WXYZ-TV Plans Staff Reductions in Southfield
The station is preparing to cut behind-the-scenes staff as part of a national workforce transformation by parent company E.W. Scripps.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Television
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Southfield-based WXYZ-TV plans to reduce its behind-the-scenes workforce, including photographers and editors. The cuts are part of a larger enterprise-wide transformation by parent company E.W. Scripps.
Why it matters
The reductions represent a shift in operations for the broadcaster, which operates 61 television stations across 41 markets. The company is simultaneously working to restructure its personnel as it undergoes significant staff changes throughout the year.
E.W. Scripps is eliminating 431 positions nationwide, representing a 10 percent reduction in its total workforce. This follows a broader trend for the company, which has seen 850 total employees impacted by cuts throughout 2026, totaling 20 percent of its staff.
The players
WXYZ-TV
This television station serves the Southfield area and is one of 61 stations operated by the E.W. Scripps Company.
E.W. Scripps
This media conglomerate operates television stations across 41 markets and is currently undergoing an enterprise-wide staff transformation.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58
This labor union represents workers in the electrical industry, including 11 members currently affected by the station's staff reductions.
The details
The planned reductions at WXYZ-TV include 11 members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 58. Affected workers are expected to be offered buyouts as management begins holding team meetings to discuss the upcoming changes.
Timeline
Managers began holding team meetings regarding the changes on October 28, 2026.
A memo regarding the staff reductions was sent to employees on October 27, 2026.
In total, 850 employees have been impacted by job cuts across the organization during 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This staff reduction at WXYZ-TV highlights the ongoing volatility within the local broadcast television sector as major media conglomerates consolidate operations. These moves mark a departure from traditional station-level staffing as companies prioritize enterprise-wide transformation strategies over localized employment models.
While the cuts focus on behind-the-scenes staff like photographers and editors, viewers may eventually see changes in production workflows at the local station. Management is currently communicating directly with teams to manage the transition and offer buyouts to impacted workers.
The takeaway
Staff reductions at local stations often signal a broader shift in how media companies manage their internal resources and production capabilities. Viewers should expect stations to adjust their operational workflows as these companies navigate their national restructuring goals.
Further reading
For more on the current state of local media operations, visit the Television section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Deadline Detroit.
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