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CBS 6 Cuts Staff as Scripps Reduces Workforce

The Richmond television station is laying off 15 employees as its parent company implements an enterprise-wide transformation.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Jobs — General

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of steel antenna towers, representing corporate structural changes in the media industry.
E.W. Scripps is cutting 431 positions across its operations, including 15 layoffs at Richmond's CBS 6, as the company modernizes its technology. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do large-scale corporate job cuts ultimately harm the connection between local news stations and their communities?

CBS 6 in Richmond has laid off 15 employees as part of a wider workforce reduction initiated by parent company E.W. Scripps. The cuts at the station are part of a larger plan to eliminate 431 positions across the company.

Why it matters

The layoffs occur as E.W. Scripps shifts its focus toward automation, artificial intelligence, and new technology. This enterprise-wide restructuring seeks to modernize operations while simultaneously creating 100 new roles.

E.W. Scripps is cutting 431 positions, representing 10% of its total workforce. While CBS 6 in Richmond is losing 15 staff members from its team of more than 100 people, the parent company plans to create 100 new jobs.

The players

E.W. Scripps Co.

This media conglomerate owns WTVR and has managed the station since 2019.

Adam Symson

He serves as the CEO of E.W. Scripps and is overseeing the company's enterprise-wide transformation.

Laura French

She is a journalist who spent 31 years in the industry and was among those recently laid off at the station.

Jon Burkett

He is a former station staffer who ended his 26-year tenure with the organization in September 2026.

The details

The layoffs at the West Broad Street station impacted multiple departments. Longtime figures including Laura French were affected by the cuts following a trend of staffing adjustments at the company.

Timeline

  1. WTVR went on the air in 1948.

  2. CEO Adam Symson previously announced 432 job cuts and 126 open role cuts in August 2026.

  3. Jon Burkett left the station in September 2026.

  4. CBS 6 laid off 15 employees in October 2026.

Market Landscape

The layoffs at CBS 6 reflect the broader strategy of E.W. Scripps as it pivots toward AI and automation. This transformation highlights an industry trend where media companies consolidate traditional roles to invest in digital technology and operational efficiency.

Viewers may notice changes in station staffing and production as multiple departments reorganize. These shifts reflect a wider transition at the corporate level that could influence future local programming availability.

The takeaway

The media industry is currently undergoing a significant shift as traditional broadcasting roles are replaced by investments in automation. Employees and viewers should anticipate continued evolution as companies reallocate resources toward AI-driven workflows.

Further reading

For more information on local staffing trends, visit the Richmond Jobs — General section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Culpeper Star-Exponent.

Live Poll

Do large-scale corporate job cuts ultimately harm the connection between local news stations and their communities?