Significant Layoffs at KLRT-KARK Little Rock

Around 28 let go, including news director, after Mission acquisition

By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/30/2013 4:36:32 PM

Around 28 staffers are being laid off from KLRT and KARK Little Rock, according to ArkansasBusiness.com. At least 20 from KLRT, a Fox affiliate, and as many as eight from KARK, aligned with NBC, are reportedly being let go.

The layoffs include on-air personalities Wendy Suares, Adam Rodriguez and Jonathan Athens, reports Arkansas Business, as well as KLRT news director Ed Trauschke.

Earlier this month, Chuck Spohn, general manager at KLRT-KASN, was dismissed.

Mission, which has an operating relationship with Nexstar, acquired KLRT-KASN from Newport TV in July.

Michael Vaughn, Nexstar's Little Rock vice president and general manager, called it a "one-wave" reduction, as opposed to the first in a series.

All remaining employees will be consolidated into KARK headquarters, reports the publication.