WDSI FOX61 – TV announced today the station is laying off its 30-member news department and entered into an agreement with WTVC NewsChannel 9 for it to assume the production of all local news products for WDSI FOX61.
“Basically what this means,” said Michael Costa, general manager of WDSI, “is that FOX61’s First News @ Ten will continue to air every Monday through Sunday on FOX61, but it will now be produced by the staff of NewsChannel 9 in their facilities. It will be very similar to the arrangement that existed between our two companies prior to 1999.”
Mr. Costa added, “This arrangement does not allow us to continue to provide the Monday through Friday, 6:30 p.m., First News. All focus will be on FOX61’s First News @ Ten.”
He said, “It also means, unfortunately, the elimination of approximately 30 positions in our news department. The individuals who produced our newscast are professionals who devoted themselves to the station and to building a great news product. It is unfortunate that we had to make this decision. Everyone at the station and within our organization thanks them for their hard work and commitment. We are taking every step possible to help those affected by this announcement.”
Effective Thursday, March 4, WDSI Fox61 will replace its 6:30 p.m. First News with Fraiser. The parties expect WTVC will begin producing the First News @ Ten on Monday, March 8.
After the newscast, Seinfeld will air at 10:35 p.m.
Fox61 staff members were told the news at a meeting Friday at 2 p.m.
Those who will be looking for new jobs include anchors Melissa Riopka and Dan Howell.
Mr. Costa said he does not know which anchors will be appearing on the 10 p.m. news produced by Channel 9, but he said it will not be Channel 9 mainstays Bob Johnson and Maryellen Locher. However, he said the weather will be by Neal Pascal and the sports by Darrell Patterson.
Jerry Mathewson and Mike MacGown do the weather on Fox61, and Mark Edwards and Heather Williams do sports.
Other current Fox61 personalities include Kay Blevins, Scott Hines, Josie Connell and Mai Martinez.
Mr. Costa said the decision came down to one of economics. He said, "You make an investment, and you expect a certain level of return on it."
He said TV ad revenue in Chattanooga is down 3 percent since 2000. He cited factors including the 911 terrorist attack and the state of the economy.
Mr. Costa said the staff includes "consummate professionals who will produce an excellent newscast through next Wednesday."
WDSI-TV, FOX61, is owned and operated by Pegasus Communications Corporation (www.pgtv.com). Pegasus provides digital satellite television to rural households throughout the United States. Pegasus owns and/or operates television stations affiliated with CBS, FOX, UPN and The WB networks.