KRIS 6 Laid Off Staff Amid Newsroom Automation
The Corpus Christi station reduced its workforce as part of a national shift to automated news production.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Media
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On August 18, 2026, the E.W. Scripps Company laid off more than a dozen employees at KRIS 6 in Corpus Christi. The station reduction was part of a larger plan to transition toward an automated, AI-powered newsroom model.
Why it matters
The layoffs reflect an industry-wide pivot by the E.W. Scripps Company to prioritize 24-hour, on-demand streaming over traditional television newscasts. This strategy aims to integrate automated technology to streamline operations across the broadcaster's regional stations.
The E.W. Scripps Company cut 268 positions across its national network during the mid-August layoffs. KRIS 6 in Corpus Christi currently retains just over a dozen on-camera staff members to support its new broadcasting structure.
The players
E.W. Scripps Company
This is a 148-year-old diversified media company that operates a large portfolio of local television stations across the United States.
Adam Symson
He serves as the chief executive officer of the E.W. Scripps Company and oversaw the transition to the current automated news strategy.
Michelle and Bryan Hofmann
They were longtime on-camera news anchors for KRIS 6 who were laid off during the station's transition to an automated news model.
The details
KRIS 6 has shifted its daily operations toward a model that utilizes Neighborhood News reporters for content delivery. Longtime anchors Michelle and Bryan Hofmann were among the staff members impacted by the reduction, while Stephanie Molina has transitioned to morning show duties.
Timeline
August 4, 2026: CEO Adam Symson announced impending layoffs in a company memo.
August 18, 2026: Scripps completed the layoff of 268 employees nationwide.
August 2026: KRIS 6 finalized its station-level staffing reductions in Corpus Christi.
Market Landscape
This move represents a broader consolidation and cost-cutting strategy within the local television sector as networks pivot toward automated production. By replacing traditional news gathering with AI-assisted workflows, the company is attempting to outpace competitors in the digital streaming race.
Viewers in the Coastal Bend region will see a transition in how local news is delivered, as the station moves toward 24-hour streaming. These changes reflect a shift in how residents consume local content, favoring on-demand access over traditional scheduled newscasts.
The takeaway
The move underscores the growing role of automation in regional news operations, changing the faces and production methods familiar to local audiences. Residents should expect more digital-first content as traditional broadcast formats continue to evolve.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry changes in Corpus Christi Media.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MySA.
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