Tegna Replaces a 40-Year Broadcast Vet with AI
Added 2026-01-08 06:00:08 +0000 UTC
Not to say that we didn't tell you this was coming, but now it is here.
At Tegna's KENS in San Antonio, Raymond Silva, a 40-year vet in the business, has been kicked to the curb.
Silva was an award-winning director for the Tegna station, and he wasn't just laid off; he was replaced by artificial intelligence.
In a Facebook post this week, Silva wrote that Tegna was, "moving in a direction utilizing a system which incorporates AI technology along with automation to eliminate all directors.”
In a statement, Tegna said, "We are investing in technology and people to upgrade our newsrooms and modernize our newsrooms to deliver multi-platform content through a cloud-based technology that is capable of controlling multiple systems for broadcast and streaming."
This isn't just happening at KENS, but Tegna plans to replace employees with AI across the country.
Silva's last official day at KENS will be February 18. He has decided to take the high road as he is cast aside by the station. "I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to direct the 10 p.m. newscast for 25 years," Silva said of his time at KENS 5. "I've served under five general managers and seven news directors. I want to thank them all for having faith, trust, and belief in allowing me to direct their prime show.”
He leaves the station with class; unfortunately, the same can't be said for Tegna brass.
