WGN TV Layoffs: Dean Richards, Chris Boden & 9 Staffers Cut
WGN-TV Announces Layoffs, Shakes Up News Schedule Amidst Merger Uncertainty
WGN-TV in Chicago cut nine on-air personnel Monday, February 24, 2026, in the latest round of layoffs impacting the station. The cuts included veteran entertainment critic and reporter Dean Richards, and sports anchor Chris Boden, signaling a period of significant change for “Chicago’s Very Own.” Further layoffs are reportedly possible.
Also affected were news anchors Ray Cortopassi, Sean Lewis, and Judy Wang. Reporters Julian Crews and Bronagh Tumulty, meteorologist Mike Janssen, and political analyst Paul Lisnek were also let go. Sources indicated that Ray Cortopassi was informed of his dismissal during his live shift, leaving Micah Materre to continue the broadcast solo.
These layoffs follow earlier, behind-the-scenes cuts, including positions in copywriting. According to one veteran TV reporter, the scale of these cuts is unprecedented in recent Chicago television history.
The restructuring comes as WGN’s parent company, Nexstar, continues to pursue a merger with Tegna, a deal currently under regulatory review. A Nexstar spokesperson stated the company “does not comment on personnel issues, but…is taking steps necessary to compete effectively in this period of unprecedented change.”
The staff reductions have prompted a reshuffling of WGN’s on-air schedule. Dina Bair will now solo anchor the noon broadcast, while Lourdes Duarte will lead the 4 p.m. Newscast. Ben Bradley will join Duarte for the 5 p.m. Show, and Micah Materre will team up with Bradley at 6 p.m. Materre will also anchor the 9 to 10:30 p.m. Block solo. The station’s popular morning news team is expected to remain intact.
Several of those impacted have long and distinguished careers in Chicago broadcasting. Richards joined WGN in 1991, becoming a regular contributor in 1998. Crews has covered the city and state for over two decades, beginning in 1996. Boden has spent more than 30 years covering sports across multiple Chicago television and radio stations. Wang’s broadcasting career began at CLTV in 1995 before she joined WGN in 2009.
Industry observers suggest the cuts are, in part, a preemptive measure to reduce costs in anticipation of the debt Nexstar is expected to incur from financing the $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna. The deal, if approved by the Federal Communications Commission, would create a broadcasting giant covering approximately 80% of U.S. Television households. Nexstar is already carrying debt from its $4.1 billion purchase of Tribune Media in 2019.
Despite the changes in the media landscape, WGN remains a profitable station. The station boasts strong ratings, particularly in the morning, dominates the 9 p.m. Timeslot against Fox 32, and is competitive at 10 p.m. Its morning news program is widely emulated by other stations nationwide.
WGN recently appointed Akemi Harrison as its new news director, replacing the retired Dom Stasi.