KRCG in Jefferson City/Columbia is reporting parent company Barrington Broadcasting is in the midst of massive budget cuts and layoffs across its stations. KRCG has laid off 4 full-timers and 2 part-timers, including sports director of 23 years Rod Smith. The announcement on the news this evening implied Smith arrived for work this afternoon and was let go almost as soon as he got in the door. The anchors indicated this has been a very difficult day for the entire staff and that they were "stunned" to hear the news.
KRCG has suspended sports, and the announcement this evening implied that sports would be greatly reduced, if not eliminated, at all Barrington stations. However, I can only find a couple of stations in the company that don't show a sports director on their website as of this evening, and the official statement from KRCG states their dedication to sports will continue. Although KRCG took Smith's picture off the site almost immediately, I suppose its possible that some of the other stations have already made their cuts without making any website updates. After all, the website is usually a low priority for TV and radio stations.
KRCG has suspended sports, and the announcement this evening implied that sports would be greatly reduced, if not eliminated, at all Barrington stations. However, I can only find a couple of stations in the company that don't show a sports director on their website as of this evening, and the official statement from KRCG states their dedication to sports will continue. Although KRCG took Smith's picture off the site almost immediately, I suppose its possible that some of the other stations have already made their cuts without making any website updates. After all, the website is usually a low priority for TV and radio stations.