Groundbreaking news anchor, public affairs director out at WISH-TV

In an apparent cost-cutting move, WISH-TV Channel 8 earlier this month laid off longtime on-air staffer Tina Cosby, industry sources told IBJ.

Cosby, an Indiana University graduate, made her debut with the station in 1983. She served the station as a reporter, anchor, producer and most recently as public affairs director.

Tina Cosby

In May 1993, Cosby became the first black weekday evening television news anchor in Indianapolis, according to "The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis."

Cosby could not be reached for comment Thursday morning, and WISH officials declined to comment on her departure.

Cosby, 58, has won multiple Emmy Awards and has received honors and recognition from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, The National Association of Black Journalists, The Angel Awards for Community Service Programming, Indiana Broadcasters’ Association for both Journalistic Excellence and Community Affairs Programming, and Society of Professional Journalists.

As public affairs director, she was involved in numerous local charities, including the United Way of Central Indiana.

WISH's new owner, Nexstar Media Group, is likely looking for ways to trim the station’s budget, industry sources told IBJ. In addition to Cosby, Nexstar layed off a small handful of behind-the-scene staffers at WISH earlier this month, they said.

Texas-based Nexstar closed on its acquisition of WISH parent Virginia-based Media General Inc. in January. Nexstar officials were not available Thursday for comment about Cosby's exit and changes at WISH.

Nexstar let go at least two other public affairs directors in the chain this month, a source said.