BOTTOM LINE COMMUNICATIONS: While a trio of female reporters at KMBC-TV9 have filed suit against the station for not getting prime exposure, across the country some of the most recognizable long-time anchors are simply being let go. 12-01-2008
A Generation of Local TV Anchors Is Signing Off By BRIAN STELTER, New York Times One of the most familiar voices in Denver is about to sign off for the last time. In October, three weeks after Ernie Bjorkman, an institution in Colorado television, signed a new annual contract worth close to a quarter of a million dollars, he was told he was being let go by KWGN, the CW affiliate in Denver, a victim of consolidation with another station. In the self-assured baritone of his profession, Mr. Bjorkman, a 36-year television veteran who will be paid through the end of his contract period, said, �I don�t think we�re going to see the anchor people grow old with the audience anymore.� Across the country, longtime local TV anchors are a dying breed. Facing an economic slump and a severe advertising downturn, many stations have cut costs drastically in the last year, and veteran anchors, with their expensive contracts, seem to be shouldering a disproportionate share of the cutbacks. When station managers are forced to make cuts, hefty anchor salaries are a tempting target. In Chicago, the 23-year anchor Diann Burns was laid off from WBBM. In Boston, the renowned sports anchor Bob Lobel was let go by WBZ. In Houston, the 26-year veteran Carolyn Campbell was dismissed from KHOU. Link to rest of article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/business/media/01anchor.html?_r=1&ei=5070&emc=eta1
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