After days of questions and speculation surrounding major changes at KRIS 6 News, two familiar faces are setting the record straight.
“The rumors are true… well, SOME of them,” the Hofmanns wrote. “No, KRIS 6 isn’t replacing its on-air talent with AI or robots.”
The couple confirmed their positions were impacted by recent company-wide layoffs. Their final day on air will be August 18, according to the joint statement.
“Serving the Coastal Bend has been one of the greatest honors of our careers,” the couple wrote. “You welcomed us into your homes, trusted us with your stories, celebrated life’s biggest moments with us, and allowed us to be a part of your mornings.”
The Hofmanns said the last few days have been difficult for their family and many of their colleagues who also lost their jobs. They offered some words of encouragement to others facing the same uncertainty.
“Losing a job is never easy. It can make you question your value, your abilities, and what comes next,” they wrote. “Your worth is not defined by a job title.”
MySA previously reported that more than a dozen KRIS 6 employees are expected to be laid off, including anchors, producers, technical directors, photographers and other newsroom staff.
The cuts come as KRIS 6 parent company E.W. Scripps undergoes a broader cost-cutting transformation. Variety reported earlier this year that the company planned to increasingly rely on artificial intelligence and automation across its operations.
The Hofmanns did not share what’s next but said they plan to answer viewers’ questions in the coming days. Until August 18, they said they’ll continue anchoring the station’s morning news.
“Most of all, thank you for Waking Up with the Hofmanns,” they wrote. “You are amazing.”