Anchors away! Channel 2 pink slips three on-air stars

As WBBM-TV Channel 2 prepares to move into glitzy new street-level studios at Washington and Dearborn streets, some of its high-profile, on-air talent is being left on the curb at its old McClurg Court building.

Lead anchor Diann Burns, sports anchor Mark Malone and anchor-reporter Mary Ann Childers were among those told Monday they were either being laid off or that their contracts would not be renewed in what was being called a major "staff reduction" at the CBS affiliate.

Malone was expected to work Monday's late newscasts, but otherwise, "They're off the air," said a station source.

The layoffs hit all levels and reportedly included investigative producer Phil Hayes and producer Harvey Moshman, a key pickup from WTTW-TV Channel 11.

For years President and General Manager Joe Ahern pillaged other stations' talent and, in effect, drove up salaries across the market, but the bill came due as the station prepared to move into its new studios in July.

The writing had been on the wall for both Burns and Malone. Burns was hired at a seven-figure salary after leaving WLS-TV Channel 7, but couldn't lift station ratings. Channel 2 had also just hired sports anchor Ryan Baker away from WMAQ-TV Channel 5, apparently to replace Malone.

Otherwise the layoffs reflected industrywide contraction.