KTLA Anchor Mark Mester Fired After Protesting Dismissal Of His Co-Host On Air

Mark Mester, who had previously been the anchor for KTLA’s Weekend Morning News, has been fired after taking issue on the airwaves with how his co-anchor Lynette Romero was recently terminated.

The anchor was reportedly emotional about the limited fanfare given to her departure, which was announced on air three days before his broadcast last Saturday.

Romero departed as the anchor after being given an opportunity at another news network, and the Los Angeles Times said she requested a weekday anchor position at KTLA but was denied.

Since Romero wasn’t given the chance to do a proper on-air farewell, it was left to an emotional Mester who apparently went off-script rather quickly and didn’t hold back.

Mester was supposed to just honor Romero, but instead spoke more directly against the station’s conduct.

“What the viewers experienced was rude, it was cruel, it was inappropriate, and we are so sorry,” he began.

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

Before playing a compilation of Romero’s appearances on the show, Mester said, “We’re going to offer you dignity and grace, which is what this station should have done from the beginning.”

A spokeswoman for KTLA claimed in a statement that Romero “declined” an opportunity to give a farewell address.

It has also been confirmed that Mester was fired, and he will not be present for the weekend broadcasts following last weekend’s statements.