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As of Monday, August 11, 2025, the ground is shifting under our feet again. The recent news of Gray Televisionswallowing up stations from Block Communications and Allen Media Group is massive. On top of that, whispers of a potential Nexstar/TEGNA merger continue to circulate. While corporate press releases will tout "synergies" and "efficiencies," we in the trenches know what that really means: duopolies and layoffs.

When one company owns two or more stations in the same market, redundancies are the first thing to go. This consolidation wave will inevitably lead to deep job cuts, and if you're not preparing now, you're already behind.

The Duopoly Hit List: Who's Most at Risk?

When a company suddenly owns both the ABC and the CBS affiliate in town, they don't need two of everything. The goal is to merge operations, slash overhead, and run two stations with the staff of roughly 1.5. This means a significant portion of the workforce becomes expendable.

The jobs facing the highest risk of elimination are the ones that are duplicated at the top and in shared services:

General Managers
News Directors & Assistant News Directors
General Sales Managers
Chief Engineers & IT Staff
Business Office & HR Personnel
Creative Services Directors & Promotion Teams

But it doesn't stop there. Newsrooms will be merged or forced to share resources, putting on-air and behind-the-scenes staff in jeopardy. Why have two Chief Meteorologists, two Sports Directors, or two sets of 5 PM producers? The "stronger" of the two newsrooms will likely absorb some staff from the other, but many will be left without a chair when the music stops.

How to Prepare for the Inevitable

This isn't about fear-mongering; it's about being a realist. Corporate loyalty is a myth. Your career is your own responsibility. Here is what you need to start doing today.

1. Fortify Your Finances

This is non-negotiable. If you don't have an emergency fund, start one now. The goal is to have 3-6 months of essential living expensessaved in cash. A layoff is a crisis, but a financial cushion turns a catastrophe into a manageable inconvenience. It buys you time to find the right next job, not just the first one that comes along.

2. Update Your Arsenal

Don't wait until you get the pink slip.

Your Reel: Cut it now. Make sure it’s sharp, modern, and showcases your absolute best work. Get feedback on it from trusted mentors.
Your Resume & Website: Update them with your latest accomplishments and metrics. Polish your LinkedIn profile until it shines. You should be ready to apply for a job at a moment's notice.
Your Network: This is your lifeline. Casually reach out to former colleagues, old bosses, and contacts in markets you'd consider moving to. Don't call asking for a job; call to catch up. Plant the seeds now. Let people know you're always keeping an eye out for interesting opportunities.

3. Become Indispensable (or Harder to Replace)

In a competitive environment, versatility is your armor.

Reporters/MMJs: Get better at shooting and editing. Become the go-to person for enterprise stories or investigative work.
Producers: Master digital and social media strategy. Learn to cut compelling web extras and manage the station's online presence.
Photographers/Editors: Learn drone operation, advanced graphic design, or streaming technology.

The more skills you have that cross traditional job descriptions, the more valuable you become and the harder you are to eliminate.

4. Adopt a "Free Agent" Mindset

The era of staying at one station for 20 years is over. See the writing on the wall in your market and start looking elsewhere now. Don't wait to compete with dozens of your laid-off colleagues for the few remaining jobs in town. Acknowledge that a layoff is a business decision, not a reflection of your talent. By detaching emotionally and preparing strategically, you take back control of your career.