URGENT UPDATE: Political analyst Jon Keller has just confirmed his departure from WBZ, a Boston TV station where he served for over 20 years. This significant layoff is part of a larger trend affecting Paramount, which has initiated cuts impacting approximately 2,000 employees across its network.
Keller, known for his insightful segments on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large,” addressed his audience in a heartfelt message via his MASSterList email newsletter. “Massholes may not always put their voting energy where their mouths are, but here’s some good news about us,” he stated, highlighting the community’s support through numerous messages received since the layoffs. He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of compassion, emphasizing a “deep reservoir of grace and compassion” among fellow Bostonians.
The layoffs at WBZ are part of a broader wave of cuts by Paramount that began last week, affecting around 1,000 positions initially, with the remaining reductions expected to follow soon. This comes just months after Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance, marking a significant restructuring phase for the company.
Keller’s abrupt exit is not without precedent; he faced a similar situation in 2020 when WBZ Newsradio 1030 severed ties amid widespread layoffs in the media sector. His departure adds to the ongoing challenges faced by media professionals in the current economic climate.
In his farewell note, Keller encouraged his followers to continue engaging with his work, stating, “Please keep reading our work here and in Boston Magazine.” He assured readers that there is “more to come,” indicating his plans to remain active in the media landscape.
As the situation unfolds, viewers and colleagues alike are left wondering what’s next for Keller and how the future landscape of local news in Boston will be shaped by these recent layoffs. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
