Wausau Television Stations Impacted by Recent Layoffs

Allen Media Group, owner of several Wisconsin television stations including WAOW in Wausau, implemented company-wide layoffs in December 2024. These cuts impacted longtime journalists at stations in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Wausau, leaving many communities concerned about the future of local news coverage.

These layoffs follow a similar round of cuts at WKOW, the Madison affiliate, several months prior. WXOW in La Crosse and WQOW in Eau Claire also experienced staff reductions in early December. Many of the dismissed employees had dedicated decades to covering local news in their respective communities. Allen Media Group has not issued a public statement or provided an explanation for the layoffs.

Since the layoffs, the affected stations have adopted a hybrid newscast format, combining local news segments with a later news broadcast originating from Madison. This shift has raised concerns among viewers and industry experts about the potential dilution of local news coverage.

John Laabs, former president and CEO of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and a Wausau native who began his broadcasting career at WAOW, acknowledges that these changes reflect a broader trend in the media landscape. While he anticipates an adjustment period for viewers, he expresses confidence in the stations’ ability to maintain their focus on local news while leveraging technology to share resources. He believes that over time, viewers will become accustomed to the new format and anchors.

The impact of these layoffs extends beyond the immediate job losses. LeaderEthics, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit focused on ethical leadership and accurate news consumption, highlights the crucial role local news plays in combating misinformation and holding local governments accountable. They emphasize that local news coverage signals the importance of issues within a community and can influence local government responsiveness. The reduction in local reporting raises concerns about potential “news deserts” and the ability of outside sources to accurately cover local issues.

Recent studies indicate a shift in how people access local news. Fewer individuals rely on daily newspapers, while more depend on personal networks for information. This trend underscores the importance of maintaining strong local news outlets.

Laabs remains optimistic about Allen Media Group’s commitment to local news, believing they will leverage the opportunity to provide quality coverage despite the challenges. He acknowledges the adjustment period for viewers but anticipates their eventual adaptation to the changing media landscape. The long-term effects of these layoffs on Wausau Television Stations and the broader Wisconsin media landscape remain to be seen.