KION News abruptly shut down its news department Tuesday after 56 years on the air, an employee told The Pajaronian.
According to Managing Editor & Anchor Jeanette Bent, the news team had just wrapped up their morning editorial meeting in their Salinas office when corporate executives gave them the news.
“We’ve been cleaning out our desks since,” she said.
The executives did not give a specific reason for the closure, but said they suggested it was a financial decision.
“We have such a talented group of people here,” Bent said. “And I have faith that these people are going to go off and do good things.”
The closure also affects Telemundo 23.
About 20 people were affected by the closure, Bent said.
St. Joseph, Mo.-based News-Press & Gazette Company, which owns KION, did not return a request for comment.
On its website, KION said it is partnering with KPIX CBS San Francisco to bring news coverage to the Central Coast.
Starting Tuesday at 5pm.
“CBS Bay Area is proud to serve viewers who call the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz communities home, by telling their stories,” said Scott Warren, president and general manager of KPIX. “We are also excited for viewers to now see and experience their local weather forecasting in a more dynamic and accessible way through our cutting-edge AR/VR presentation technology.”
