Political analyst Jon Keller has publicly addressed his recent dismissal from WBZ, a prominent Boston television station. After serving the network for nearly two decades, Keller was laid off last week as part of broader workforce reductions initiated by Paramount. The company announced that approximately 2,000 employees would be affected, representing about 10% of its total workforce.
In his newsletter column, MASSterList, Keller expressed gratitude for the support he received from viewers. “Massholes may not always put their voting energy where their mouths are, but here’s some good news about us,” he wrote. “Scratch the gruff, bleep-off exterior and there’s a good chance you’ll find a deep reservoir of grace and compassion.” He noted that his phone was filled with messages from those who were impacted by the corporate decision, reflecting the community’s appreciation for his work.
Keller joined WBZ-TV in 2005, where his segment “Keller @ Large” became a staple of the station’s evening news programming. He emphasized the importance of maintaining connections with his audience, stating, “Please keep reading our work here and in Boston Magazine, and pass the word to others who might be interested.” He concluded his message with a hint that more updates are forthcoming, encouraging readers to “stay tuned.”
This recent layoff is not Keller’s first experience with job loss. In 2020, he was also let go from WBZ Newsradio 1030 amid significant layoffs across the iHeartMedia network, highlighting the volatile nature of the media industry.
The cuts at Paramount are part of a larger strategy following its $8 billion merger with Skydance, which has led to considerable restructuring efforts within the company. According to sources, around 1,000 layoffs were implemented last week with the remaining reductions to be announced at a later date.
In addition to Keller, former WBZ anchor Kate Merrill has also made headlines. Merrill is suing the Boston station for alleged discrimination, a case that underscores the ongoing challenges faced by employees in the industry. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the impacts of these layoffs will likely resonate throughout the community and beyond.
As Keller navigates this transition, his experience serves as a reminder of the human stories behind corporate decisions. The support he has received illustrates the strong connection between journalists and their audiences, even as the industry faces significant challenges.
