy on social media.
Ktla news director Pete Saiers said in a statement to Variety: “After 24 years, Lynette Romero has decided to move on from anchoring our weekend morning news. We really wanted her to stay and Ktla Management worked hard to make that happen. Lynette decided to leave for another opportunity. We had hoped she would record a farewell message to viewers but she declined. Lynette has been a wonderful member of the Ktla family and wish her and her family the best.
- 9/27/2022
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
It’s official: Former Ktla anchor Lynette Romero is heading to Knbc.
The NBC owned-and-operated station announced Tuesday that Romero would be co-anchor of its morning newscast Today in LA, alongside Adrian Arambulo, meteorologist Belen De Leon and traffic anchor Robin Winston.
“Lynette has the right combination of journalistic experience and genuine warmth that comes across on the air and in person,” said Renee Washington, vp news at Knbc. “She is a dynamic anchor with an upbeat approach to help our viewers kickstart their day, and I am happy to welcome her to the NBC4 family.”
Romero joins Knbc from Ktla, a CW affiliate owned by Nexstar, where she had worked for nearly 24 years. Romero’s departure from Ktla was abrupt, and she did not get a chance to say goodbye to regular viewers.
Her former Ktla co-anchor Mark Mester went off-script after her departure,...
It’s official: Former Ktla anchor Lynette Romero is heading to Knbc.
The NBC owned-and-operated station announced Tuesday that Romero would be co-anchor of its morning newscast Today in LA, alongside Adrian Arambulo, meteorologist Belen De Leon and traffic anchor Robin Winston.
“Lynette has the right combination of journalistic experience and genuine warmth that comes across on the air and in person,” said Renee Washington, vp news at Knbc. “She is a dynamic anchor with an upbeat approach to help our viewers kickstart their day, and I am happy to welcome her to the NBC4 family.”
Romero joins Knbc from Ktla, a CW affiliate owned by Nexstar, where she had worked for nearly 24 years. Romero’s departure from Ktla was abrupt, and she did not get a chance to say goodbye to regular viewers.
Her former Ktla co-anchor Mark Mester went off-script after her departure,...
- 9/27/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lynette Romero, whose sudden exit from Ktla caused confusion, fan-driven boycotts, and the firing of a co-anchor who supported her, confirmed Tuesday that she has been hired at Los Angeles rival Knbc, as TheWrap previously reported.
“Breaking Good News. I’m joining the legendary @Nbcla family as anchor for Today in LA. You’ve been asking where you can follow me & now my friends you know! Help me finally share my good news!” she tweeted.
Romero will anchor NBC4’s weekday newscast from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. alongside co-anchor Adrian Arambulo, meteorologist Belen De Leon and traffic anchor Robin Winston. Her first day on-air will be October 10, Knbc announced on Tuesday.
Also Read:
Ktla News Anchor Mark Mester Fired After Off-Script Tribute to Former Colleague Lynette Romero
“Lynette has the right combination of journalistic experience and genuine warmth that comes across on the air and in person,...
“Breaking Good News. I’m joining the legendary @Nbcla family as anchor for Today in LA. You’ve been asking where you can follow me & now my friends you know! Help me finally share my good news!” she tweeted.
Romero will anchor NBC4’s weekday newscast from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. alongside co-anchor Adrian Arambulo, meteorologist Belen De Leon and traffic anchor Robin Winston. Her first day on-air will be October 10, Knbc announced on Tuesday.
Also Read:
Ktla News Anchor Mark Mester Fired After Off-Script Tribute to Former Colleague Lynette Romero
“Lynette has the right combination of journalistic experience and genuine warmth that comes across on the air and in person,...
- 9/27/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
It’s official: Lynette Romero, who left Ktla abruptly this month, will join Today in LA as anchor and reporter. Romero will anchor NBC4’s weekday newscast from 4-7 a.m. alongside co-anchor Adrian Arambulo, meteorologist Belen De Leon and traffic anchor Robin Winston. Her first day on-air will be October 10.
“Lynette has the right combination of journalistic experience and genuine warmth that comes across on the air and in person,” said Renee Washington, VP News at NBC4. “She is a dynamic anchor with an upbeat approach to help our viewers kick start their day, and I am happy to welcome her to the NBC4 family.”
