TV anchor fired after emotional on-air rant about co-host: 'Cruel'

A TV news anchor has been fired just days after he slammed his own station for the abrupt departure of his co-host in an emotional on-air rant.

The drama at KTLA-TV Channel 5 in Los Angeles began earlier this month when it was abruptly announced that longtime anchor Lynette Romero would not be returning, despite never saying farewell to viewers.

“After nearly 24 years, Lynette Romero, our friend Lynette, has decided to move on from anchoring our weekend morning news,” entertainment reporter Sam Rubin revealed on September 14 — reading from a statement crafted by the station’s news director, the Los Angeles Times reports.

“KTLA management had hoped she would stay here her entire career, and KTLA worked hard to make that happen,” Rubin said.

“But Lynette has decided to move to another opportunity elsewhere. Lynette, we wish you luck, we miss you and we thank you for everything you’ve done for KTLA. On behalf of everyone here, we wish you and your family nothing but the best.”

Anonymous sources at the station told the publication Romero moved on after her request to swap to the weekday anchor shift was denied.

However, her abrupt departure — and the station’s handling of the news — was quickly criticised by viewers online, prompting her co-anchor Mark Mester to address the controversy.

'Cruel, rude and inappropriate'

In a more than four-minute monologue last Saturday, Mester apologised to Romero and station fans for her untimely exit.

“I want to start off right now by offering up an apology to you,” he said.

“What the viewers experienced was rude, it was cruel, it was inappropriate and we are so sorry.

“I also want to say sorry to Lynette Romero because Lynette, I love you so much, you literally are my best friend. You did not deserve what happened to you.”

Mester also revealed during his emotional tribute that a plane was flying above the station with a banner reading “we love you Lynette”.

He later posted footage of the plane to his Instagram.

While his speech was applauded by viewers, Mester was reportedly suspended following the segment. Station employees told the Los Angeles Times he was fired on Thursday afternoon (local time).

The publication reports that a script about Romero’s departure and footage of her time at the station had been prepared by producers for Mester, but he ignored it.

“It was supposed to be shown over a script that was warm, loving and appreciative. It was awesome, and [Romero] would’ve loved that,” another anchor at the station said.

“Mark hijacked that and made it about him.”

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.