The Nexstar Mess in LA....

The KTLA story continues to turn like a soap opera.

Lynette Romero is gone from the station and although she has teased that she will be “right back” she has not said anything else.

FTVLive FIRST reported that Romero is headed to KNBC and we expect that announcement will come soon. By the way, KNBC has to be loving this story as it will make Romero’s splash much bigger when it is officially announced.

As for KTLA Anchor Mark Mester, he met with management on Monday, but there has been no official word on his status?

Insiders tell FTVLive he is suspended at least until Saturday.

Mester went on the newscast last Saturday and raked management over the coals. Many inside the station think there is no way that the station can keep him, due to the fact that he violated his contract. Some feel that he should be fired, while others inside the station think he should remain employed. It really depends as to who you talk to.

The problem is KTLA has been bleeding talent and many that have left have been at the station for years.

While people in the station have seen it and many of us in the business as well, it’s very bad when then viewers are noticing.

FTVLive has talked to a number of people inside the station and people that have recently left. The universal opinion is that the place is “toxic” and not a good place to work.

As to why that is, the opinions differ.

Some blame Nexstar and say that their cheap practices have hurt the station. A majority place the blame on News Director Pete Saiers. He is the one that wrote the “hostage note” for Sam Rubin to read on air. But, the people we have talked to said this is just one small example. Most said that Saiers is greatly lacking in people skills and his treatment of many on staff is “horrendous” according to staffers that spoke to FTVLive.

What is clear is the station is taking on water and they need to plug the leak. Inside baseball Is always going to happen, but when viewers are taking notice and getting frustrated, changes need to happen.

My advice to to Nexstar and KTLA management is to be so transparent with the staff that you are clear.

The station is losing people both in front of the camera and behind it at an alarming rate. While you might expect to see that happen in market 60, it should not be happening in market 2.

Nexstar needs to come in, address the issue and start earning back the respect of the staff. You do that and you will also earn back the respect of the viewers.