BREAKING: Jon Keller, a prominent political analyst and fixture at WBZ-TV in Boston, has been laid off amid significant staff reductions at the station. This news, confirmed on Monday, follows widespread cuts by Paramount that are set to affect approximately 2,000 employees across its platforms.
Keller’s departure marks the end of a 20-year career at WBZ, where he became known for his insightful “Keller @ Large” reports aired during WBZ News at 5 and 6 p.m. Last week, five employees from WBZ were let go as part of a broader restructuring effort following Paramount’s recent $8 billion merger with Skydance.
In his MASSterList email newsletter, Keller addressed his dismissal with a mix of gratitude and resilience, stating, “Massholes may not always put their voting energy where their mouths are, but here’s some good news about us – scratch the gruff, bleep-off exterior and there’s a good chance you’ll find a deep reservoir of grace and compassion.” He acknowledged the outpouring of support from viewers, noting that his phone was “jammed with dozens of very generous texts, emails, and phone calls” following the layoffs.
Keller urged his audience to continue supporting his work, saying, “Please keep reading our work here and in Boston Magazine, and pass the word to others who might be interested. And stay tuned. More to come.” His optimistic outlook suggests he may have plans for future projects, although specific details remain under wraps.
This isn’t Keller’s first experience with layoffs. In 2020, he was cut from WBZ Newsradio 1030 amid a wave of layoffs affecting iHeartMedia stations nationwide. His resilience in the face of job loss resonates with many in the media industry, particularly during this turbulent period.
The recent layoffs at Paramount come as part of a strategic effort to streamline operations and reduce costs. With about 10% of its workforce impacted, the company initiated roughly 1,000 layoffs last week, with the remainder expected to follow in the coming months.
Keller’s departure and the broader cuts at WBZ raise concerns about the future of local news coverage in Boston. The ongoing restructuring underscores the challenges faced by media organizations in an evolving industry landscape.
As developments unfold, viewers and fans are encouraged to stay connected with Keller through his newsletter for updates on future endeavors. The impact of these layoffs is profound, not only for those directly affected but also for the local community that relies on their reporting.
NEXT STEPS: Keller’s supporters and fellow media personnel will be watching closely for his next moves, while Paramount must navigate the fallout from these significant layoffs. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are anticipated in the coming days as the company continues to adjust its workforce.
