Political analyst Jon Keller has publicly addressed his recent departure from WBZ-TV, a Boston television station where he served for nearly two decades. Keller was among five employees laid off last week as part of significant workforce reductions at Paramount, the parent company of WBZ. The layoffs are part of a broader effort that will ultimately affect approximately 2,000 employees, representing around 10% of Paramount’s total workforce.
In his newsletter, MASSterList, Keller conveyed his mixed emotions regarding the layoffs, reflecting on the support he has received from viewers. “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 wrote. He acknowledged the numerous messages of encouragement he has received, stating, “Our phone is testimony, jammed with dozens of very generous texts, emails and phone calls about the interruption by corporate layoffs of our 34-year run on local TV.”
Keller, who joined WBZ in 2005, was well-known for his segments “Keller @ Large,” which aired during the WBZ News broadcasts at 5 and 6 p.m.. After encouraging his audience to continue following his work in other platforms, he concluded his message with a hint of optimism: “And stay tuned. More to come.”
This layoff marks a repeat occurrence for Keller, who experienced a similar situation in 2020 when he was let go by WBZ Newsradio 1030 as part of widespread layoffs by iHeartMedia.
The recent layoffs at Paramount are part of a larger restructuring process following the company’s $8 billion merger with Skydance, which was completed just months ago. According to a source from the Associated Press, approximately 1,000 of the planned layoffs have already taken place, with the remainder slated for a later date. The decision to reduce the workforce reflects ongoing challenges faced by the media industry, with many companies re-evaluating their operational strategies in response to changing market dynamics.
Keller’s departure and the broader layoffs at WBZ have sparked discussions about the state of local media and the pressures it faces in the current economic climate. As the industry navigates these transitions, Keller’s promise of “more to come” suggests he may continue to engage with his audience in new ways.
With his years of experience and deep connection to the Boston community, Keller’s next steps will be closely watched by both his supporters and industry observers alike.
