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KTLA anchor Mark Mester fired for blasting station on air over colleague Lynette Romero's departure

According to employees of the station, Lynette Romero wasn’t given a chance to say goodbye on air

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A news anchor was fired after he called out his own station on-air for its handling of his former co-anchor’s sudden departure, as per reports. The anchor was shown the door after he delivered an off-script response for his colleague.

KTLA's Mark Mester criticized the station, affiliated with The CW, about the departure of former co-anchor and friend Lynette Romero. According to Los Angeles Times, employees said that Lynette wasn’t given a chance to say goodbye on air.

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The termination came through the station’s manager, Janene Drafs, who reportedly informed newsroom workers in a short speech on Thursday, September 22. The firing comes after Mark bid farewell to his “best friend” Lynette in a segment.

Mark said on Saturday, September 17, “I want to start off right now by offering up an apology to you,” adding, “What the viewers experienced was rude, it was cruel, it was inappropriate and we are so sorry."

He said, “I also want to say sorry to Lynette Romero because Lynette, I love you so much, you literally are my best friend. You did not deserve what happened to you.”

Mark mentioned in the short speech that a plane was flying over the station with a message of gratitude for Lynette. According to the LA Times, the plane was hired by Mark with a banner that said, “We love you Lynette.”

As per the outlet, the anchor wanted to include the footage of the plane in a compilation of images and videos the station played during the farewell.

Staffers revealed to the outlet that the producers wrote a script for Mark to read about Lynette. However, the anchor went off-script, saying he was shocked that Lynette wasn’t given a chance to tell the viewers about her departure.

Mark said, “We’re going to offer you dignity and grace, which is what this station should’ve done from the beginning.” He added, “You did not deserve this, we are sorry, it was a mistake and we just hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive us.”

Lynette had worked with the station for 24 years, and wanted a change in shift, from weekends to weekdays. However, the request was denied, as per LA Times. Lynette wrote on Twitter, “I will always be grateful for the love and affection LA viewers have given me,” adding, “Stay tuned my friends I’ll be right back.”

Reporter Sam Rubin said about Lynette's decision to move on, “We really wanted her to stay, and KTLA management worked hard to make that happen.” He added, “Lynette decided to leave for another opportunity.”

“We had hoped she would record a farewell message to viewers, but she declined. Lynette has been a wonderful member of the KTLA family and we wish her and her family the best.”