Romero became national news after her sudden departure from Ktla in Los Angeles prompted her colleague Mark Mester to openly call out his bosses for the way they treated her departure. He was suspended and eventually fired.
Romero was not able to say goodbye to the viewers,...
“Lynette has the right combination of journalistic experience and genuine warmth that comes across on the air and in person,” said Renee Washington, VP News at NBC4. “She is a dynamic anchor with an upbeat approach to help our viewers kick start their day, and I am happy to welcome her to the NBC4 family.”
Romero became national news after her sudden departure from Ktla in Los Angeles prompted her colleague Mark Mester to openly call out his bosses for the way they treated her departure. He was suspended and eventually fired.
Romero was not able to say goodbye to the viewers,...
- 9/27/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Lynette Romero jumped ship from anchoring the weekend morning broadcasts at local Los Angeles news station Ktla for a position as a weekday anchor for Knbc, multiple individuals with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap.
Insiders at Ktla say Romero accepted a more lucrative financial offer at direct competitor Knbc, which “shocked” Ktla brass – and explains the abrupt nature of her exit earlier this month.
According to those same individuals and confirmed by Ktla vice president and Gm Jenene Drafs in a statement, the station attempted to counter and retain Romero. But after over two decades there, an insider said Romero “simply wanted to explore a new opportunity and challenge.”
Also Read:
Ktla Viewers Angry Over Abrupt Exits of Weekend Anchors Mark Mester and Lynette Romero: It ‘Was a D— Move’
A Knbc insider told TheWrap that no official announcement of Romero’s hire has been made. He also confirmed...
Insiders at Ktla say Romero accepted a more lucrative financial offer at direct competitor Knbc, which “shocked” Ktla brass – and explains the abrupt nature of her exit earlier this month.
According to those same individuals and confirmed by Ktla vice president and Gm Jenene Drafs in a statement, the station attempted to counter and retain Romero. But after over two decades there, an insider said Romero “simply wanted to explore a new opportunity and challenge.”
Also Read:
Ktla Viewers Angry Over Abrupt Exits of Weekend Anchors Mark Mester and Lynette Romero: It ‘Was a D— Move’
A Knbc insider told TheWrap that no official announcement of Romero’s hire has been made. He also confirmed...
- 9/26/2022
- by Joseph Kapsch
- The Wrap
A Los Angeles TV station is moving on following more than a week of drama that resulted in the firing of an anchorman. Ktla, a CW affiliate owned by Nexstar Media Group, has quickly assembled a new team, including Megan Telles and Pedro Rivera, to lead its weekend morning broadcast after terminating Mark Mester following his on-air criticism about how his co-anchor Lynette Romero's sudden exit was announced publicly. Videos of his shocking monologue went viral and many viewers have expressed outrage at both journalists' departures. "Morale on the morning shift has been very strong this weekend," a station source with...
- 9/25/2022
- E! Online
Former Fox News and Fox Business Network commentator Melissa Francis learned she had been fired in October 2020 after reading “you’ve been canceled” on her Teleprompter moments before her show was to go live, she told Megyn Kelly on Friday.
Francis, who was working from a studio the network had set up at her house during the Covid lockdown, was preparing to do an upcoming newscast when she read on the Teleprompter that she wasn’t needed anymore, she said on the SiriusXM radio program, “The Megyn Kelly Show.”
At the time, she was a co-host of one of Fox’s biggest daytime shows, “Outnumbered,” and had been negotiating for a raise to match the salaries of her male counterparts.
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Fired Fox News Host Ed Henry’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Network Dismissed
Fox claimed that her sudden disappearance from the airwaves was due to “program changes” related to the election,...
Francis, who was working from a studio the network had set up at her house during the Covid lockdown, was preparing to do an upcoming newscast when she read on the Teleprompter that she wasn’t needed anymore, she said on the SiriusXM radio program, “The Megyn Kelly Show.”
At the time, she was a co-host of one of Fox’s biggest daytime shows, “Outnumbered,” and had been negotiating for a raise to match the salaries of her male counterparts.
Also Read:
Fired Fox News Host Ed Henry’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Network Dismissed
Fox claimed that her sudden disappearance from the airwaves was due to “program changes” related to the election,...
