Lots of Exits in the Windy City

/

As the number 3 market, Chicago was always a stable market. Journalists would land in Chicago and stay for decades.

Some might jump to the network, but many ride out their careers in the Windy City.

But, like much of the industry, there has been a lot of change over the years, even in a top market.

NBC’s WMAQ certainly has seen a large amount of exits, especially following the appointment of Sally Ramirez to senior newsroom leadership.

The list is long of those who have left, or were pushed out at both WMAQ and Telemundo Chicago.

The latest exit at NBC Chicago is LeeAnn Trotter, Entertainment Reporter. The Chicago native joined NBC 5 in December 2005.

Her departure wasn’t announced to viewers; her last day on air was December 19th, but her last day with the station is December 31st.

According to multiple sources, LeeAnn was contacted by management and asked if she was still interested in the buyout since she inquired about it a couple of years ago, when it was being offered.   

The following NBCUniversal Chicago employees experienced separation, termination, or demotion during Sally Ramirez’s tenure:

  • Akemi Harrison, News Director

  • Sandra Torres, Reporter

  • LeeAnn Trotter, Entertainment Reporter

  • Katherine Smither, NBC Investigates

  • William Boesen, Manager, Studio Operations

  • Nina Florez, Assignment Desk

  • Marlen Wencles, Assignment Desk

  • Milton Vaca, Executive Producer

  • Jen DeSalvo, Traffic Reporter

  • Hernán Fratto, Telemundo Anchor

  • Lauren Petty, NBC Reporter

  • Lauren Hames, Assignment Desk

  • Phillip Sierra, Executive Producer, Telemundo

  • Anabel Monge, Telemundo Anchor

  • Leila Rahimi, NBC Sports Anchor

  • JC Navarrete, NBC Morning Anchor

  • Valerie Bobadillo, Content Producer/Platform Manager

  • Katy Smyser, NBC Investigates

“This level of turnover is not normal for a top-three media market,” said a NBC insider to FTVLive.

It used to be not normal, but sadly, these days, it is becoming the norm.