Elina Abovyan Reflects on Sudden Exit from KTLA

Elina Abovyan opened up on Thursday, expressing that she was taken by surprise after being abruptly let go from KTLA, where she had worked for 11 years.

“Yes, it’s true. I’m no longer at KTLA and will not be coming back,” Abovyan shared emotionally in an Instagram video. This announcement came just a day after layoff reports emerged.

“Earlier this week, during a corporate restructure, I was laid off alongside several friends and colleagues,” she explained.

Interestingly, she learned of her departure while preparing for her milestone birthday.

“Come Monday, I won’t be going back to a job I’ve done every day for 11 years,” she added, visibly shaken.

“It’s been 11 years of being in your living room daily. I’ve spent that time telling your stories, and I’m really going to miss it,” she said.

Abovyan described her shock at being let go, revealing that it was unexpected. “I never thought this could happen. I was hurt and concerned about what I did wrong,” she noted.

The mother of two expressed the personal challenge she now faces. “I’m trying to figure out what comes next as a single mom with two kids. Life feels very real right now,” she said.

Abovyan was among several noteworthy on-air talents terminated this week at KTLA, which is part of Nexstar Media Group. Other notable departures included veteran anchors Glenn Walker and Lou Parker, longtime meteorologist Mark Kliski, and weathercaster Casey Montoya.

Furthermore, the anchors did not get a chance to bid farewell to their viewers, a point highlighted by reports.

Carlos Herrera, a remaining broadcaster, acknowledged the situation, stating that the newsroom had limited information to share. “These are tough times for us, but we will get through it together,” he assured viewers from his desk.

An internal memo from news director Erica Hill Rodriguez indicated that “confidential details cannot yet be shared” regarding the layoffs. While she recognized the difficult time, she expressed her compassion for the staff but offered no additional specifics.

The layoffs coincided with Nexstar’s pursuit of a $6 billion acquisition of broadcaster TEGNA, drawing attention from regulators and union leaders amidst ongoing newsroom job cuts.

For Abovyan, though, her focus remains on gratitude and looking ahead. “KTLA isn’t the only mountain I’m going to climb. In fact, this is just the beginning,” she concluded.