- 9/24/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Fans of Ktla’s weekend news team Lynette Romero and Mark Mester are fuming at the Los Angeles CW affiliate’s decision to boot both in short succession, with many calling for a boycott.
The drama began on Sept. 14 when Ktla announced that Romero had left after 24 years with the station to “pursue another opportunity.” The station didn’t allow her an on-air goodbye to viewers, which is typical when longtime on-air talent depart their jobs.
Mester later paid tribute to his co-anchor on-air, while simultaneously protesting the move and apologizing to Romero for the way the station and its general manager, Janene Drafs, treated her. He was subsequently suspended and then fired.
Viewers weren’t pleased about losing two of their favorite local newscasters under these conditions and took to social media with profanity-laced rants against the station.
“Wait a f—ing minute.@ktla suspended @mester_mark?!?! Y’all...
The drama began on Sept. 14 when Ktla announced that Romero had left after 24 years with the station to “pursue another opportunity.” The station didn’t allow her an on-air goodbye to viewers, which is typical when longtime on-air talent depart their jobs.
Mester later paid tribute to his co-anchor on-air, while simultaneously protesting the move and apologizing to Romero for the way the station and its general manager, Janene Drafs, treated her. He was subsequently suspended and then fired.
Viewers weren’t pleased about losing two of their favorite local newscasters under these conditions and took to social media with profanity-laced rants against the station.
“Wait a f—ing minute.@ktla suspended @mester_mark?!?! Y’all...
- 9/23/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
The local news anchors are now making national news. E! News can confirm Mark Mester is no longer employed by Ktla. The news comes less than a week after he criticized on-air how the Southern California station went about his co-anchor and close friend Lynette Romero's sudden departure. "I want to start off by offering an apology to you," Mester told viewers Sept. 17 while anchoring the Ktla weekend morning show. "What the viewers experienced was rude, it was cruel, it was inappropriate and I'm so sorry. I also want to say sorry to Lynette Romero because Lynette, I love you so much. You literally are my best friend. You do not deserve what happened to you." Ktla would...
- 9/23/2022
- E! Online
Netflix’s new principal accounting officer Ken Barker, who began in his role on June 27, is exiting the streamer early next month, the company disclosed in an SEC filing Friday.
The filing says that Barker announced his resignation on Thursday and that his exit will be effective Oct. 7. The filing adds that the reason for his exit was a “personal decision” and “is not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s financials, operations, policies, or practices.”
CFO Spencer Neumann will assume the role of principal accounting officer in the interim while a search is underway for a permanent replacement.
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Barker in June took over the role that Jc Berger had held for the past 15 years, where he served as Netflix’s global controller.
From June 2003 to June 2022, Mr.
The filing says that Barker announced his resignation on Thursday and that his exit will be effective Oct. 7. The filing adds that the reason for his exit was a “personal decision” and “is not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s financials, operations, policies, or practices.”
CFO Spencer Neumann will assume the role of principal accounting officer in the interim while a search is underway for a permanent replacement.
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‘Bridgerton’ Spinoff About Queen Charlotte Gets a Title, First Look Photo
Barker in June took over the role that Jc Berger had held for the past 15 years, where he served as Netflix’s global controller.
From June 2003 to June 2022, Mr.
- 9/23/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Ktla fired anchor Mark Mester days after he was suspended for going off-script and calling out how the station handled the resignation of his longtime co-anchor Lynette Romero, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Station general manager Janene Drafs announced that Mester had been fired during a newsroom meeting Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reported.
On Sept. 14, Ktla announced that Romero had decided to move on after nearly 24 years at the station and pursue another opportunity, despite the station hoping she would spend the rest of her career with them.
“Ktla worked hard to make that happen,” anchor Sam Rubin said during a broadcast. “Lynette, we wish you luck, we miss you and we thank you for everything you’ve done for Ktla.… On behalf of everyone here, we wish you and your family nothing but the best.”
Following Romero’s exit, Mester spent...
Ktla fired anchor Mark Mester days after he was suspended for going off-script and calling out how the station handled the resignation of his longtime co-anchor Lynette Romero, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Station general manager Janene Drafs announced that Mester had been fired during a newsroom meeting Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reported.
