BREAKING: Political analyst Jon Keller has spoken out following his recent layoff from WBZ, a staple in Boston television for over 20 years. Keller’s departure comes amid significant job cuts at Paramount, which are set to affect approximately 2,000 employees across the organization.
Keller, who joined WBZ in 2005, addressed his layoff in a heartfelt email newsletter on Monday. He expressed gratitude for the support from viewers, 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.” His popular segment, “Keller @ Large,” was a regular feature during WBZ News at 5 and 6 p.m.
The layoffs at WBZ are part of a larger wave of cuts at Paramount, which recently completed an $8 billion merger with Skydance. Last week, the company initiated about 1,000 layoffs, with the remaining cuts expected to follow soon. This drastic reduction amounts to around 10% of Paramount’s total workforce.
Keller, who has previously faced similar challenges—being let go from WBZ Newsradio 1030 during the iHeartMedia layoffs in 2020—remains optimistic about his future. In his newsletter, he encouraged readers to continue following his work and hinted at new developments, writing, “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.”
The impact of these layoffs extends beyond the newsroom, as they reflect the ongoing challenges faced by media organizations in the current economic climate. With corporate restructuring affecting the livelihoods of many, the community response to Keller’s departure underscores the emotional ties viewers have with familiar faces on local television.
As developments unfold, viewers and followers of Keller’s work are urged to stay connected for updates on future projects and insights. The media landscape is shifting rapidly, and Keller’s next steps are highly anticipated by his loyal audience.
