PITTSBURGH -- Former WRVO and WSYR news staffer Maria Leaf was among an unknown number of cuts at the CBS Radio cluster in Pittsburgh on Friday. Leaf had been working at news/talker KDKA since 2007. Leaf's putting out the word that she's looking for her next opportunity.
Leaf says she was told her layoff was part of a "restructuring" at the cluster, but she told CNYRadio.com she's not sure how many other workers were impacted. About her experience in Pittsburgh, she says she "had an amazing three years at KDKA and time overall in the business. The industry has taken me places I never would've otherwise dreamed of."
She adds, "despite the shock of a layoff, I'm looking to the future with a sense of optimism." In fact, Leaf is already pointing out one positive of the situation: "I will have more time to plan the kickball tourney." Last week, Leaf announced a September date had been set for the 5th Annual Bill Leaf Memorial Kickball Tournament, an event held in memory of her younger brother, a former WSYR(AM)/WTVH-TV reporter who was killed by a drunk driver in 2006.
For now, Leaf says she hopes to stay in Pittsburgh, where she'll be aiming her sights at public relations or real estate jobs. If you have any helpful leads or connections, Leaf can be reached via email at marialeaf@hotmail.com.