On Sept. 14, Ktla announced that Romero had decided to move on after nearly 24 years at the station and pursue another opportunity, despite the station hoping she would spend the rest of her career with them.
“Ktla worked hard to make that happen,” anchor Sam Rubin said during a broadcast. “Lynette, we wish you luck, we miss you and we thank you for everything you’ve done for Ktla.… On behalf of everyone here, we wish you and your family nothing but the best.”
Following Romero’s exit, Mester spent...
- 9/23/2022
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mark Master has been fired from L.A. television station Ktla days after being suspended for openly calling out his bosses for the way they treated co-host Lynette Romero’s departure.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Ktla general manager Janene Drafs announced during a meeting in the newsroom that Mester had been fired. The local news anchor’s page on Ktla now forwards to a page of the news team where Mester is no longer listed either.
Last week, Sam Rubin went on-air to read a statement from Ktla announcing that long-time news anchor Lynette Romero had left the station.
“After nearly 24 years, Lynette Romero, our friend Lynette, has decided to move on from anchoring our weekend morning news,” Rubin read. “Ktla management had hoped she would stay here her entire career and Ktla worked hard to make that happen, but Lynette has decided to move onto another opportunity elsewhere.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Ktla general manager Janene Drafs announced during a meeting in the newsroom that Mester had been fired. The local news anchor’s page on Ktla now forwards to a page of the news team where Mester is no longer listed either.
Last week, Sam Rubin went on-air to read a statement from Ktla announcing that long-time news anchor Lynette Romero had left the station.
“After nearly 24 years, Lynette Romero, our friend Lynette, has decided to move on from anchoring our weekend morning news,” Rubin read. “Ktla management had hoped she would stay here her entire career and Ktla worked hard to make that happen, but Lynette has decided to move onto another opportunity elsewhere.
- 9/23/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Anchor Mark Mester is no longer employed by Ktla, Variety has confirmed.
Mester was previously suspended after he criticized on-air how the station went about his co-anchor Lynette Romero’s sudden departure. Ktla announced Romero’s exit last week without a goodbye message to viewers, which drew criticism on social media.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Ktla general manager Janene Drafs announced Mester’s firing during a meeting in the newsroom. Mester is also no longer listed as an anchor on Ktla’s website.
Ktla news director Pete Saiers said in a statement to Variety: “After 24 years, Lynette Romero has decided to move on from anchoring our weekend morning news. We really wanted her to stay and Ktla Management worked hard to make that happen. Lynette decided to leave for another opportunity. We had hoped she would record a farewell message to viewers but she declined. Lynette has been...
Mester was previously suspended after he criticized on-air how the station went about his co-anchor Lynette Romero’s sudden departure. Ktla announced Romero’s exit last week without a goodbye message to viewers, which drew criticism on social media.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Ktla general manager Janene Drafs announced Mester’s firing during a meeting in the newsroom. Mester is also no longer listed as an anchor on Ktla’s website.
Ktla news director Pete Saiers said in a statement to Variety: “After 24 years, Lynette Romero has decided to move on from anchoring our weekend morning news. We really wanted her to stay and Ktla Management worked hard to make that happen. Lynette decided to leave for another opportunity. We had hoped she would record a farewell message to viewers but she declined. Lynette has been...
- 9/23/2022
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
The newsroom drama at local Los Angeles TV stations showed no signs of cooling off Thursday, as Mark Mester, weekend co-anchor at Ktla, was fired a week after management suspended him for showing support for his departed colleague Lynette Romero, TheWrap has confirmed.
“Mark Mester is no longer employed by Ktla,” a spokesperson for the station’s parent company, Nexstar, told TheWrap. “As this is a personnel matter, we will decline further comment.”
Mester was let go Thursday afternoon, two Ktla insiders told TheWrap. General manager Janene Drafs informed the newsroom of the firing during a brief meeting, according to the Los Angeles Times, which first reported the firing.
Mester didn’t immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Also Read:
ABC7 Weekend Anchor Veronica Miracle Exits in Latest LA Local News Departure
As TheWrap previously reported, Mester was suspended earlier this week after his on-air tribute to Romero...
