Two Anchors Let Go at CBS Pittsburgh, Others Offered Buyouts

Financial Challenges Lead to Anchor Departures at CBS Pittsburgh

 

CBS Pittsburgh, a key local station under the Paramount Global umbrella, has recently undergone significant staffing changes. Two well-known anchors, Kym Gable and Lindsay Ward, were let go as part of cost-cutting measures driven by financial constraints. Both anchors had contracts set to expire in September, and the station chose not to renew them.

Kym Gable, who has been with the station since 2006, shared on social media that the decision was difficult but emphasized resilience and gratitude despite the tough industry climate. Lindsay Ward, a team member since 2019, also posted a heartfelt message reflecting on her time at CBS Pittsburgh and her plans to focus on family moving forward.

These departures highlight the broader financial pressures facing local news stations, especially within large media conglomerates like Paramount Global. The company has been actively reducing its workforce as part of a larger strategy to streamline operations amid evolving market conditions.

Buyouts Offered to Other CBS Pittsburgh Staff

In addition to the anchor layoffs, several other employees at CBS Pittsburgh have accepted buyouts. These include four news photographers and a studio technician, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. The buyouts are voluntary separations offered by the station to reduce payroll expenses without resorting to involuntary layoffs.

It’s important to note that meteorologist Kristin Emery’s recent departure was not related to these buyouts but was a planned retirement she had been preparing for over several years.

This wave of buyouts and departures is part of a broader trend within Paramount Global’s local stations. For example, WBZ in Boston recently offered buyouts to engineers and photographers, while KYW in Philadelphia also extended buyout offers earlier this year.

Paramount Global’s Workforce Reduction and Industry Impact

The staffing changes at CBS Pittsburgh are tied to a larger workforce reduction announced by Paramount Global in June. The media giant revealed plans to cut approximately 3.5% of its global workforce, with many employees receiving notifications during that month.

Paramount Global owns several local stations, including CBS Pittsburgh (KDKA), WBZ in Boston, and KYW in Philadelphia. Each of these stations has been affected by the company’s cost-cutting initiatives, which include layoffs and buyout offers.

These moves come amid significant corporate developments, such as the upcoming $8 billion merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global. The merger, recently approved by the Federal Communications Commission, is expected to close soon. It will combine Paramount’s extensive media assets—including CBS, the Paramount film studio, Paramount+, and various cable channels—with Skydance’s production capabilities.

While the merger promises new opportunities and growth, it also brings a period of transition and restructuring, which often results in workforce reductions and operational changes at the local station level.

Background of the Anchors and Their Contributions

Kym Gable has been a familiar face in Pittsburgh’s news scene for nearly two decades. Before joining CBS Pittsburgh in 2006, she worked as an anchor and reporter at WPGH, another Pittsburgh station. Her experience and dedication made her a trusted source of news for the local community.

Lindsay Ward joined CBS Pittsburgh in 2019, bringing with her a background that included anchoring roles at WPXI and reporting experience at WJAC in Johnstown. During her tenure, Ward covered a wide range of stories, connecting with viewers both in the field and from the news desk.

Both anchors expressed their appreciation for the opportunities they had at CBS Pittsburgh and the relationships they built with colleagues and viewers alike. Their departures mark the end of an era for the station’s news team.

What This Means for CBS Pittsburgh and Viewers

The layoffs and buyouts at CBS Pittsburgh reflect the ongoing challenges faced by local news organizations nationwide. Financial pressures, changing viewer habits, and the rise of digital media have forced many stations to rethink their staffing and operational models.

For viewers, these changes may result in shifts in news coverage and presentation. However, CBS Pittsburgh remains committed to delivering quality journalism and keeping the community informed despite these transitions.

The station has not yet provided detailed information about future staffing plans or how it will maintain its news programming moving forward. As the media landscape continues to evolve, CBS Pittsburgh and other local stations will need to adapt to remain relevant and sustainable.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Local News in Pittsburgh

The media industry is at a crossroads, with traditional broadcast news facing competition from streaming platforms, social media, and other digital outlets. The merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global could bring new resources and content strategies that benefit local stations like CBS Pittsburgh.

However, the current workforce reductions underscore the need for innovation and efficiency in delivering local news. Stations may increasingly rely on technology, cross-platform content, and strategic partnerships to serve their audiences effectively.

For journalists and staff, these changes mean adapting to new roles and workflows, while for viewers, it means staying engaged with trusted news sources amid a rapidly changing environment.

Conclusion

The recent departure of two anchors and the offering of buyouts at CBS Pittsburgh highlight the financial and structural challenges facing local news stations today. As Paramount Global navigates workforce reductions and prepares for its merger with Skydance Media, CBS Pittsburgh is undergoing significant changes that will shape its future news coverage.

If you value local journalism and want to stay informed about developments at CBS Pittsburgh and beyond, be sure to follow trusted news outlets and support quality reporting in your community. Stay connected for updates on how these changes will impact your local news experience.