A Los Angeles TV anchorman recently lost his job for ranting against management in front of viewers because his co-anchor was denied the opportunity to say goodbye to the audience after she left.
Mark Mester had been put on administrative leave earlier this week, but KTLA felt that what he did called for his firing.
Mester was irate when co-anchor Lynette Romero, whom he referred to as his “best friend,” informed management that she would be leaving after 24 years to anchor at another station, but that management forbade her from saying farewell live on air.
Producers allegedly wrote a tribute segment for Mester to read in honor of Lynette, but he refused. Mester grumbled, “I want to start by apologizing to you [Lynette] right away. Really, you are my best buddy because I adore you so much. The things that happened to you were not fair.”
Mester continued, describing the action as impolite, hurtful, and improper.
Additionally, he informed the audience that a jet with the banner “We love you Lynette” was passing above KTLA. According to the L.A. Times, Mester had rented the aircraft.
Lynette reportedly offered to stay if she could host weeknights rather than weekends, but the station wouldn’t budge, so she left.