“Mark Mester is no longer employed by Ktla,” a spokesperson for the station’s parent company, Nexstar, told TheWrap. “As this is a personnel matter, we will decline further comment.”
Mester was let go Thursday afternoon, two Ktla insiders told TheWrap. General manager Janene Drafs informed the newsroom of the firing during a brief meeting, according to the Los Angeles Times, which first reported the firing.
Mester didn’t immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Also Read:
ABC7 Weekend Anchor Veronica Miracle Exits in Latest LA Local News Departure
As TheWrap previously reported, Mester was suspended earlier this week after his on-air tribute to Romero...
- 9/23/2022
- by Josh Dickey and Joseph Kapsch
- The Wrap
The shakeups at Los Angeles local news stations continue apace, as weekend anchor and general assignment reporter Veronica Miracle announced that she’s leaving ABC7 – without indicating where she’s going next.
Miracle announced Tuesday on Twitter that she’s leaving the station, which she joined in 2017 after a three-year stint at ABC30 in Fresno, California. She also hinted in her farewell post that she may be leaving Southern California, saying “Thank you to everyone in SoCal and at ABC7 for all of the support over the years, it’s meant so much!”
Life update! I anchored my last show a couple weeks ago. It’s been my greatest honor getting to report the news at @ABC7. Thank you to everyone in SoCal and at ABC7 for all of the support over the years, it’s meant so much! pic.twitter.com/lajziWz6pn
— Veronica Miracle (@vnmiracle) September 21, 2022
While in Los Angeles,...
Miracle announced Tuesday on Twitter that she’s leaving the station, which she joined in 2017 after a three-year stint at ABC30 in Fresno, California. She also hinted in her farewell post that she may be leaving Southern California, saying “Thank you to everyone in SoCal and at ABC7 for all of the support over the years, it’s meant so much!”
Life update! I anchored my last show a couple weeks ago. It’s been my greatest honor getting to report the news at @ABC7. Thank you to everyone in SoCal and at ABC7 for all of the support over the years, it’s meant so much! pic.twitter.com/lajziWz6pn
— Veronica Miracle (@vnmiracle) September 21, 2022
While in Los Angeles,...
- 9/22/2022
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
The tumult continued today at L.A.’s Nexstar-owned Ktla-tv as the outlet’s Weekend Morning News anchor Mark Mester was suspended, Deadline has confirmed.
Mester’s suspension comes less than a week after it was abruptly announced that his co-anchor, Lynette Romero, was leaving the station.
On Wednesday, the station’s longtime entertainment specialist Sam Rubin went on air with what he termed “some news that we’ve just been handed here that we wanted to share with you first.”
Rubin said in the message that Romero had “decided to move on after nearly 24 years at Ktla.”
He went on to say that management “worked hard” to get her to stay, but she chose to depart.
After nearly 24 years at Ktla, our Lynette Romero has decided to move on and pursue another opportunity. We wish Lynette nothing but the best of luck on her next chapter. pic.twitter.com...
Mester’s suspension comes less than a week after it was abruptly announced that his co-anchor, Lynette Romero, was leaving the station.
On Wednesday, the station’s longtime entertainment specialist Sam Rubin went on air with what he termed “some news that we’ve just been handed here that we wanted to share with you first.”
Rubin said in the message that Romero had “decided to move on after nearly 24 years at Ktla.”
He went on to say that management “worked hard” to get her to stay, but she chose to depart.
After nearly 24 years at Ktla, our Lynette Romero has decided to move on and pursue another opportunity. We wish Lynette nothing but the best of luck on her next chapter. pic.twitter.com...
- 9/19/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Lynnette Romero’s abrupt exit from Ktla after 24 years with the local station is now becoming a much larger local story itself.
Weekend co-anchor Mark Mester was suspended after his on-air tribute to Romero in which he apologized on behalf of Ktla, an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. The individual doesn’t know the terms of Mester’s suspension.
“It was inappropriate and we’re sorry,” Mester said Saturday during the five minute segment.
Prior to Saturday’s broadcast, Romero’s weekend co-anchor Mark Mester had posted on social media to tune in because he was going to speak about “his friend Lynette Romero.” During Mester’s heartfelt remarks about his co-anchor, he expressed how wrong her exit was handled by the station.
