KION ends local news operations in Monterey after 56 years

KION in Monterey, California, is ending its local news operation after 56 years, eliminating locally produced English- and Spanish-language newscasts on the Central Coast.

The News-Press & Gazette-owned CBS affiliate informed employees Sept. 22, 2026. that it was shutting down its news operation effective immediately, according to KSBW. Employees said company representatives arrived at the station and announced the decision during a staff meeting.

It is believed 13 to 20 employees were affected by the closure. 

The move also affects KMUV-LD Telemundo 23, which shares newsroom resources with KION. The station had produced Spanish-language local news for the region, but employees were told there are no plans to continue those newscasts.

There was no official word as to why the decision was made to halt local news production, though the media industry as a whole is facing increased challenges amid a shifting viewing and economic landscape. 

KION’s former local news time periods are expected to be filled with programming from KPIX, the CBS-owned station serving San Francisco, California, shifting those hours from Central Coast reporting to Bay Area coverage.

News-Press & Gazette acquired KION in December 2013. Since the announcement, the station’s website has been updated with content tagged as being authored by KPIX. 

Advertisement