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KTVX Channel 4 and KUCW Channel 30, the ABC and CW television affiliates that have endured a number of changes due to the crippling economy, are asking all of its employees to take 10-day furloughs this year.
It's part of a company-wide policy from the stations' parent company, Newport Television, which owns more than 55 TV stations nationwide.
"In the midst of the current financial challenges, we believe this to be the most advantageous and least disruptive of the available options for our employees," KTVX and KUCW general manager Matt Jaquint said in a statement.
He added that the unpaid furloughs apply to all employees, including union workers and on-air talent with contracts.
KTVX, as well as KSL Channel 5 and KUTV Channel 2, has had to lay off workers in the past year for economic reasons, including letting go of co-anchors Randall Carlisle, and Terry and Susan Wood. Nighttime co-anchor Barbara Smith returned to reporting and was replaced in the anchor chair by Karen Carlson.
Meanwhile, KSTU Channel 13's longtime meteorologist, Jodi Saeland, left the Fox station last week. Saeland, who had been with Fox 13 for more than 12 years, elected not to have her contract renewed when it ended this month, said KSTU general manager Tim Ermish.
"As a surprise to us, she decided to be a mom and stay at home as these kids are growing," he said. "It is a loss for us. We would love for her to be with us again, but we understand."
In the meantime, weekend meteorologist Brett Benson is filling in for Saeland on the 5 and 9 p.m. newscasts while the station looks for a full-time replacement. Fox13 also is expanding its noontime newscast by a half hour each weekday. "Live at 11" will now run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
