FIRED for Defending a Friend: The Shocking Truth Behind Mark Mester’s KTLA Exit

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News personality Mark Mester made headlines for some unexpected remarks off-script in 2022, but he has since regained his footing by landing a new opportunity. Born in Hungary and raised in various parts of the U.S., Mark Mester (source: NBCPalmSprings) earned a degree in Business Economics from the University of California. His journalism career took off in NBC newsrooms in New York City, then transitioned to the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles regions. With over two decades of experience as an anchor, Mark Mester’s career has been largely successful, save for one minor setback.

It appears that, much like fictional news anchors from movies and TV shows, real-life news anchors don’t always shy away from expressing their opinions on issues that bother them. This was evidently the case with Mark Mester, who broke ranks with his script during a broadcast for L.A.’s KTLA local news station in 2022. Mester had been part of the KTLA team since 2014, but his tenure ended abruptly after just over eight years. The details of what he did immediately following his dismissal are unclear, but approximately two years later, he found himself in a new position that seemed well-suited to him.

Mark Mester Was Fired For Unscripted Comments About Lynette Romero

Romero Left KTLA The Previous Week

In the month of September 2022, co-anchor Lynette Romero parted ways from KTLA Channel 5, a move that was rather sudden as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The station announced her departure with a succinct statement, and it seemed that she did not take the time to bid farewell to her viewers, which has sparked some criticism. On September 14, entertainment reporter Sam Rubin read a prepared message regarding Romero, stating: “Lynette Romero is no longer with us at KTLA.

Lynette Romero, a cherished colleague of ours, has chosen to leave her anchor role on our weekend morning news after more than two decades. We at KTLA had hoped she would spend her entire career with us and made every effort to keep that from happening. However, Lynette has opted for a new challenge elsewhere. Farewell, Lynette! We wish you the best of luck, we will miss you, and we are grateful for all you’ve accomplished here at KTLA. On behalf of everyone here, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your family.

Reports indicate that Romero decided to quit working weekends to spend more quality time with her loved ones and requested a change to weekday shifts. However, there were no open positions available. Subsequently, it is said that she found employment at KNBC-TV, Los Angeles’ NBC affiliate, as a weekday morning news anchor. Later, Romero engaged in a conversation on Twitter with Holly Robinson Peete, who was dismissed from The Talk in 2011 after only one season. Peete’s tweet read: “I miss being part of the family at The Talk… #TheTalkMemories.

Since there was neither a proper farewell nor any recognition of my leaving during our past conversation, I feel disrespected. I sincerely hope the best for you and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead!

This incident we’re discussing now is Mester’s dismissal. On the 14th of September, Mester veered from the prepared script for a heartfelt four-minute speech. In this speech, he acknowledged and thanked his former co-host and friend, Romero, and expressed regret on behalf of the station for how she was handled. He described her departure as “impolite” and “unkind”. Furthermore, he added that…

I’m sorry for what happened, it was an error on our part. We truly hope that you can find it within yourself to forgive us.

Additionally, Master decided to charter an aircraft to soar overhead at the station, trailing a banner with the message, “We adore you Lynette”. Consequently, Master found himself suspended for his actions, and later dismissed. In response, the head of the station, Janene Drafs, simply issued a short statement, stating, “[Master] is no longer employed at KTLA5”. Neither Master nor Romero offered any comments regarding the event following its occurrence.

Mester Is Now The Anchor At KMIR NBC Palm Springs

He Serves Alongside Olivia Sandusky

Two years after his departure from KTLA, it seems that Mark Mester has found a new footing, as evidenced by his current role. On April 19, 2024, David Reese, the news director of KNBC at the time, announced on Facebook that Mester had been employed at KMIR NBC Palm Springs. The news was also posted on the NBC Palm Springs website with the caption, “Welcome to the NBC Palm Springs Family, Mark Mester!”. Now, Mark Mester works alongside co-host Olivia Sandusky for the 5 pm, 6 pm, and 11 pm newscasts at KMIR NBC Palm Springs.

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2025-04-26 03:29