The turmoil in the KEYE-TV newsroom continues, with three on-air staffers given their walking papers, including chief meteorologist Byron Webre. Morning news co-host Elizabeth Dannheim, and longtime news reporter Keith Elkins have also been told their services are no longer required, according to station sources.
Two weeks ago, the local CBS affiliate dumped 14 staffers in what was described as economic cutbacks dictated by station owner Cerberus Capital Management, the private equity firm that bought the station last year. While cost-cutting certainly played a role in the latest round of cuts, the on-air changes may also reflect management’s efforts to reshape newscasts, insiders speculate.
With local veterans Judy Maggio and Ron Oliveira as main anchors, KEYE’s ratings have continued to lag the local competition. Weather coverage is a key emphasis for all the stations, making Webre a likely scapegoat. However, Dannheim and Elkins were more of a surprise. Dannheim was part of the oft-promoted morning team with Fred Cantú, and industry veteran Elkins carried the title of investigative reporter and covered state government. News director Suzanne Black did not return calls or e-mails. General manager Amy Villarreal said, “We are not prepared to comment on strategic moves we have planned.” The three staffers, who are expected to disappear from the air over the next few days, either declined comment or did not return calls.
This article appears in August 29 • 2008.