Hi everyone! I’m going to talk about my friend @LynetteRomero on @KTLAWeekendAM Saturday (9/17) at 8:00 am. Please join us! pic.twitter.com/qQgb...
Weekend co-anchor Mark Mester was suspended after his on-air tribute to Romero in which he apologized on behalf of Ktla, an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. The individual doesn’t know the terms of Mester’s suspension.
“It was inappropriate and we’re sorry,” Mester said Saturday during the five minute segment.
Prior to Saturday’s broadcast, Romero’s weekend co-anchor Mark Mester had posted on social media to tune in because he was going to speak about “his friend Lynette Romero.” During Mester’s heartfelt remarks about his co-anchor, he expressed how wrong her exit was handled by the station.
Hi everyone! I’m going to talk about my friend @LynetteRomero on @KTLAWeekendAM Saturday (9/17) at 8:00 am. Please join us! pic.twitter.com/qQgb...
- 9/19/2022
- by Joseph Kapsch
- The Wrap
ABC announced a slew of news regarding their fall programming at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour on September 14, headlined by guest star announcements for the second season of recently-anointed Emmy-winner “Abbott Elementary.” Read below for a summary of ABC’s announcements from the TCA press conferences.
Guest Stars
Debuting on Wednesday, September 21, the second season of Quinta Brunson‘s hit show will feature recurring guest roles from actor Leslie Odom Jr., Lauren Weedman and Keyla Monterroso Mejia. Odom Jr. will play Draemond, the owner of a batch of charter schools in the area who visits Abbott. Weedman will play Kristin Marie, a hard-shelled teacher from a neighboring school that strikingly resembles one of Abbott’s own teachers. Monterroso Mejia plays a teacher’s aide whose lax personality contributes to classroom chaos at Abbott.
The show notched an Emmy award during Monday’s primetime ceremony, credited to Brunson for...
Guest Stars
Debuting on Wednesday, September 21, the second season of Quinta Brunson‘s hit show will feature recurring guest roles from actor Leslie Odom Jr., Lauren Weedman and Keyla Monterroso Mejia. Odom Jr. will play Draemond, the owner of a batch of charter schools in the area who visits Abbott. Weedman will play Kristin Marie, a hard-shelled teacher from a neighboring school that strikingly resembles one of Abbott’s own teachers. Monterroso Mejia plays a teacher’s aide whose lax personality contributes to classroom chaos at Abbott.
The show notched an Emmy award during Monday’s primetime ceremony, credited to Brunson for...
- 9/15/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
Lynette Romero is leaving Ktla after more than two decades. Pic credit: Ktla
Lynette Romero is leaving Ktla after 24 years, it was announced today.
The Emmy Award-winning reporter and anchor’s departure was announced live on air, before being shared by the station on Twitter.
“After nearly 24 years, Lynette Romero, our friend Lynette, has decided to move on from anchoring our weekend morning news,” entertainment anchor Sam Rubin said during a broadcast.
“Ktla management had hoped she would stay here her entire career and Ktla worked hard to make that happen, but Lynette has decided to move on to another opportunity elsewhere.
“Lynette we wish you luck, we miss you and we thank you for everything you’ve done for Ktla, and so many friends and fans of yours… on behalf of everyone here, we wish you and your family nothing but the best. Good luck to Lynette Romero.”
After nearly 24 years at Ktla,...
Lynette Romero is leaving Ktla after 24 years, it was announced today.
The Emmy Award-winning reporter and anchor’s departure was announced live on air, before being shared by the station on Twitter.
“After nearly 24 years, Lynette Romero, our friend Lynette, has decided to move on from anchoring our weekend morning news,” entertainment anchor Sam Rubin said during a broadcast.
“Ktla management had hoped she would stay here her entire career and Ktla worked hard to make that happen, but Lynette has decided to move on to another opportunity elsewhere.
“Lynette we wish you luck, we miss you and we thank you for everything you’ve done for Ktla, and so many friends and fans of yours… on behalf of everyone here, we wish you and your family nothing but the best. Good luck to Lynette Romero.”
After nearly 24 years at Ktla,...
