WGN-TV Chicago Axes Eight Veteran Journalists in Cost-Cutting Move

WGN-TV, the Chicago-based station owned by Nexstar Media Group, laid off eight on-air reporters and anchors on Monday, February 23, 2026, as part of ongoing reductions at the outlet known as "Chicago's Very Own."

Credit: WGNTV

The affected employees include Sean Lewis, who joined the station nearly two decades ago and has anchored the weekend morning broadcast since 2010.

This round follows earlier cuts, such as the elimination of four floor director positions in October 2025 and recent layoffs of writers and other behind-the-scenes staff.

Nexstar acquired WGN-TV in 2019 through its $4.1 billion purchase of Tribune Media, which positioned the Dallas-based company as the nation's largest local TV station group.

The layoffs stem from budgetary constraints imposed by station management amid preparations for Nexstar's pending merger with Tegna, a deal currently under regulatory review that involves significant borrowing and anticipated debt.

“Nexstar does not comment on personnel issues, but the company is taking steps necessary to compete effectively in this period of unprecedented change,” Nexstar spokesperson Gary Weitman said in a statement Monday.