In a series of moves certain to put added pressure on remaining staff, and possibly effect programming, line-ups, and news gathering protocols, Fox 61 continues its months long staff shake-up and realignment.
More layoffs were reported from inside the Hartford newsroom Tuesday. Six photographers were let go and told they could re-apply for their jobs if they were willing to come back as multi-media journalists(MMJ). This would require the photogs to write and possibly appear on camera as well as shoot video in the field – an option several reporters have turned down in recent weeks.
The Laurel has learned an Emmy Award winning member of the sports team is the latest staffer to decide to let their contract expire. We have been unable to confirm details of this potentially high profile departure or when it might become effective.
The cuts are forcing management to make changes to anchor and program line-ups. The Laurel previously reported that the 8a.m. weekend morning news block has been replaced by a local news magazine program. The switch led to a smattering of viewer complaints during Sunday morning’s winter storm.
We can report, with high confidence, that Keith McGilvery will now be paired with Symphonie Privett to anchor the 9a.m.-11a.m. weekday block. McGilvery will also be in the field between 5a.m. and 9a.m. Left to our imagination is how McGilvery will transition each morning from the field to the anchor desk. The split shift is emblematic of management’s current two-fer approach to personnel.
Developing…