- 9/14/2022
- by Robert Stephens
- Monsters and Critics
Chris Burrous, the weekend news anchor and reporter at Los Angeles-based at Ktla, died in December from methamphetamine toxicity, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said Friday. He was 43.
Other contributing factors to Burrous’ death include hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the coroner’s office added.
The manner of Burrous’ death was deemed accidental, according to the coroner’s office.
Also Read: Chris Burrous 'Used to Make Me Laugh Till I Cried,' Remembers Ktla Co-Anchor Lynette Romero
Burrous was found unresponsive at a hotel in Glendale, California, on Dec. 27, 2018. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:06 p.m., the coroner said.
Burrous joined Ktla in 2011 as a reporter and anchor and helped to expand its popular morning news shows to a seven-days-a-week broadcast.
The son of a Central Valley farmer and a Nasa engineer, he previously worked in Bakersfield and Fresno before...
Other contributing factors to Burrous’ death include hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the coroner’s office added.
The manner of Burrous’ death was deemed accidental, according to the coroner’s office.
Also Read: Chris Burrous 'Used to Make Me Laugh Till I Cried,' Remembers Ktla Co-Anchor Lynette Romero
Burrous was found unresponsive at a hotel in Glendale, California, on Dec. 27, 2018. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:06 p.m., the coroner said.
Burrous joined Ktla in 2011 as a reporter and anchor and helped to expand its popular morning news shows to a seven-days-a-week broadcast.
The son of a Central Valley farmer and a Nasa engineer, he previously worked in Bakersfield and Fresno before...
- 2/22/2019
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
The death of Chris Burrous, the co-anchor of Los Angeles’ “Ktla 5 Morning News,” has left both fans and co-workers stunned and saddened on Friday, with many of them sharing memories of the 43-year-old newsman on social media.
Meteorologist Liberte Chan called Burrous a “master of live television” during her appearance on Ktla’s morning show on Friday.
“I miss him so much,” Chan said. “I’m sorry I don’t have the words to express exactly how I feel but he was more than just a colleague, he was one of my best friends here and I’m just so heartbroken over the loss of him.”
Also Read: Chris Burrous Appreciation: Why I'll Miss Ktla's Citizen Journalist (Guest Blog)
Lynette Romero, who co-hosted the weekend show with Burrous, tweeted on Thursday night that Burrous made her “laugh until I cried. My tears now are for your sweet little girl, your...
Meteorologist Liberte Chan called Burrous a “master of live television” during her appearance on Ktla’s morning show on Friday.
“I miss him so much,” Chan said. “I’m sorry I don’t have the words to express exactly how I feel but he was more than just a colleague, he was one of my best friends here and I’m just so heartbroken over the loss of him.”
Also Read: Chris Burrous Appreciation: Why I'll Miss Ktla's Citizen Journalist (Guest Blog)
Lynette Romero, who co-hosted the weekend show with Burrous, tweeted on Thursday night that Burrous made her “laugh until I cried. My tears now are for your sweet little girl, your...
- 12/28/2018
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
There used to be a term for people like Chris Burrous, the Ktla news anchor and field reporter who died Thursday at age 43. This term pretty much disappeared when everyone with WiFi and a WordPress blog site considered themselves a communicator. The term is “citizen journalist,” and that’s what Chris Burrous was, and that’s why he will be missed.
Chris was the weekend anchor at Ktla, a Los Angeles-based TV station whose morning news became a juggernaut in content delivery. The news was personality driven, and Chris’ place in the motley crew that occupied living rooms, kitchens and cars every morning was a testament to brilliant programming. He was like the kid brother whose role was eclipsed by the more stalwart, fame-familiar older siblings, and that’s the feeling I got about him when I watched him anchor.
Such is the role of the second-string star whose adeptness...
Chris was the weekend anchor at Ktla, a Los Angeles-based TV station whose morning news became a juggernaut in content delivery. The news was personality driven, and Chris’ place in the motley crew that occupied living rooms, kitchens and cars every morning was a testament to brilliant programming. He was like the kid brother whose role was eclipsed by the more stalwart, fame-familiar older siblings, and that’s the feeling I got about him when I watched him anchor.
Such is the role of the second-string star whose adeptness...
- 12/28/2018
- by Richard Stellar
- The Wrap
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