TV News Reporter Explains Abrupt Exit From CT Station

CONNECTICUT — Television news reporter Matt Caron was recently let go by Fox61, in a move that the veteran journalist called an example of "management overreach" that violated the contract with the union that represents the station's reporters.

"Without cause or notice, a two sentence clause in my employment agreement was leveraged against me," Caron wrote on Facebook this week. "The same company that is in the business of free speech, then offered me severance in exchange for my silence and waving legal claims. I will not sign it."

Caron had been with the station for eight years, and was a union steward, who represented colleagues in grievances against the company.

In a video accompanying his post, Caron discusses the ills of the news industry, and how the public is not being served during such turbulent times.

"Breaking news can't be delivered from a broken newsroom," Caron said, adding that the industry is now paying one person, in many cases, to do the jobs of three people.

"The preservation of locality and diversity of opinion is going to be key here," Caron said.

Caron graduated cum laude from Western New England University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, and in addition to Fox61, he also worked at 22 News WWLP in Springfield, Massachusetts.

He said that despite a stellar employment record, he was let go by the station in early February.

"Despite zero disciplinary history, great performance reviews, and 8 years of service to my Connecticut community and the [tenets] of ethical journalism, I am now trying to find a way to continue to support my two young boys and family," Caron wrote.

The Laurel reported that Caron's department from the station came following a meeting with management that unexpectedly ended with his termination.

Caron is now looking for employment, stressing that the last several weeks have been difficult, particularly because he was never given reasons for his dismissal.

"Thank you to everyone who has reached out during this difficult time," Caron wrote. "Thank you to everyone who has trusted me to tell your story. I'm on the sideline but not out of the game. Stay in touch...and stay tuned!"