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Beloved KTLA weathercaster Kacey Montoya is set to make a surprising return to the network this weekend, a decision stemming from an offer extended to her upon her unexpected dismissal. Montoya, a fan favorite, was among the casualties of a startling round of layoffs at the station, which left many viewers in shock and frustration.
According to information shared with The California Post by a KTLA insider, Montoya will resume her role starting this Saturday and is expected to appear on the weekend broadcasts throughout late April.
Her return comes after she and four other cherished KTLA staff members were abruptly let go last month. This group of dismissed employees included seasoned anchors Glen Walker and Lu Parker, weather anchor Mark Kriski, and reporter Ellina Abovian, all of whom had become staples of the channel’s programming.
The station’s loyal audience was left reeling from the sudden firings. However, when Montoya and her colleagues were informed of their job terminations, KTLA executives presented them with an intriguing proposition, details of which have not been fully disclosed.
When the fired staffers were told by station honchos they no longer had a job with KTLA, they were presented with an option, the source said.
The employees could either continue to work for the next 60 days and get paid, or they could collect what equated to 60 days of severance, the source added.
Montoya took the former, the source said, adding Montoya will continue to appear on KTLA on weekends for the next several weeks.
While KTLA bosses have remained publicly quiet about the firings, the network’s news director, Erica Hill-Rodriguez, did address staffers in a memo obtained by The Post.
“Out of respect for everyone’s individual situation and the process of some ongoing conversations, I am not yet able to share any confidential details. However, as soon as it is appropriate, I will,” Hill-Rodriguez said in the memo.
Admitting to “incredibly difficult and sad times,” Hill-Rodriguez told staffers that her “heart is with everyone on our team as we navigate these challenging times.” She remained tight-lipped on the “confidential details” regarding the sudden exit.
KTLA and Montoya did not respond to The Post’s requests for comment.