BREAKING: Political analyst Jon Keller has spoken out following his recent layoff from WBZ amid widespread cuts affecting approximately 2,000 employees at Paramount. Keller, a fixture on the Boston television scene for over 20 years, confirmed the news in his latest MASSterList newsletter on October 16, 2023.
According to sources, Keller was one of five employees let go last week as part of significant corporate restructuring at WBZ. The station has faced challenges following its $8 billion merger with Skydance and is now reducing its workforce by about 10%.
In his newsletter, Keller expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he received, noting, “Our phone is testimony, jammed with dozens of very generous texts, emails and phone calls about the interruption by corporate layoffs.” He emphasized the resilience of the local community, stating, “Massholes may not always put their voting energy where their mouths are, but here’s some good news about us.”
Keller joined WBZ-TV in 2005, where his segments, “Keller @ Large,” became a staple during the station’s 5 and 6 p.m. broadcasts. He urged his audience to continue following his work, saying, “Please keep reading our work here and in Boston Magazine, and pass the word to others who might be interested.”
In a twist of irony, this isn’t Keller’s first experience with layoffs; he was previously let go by WBZ Newsradio 1030 in 2020 during a wave of layoffs at iHeartMedia. His latest departure highlights ongoing issues within the media industry, where layoffs continue to rise amid economic pressures.
As Keller promises “more to come,” the impact of these layoffs reverberates beyond individual careers. The cuts at WBZ and across Paramount signal a broader trend affecting the media landscape, raising questions about job security for many in the industry.
With Keller’s future in media uncertain, eyes will be on upcoming announcements about his next steps. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
