UPDATE: Political analyst Jon Keller has spoken out following his recent layoff from WBZ, a prominent Boston TV station, as part of widespread cuts impacting approximately 2,000 employees at Paramount. Keller, who spent 20 years at WBZ, addressed his departure in a heartfelt email to subscribers of his MASSterList newsletter on October 23, 2023.
Keller’s dismissal was part of a series of layoffs at Paramount, which began last week, impacting around 1,000 employees in the first wave. This move is part of a broader restructuring following Paramount’s recent $8 billion merger with Skydance, with further cuts anticipated in the coming months.
In his newsletter, Keller reflected on the community’s support, 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 noted the flood of supportive messages he received, emphasizing the emotional impact of the layoffs.
Keller, who has been a staple on WBZ with his “Keller @ Large” segments featured during the 5 and 6 p.m. news, reassured his audience: “We’re going to respond to every last one” of the supportive messages. He encouraged followers to continue engaging with his work, stating, “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.”
This is not the first instance of Keller facing layoffs; he was also let go from WBZ Newsradio 1030 in 2020 amid a wave of layoffs across iHeartMedia.
These layoffs at WBZ, which affected at least five employees, coincide with ongoing scrutiny around diversity and inclusion practices within the station. Former WBZ anchor Kate Merrill is currently pursuing a lawsuit against the station for alleged racial and gender discrimination, adding further tension to the situation.
As the media landscape shifts, industry experts will be watching closely to see how these layoffs impact local news coverage in Boston and the careers of those affected. The urgency of these developments signals a crucial moment for both the employees and the audience they serve.
For now, Keller’s promise of “more to come” leaves many wondering what his next steps will be after a long and impactful career in local journalism. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold.
