Nicole Baker announced that she has been laid off from her CBS News Texas KTVT Dallas-Fort Worth evening anchor role, as part of the widespread layoffs and job cuts at Paramount and CBS News, following Skydance's takeover of the companies.
Here is what Baker posted on Facebook:
"After more than 12 years as an on air journalist and more than seven years with the company, I was impacted by yesterday‘s sweeping layoffs at #Skydance #Paramount via #CBS news.
To the family that found me Texas: I’d like to thank you for the last 3 1/2 years of growth, of triumph, of laughter, of pits and valleys and plenty of unforgettable lessons on and off camera.
Tor the first time in my professional life I have no idea what’s next, but I am so excited because I know who is holding the pen. He can see what I cannot and I trust in that.
I’m more than grateful for the time to recalibrate and rejuvenate myself from the inside out while I figure out what comes next.
Thank you to my village. You know who you are, and I love you more than words can say.
To everyone else who may have been watching along from a position of complicated curiosity … I am equally grateful for you. The power to transmute anything intended to break me became my elixir. You took nothing away while making me the strongest and most authentic I’ve ever been.
God sees and knows all and for that I’m grateful."
"I’m heartbroken over this," posted First Alert Chief Meteorologist McKenna King. "Nicole was not just a colleague, but quickly became a best friend. We were the brown and beige twins. She truly brightened up the newsroom and her energy and presence is already so missed."
The Emmy-nominated evening anchor helmed the 5, 7, and 10 p.m. newscasts with Doug Dunbar starting in May 2022. She came from sister station CBS Baltimore WJZ, where she anchored for nearly four years.
Baker began her broadcasting career at WJFW 12, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, where she worked as an anchor, reporter, and producer before moving on to WJCL 22 in Savannah, Georgia.
A Spelman College graduate with honors, Baker interned at CNN and WSB.
Inspired by her uncle, a beloved Philadelphia radio personality, Baker followed in his footsteps into the broadcasting industry. She landed her first on-air position just days before his passing.
Baker is an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and a legacy member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
