Introduction
Kacey Montoya is an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and meteorologist best known for her 13-year tenure at KTLA 5 in Los Angeles. In February 2026, she was among five longtime on-air talents laid off by station owner Nexstar Media Group as part of broader corporate cost-cutting tied to its acquisition of Tegna. Montoya completed her final on-air shifts in April 2026, closing a run that began in June 2013.
She now runs Fix’n Fidos, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit she founded to help low-income pet owners access spay and neuter services and cover unexpected veterinary costs. Her post-KTLA journey—including a May 2026 appearance on Fox 11’s Good Day LA—has kept her in the public eye as she explores new professional opportunities.
This article covers Kacey Montoya’s biography, career timeline, the circumstances of her KTLA departure, her nonprofit work, and what may come next.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Professional Name | Kacey Montoya |
| Born | June 25, Orange County, California |
| Raised | Dallas, Texas (from age 8) |
| Education | B.A. in Broadcast Journalism, California State University, Northridge |
| KTLA Tenure | June 2013 – April 2026 |
| Primary Roles | Reporter, Weathercaster, Problem Solvers contributor |
| Nonprofit | Fix’n Fidos (founded 2018, official 2019) |
| Notable Awards | Multiple Emmys, Golden Mike, L.A. Press Club Awards |
| Acting Credits | Ray Donovan, The Lincoln Lawyer, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
Early Life and Education
Kacey Montoya was born in Orange County, California, but moved to Dallas, Texas, at age eight, where she spent the next decade. She attended Plano East Senior High School before returning to Southern California for college. She graduated from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Sociology. At CSUN, she earned first-place recognition for TV in-depth reporting for a talk show on political free speech and interned at CNN Los Angeles in the entertainment news department.
Career Timeline: From Local Markets to KTLA
Montoya built her career through progressively larger markets before landing in Los Angeles. Her early roles included anchoring, reporting, and producing at WOAY-TV in Oak Hill, West Virginia (2004–2005), followed by KPSP-TV in Palm Springs (2005–2007).
| Period | Role / Station | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2004 – Aug 2005 | Anchor, Reporter, Producer, WOAY-TV | Oak Hill, WV |
| 2005 – 2007 | Anchor and Reporter, KPSP-TV (CBS) | Palm Springs, CA |
| Nov 2007 – Feb 2013 | Reporter, KOIN-TV (CBS) | Portland, OR |
| Jan 2012 – Feb 2013 | Daily Host, Digital Trends | Portland, OR |
| June 2013 – April 2026 | Reporter / Weathercaster, KTLA 5 | Los Angeles, CA |
At KTLA, Montoya initially joined as a general assignment reporter. She was promoted to weather forecaster in 2015 and became a regular presence on the KTLA Weekend Morning News. She also contributed to KTLA’s Problem Solvers investigative segment, which she described as her most passionate work at the station. Over her tenure, she won multiple L.A. Press Club Awards, a Golden Mike, and several Emmy Awards.
Beyond news, Montoya built a parallel career as a television actress, appearing in seven episodes of Ray Donovan, two episodes of Hit the Floor, and single episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and The Lincoln Lawyer. Her film credits include Arkansas (2020), The Forever Purge (2021), and Breaking (2022).
The 2026 KTLA Layoffs: What Happened
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Nexstar Media Group laid off five longtime KTLA journalists: weathercaster Kacey Montoya, meteorologist Mark Kriski, midday anchors Lu Parker and Glen Walker, and reporter Ellina Abovian. The cuts were part of a broader wave of layoffs across Nexstar-owned stations, including WGN-TV in Chicago, as the company sought to reduce costs ahead of finalizing its multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Tegna. Nexstar already operated 201 stations in 116 markets reaching 70% of U.S. households; the combined company after the Tegna merger would have 265 stations in 44 states and reach 80% of U.S. TV households.
The layoffs drew condemnation from SAG-AFTRA, whose president Sean Astin stated that “by laying off journalists across the country, Nexstar is eroding the resources and talent that local communities rely on for trusted news.” The union noted that the cuts coincided with active bargaining with Nexstar over severance protections and contract terms.
The affected employees were given 60 days’ notice, with the option to either continue working through that period while remaining paid or to collect the equivalent as severance. Montoya chose to stay on air. She returned to the weekend weather desk on Saturday, March 7, and continued through late April 2026.
Public Reaction
KTLA’s loyal viewership responded with anger and disappointment. One staffer still employed at the station told The California Post that the situation left employees feeling “sick” and compared it to “having five friends die.” KTLA news director Erica Hill-Rodriguez addressed staff in an internal memo, calling it “incredibly difficult and sad times” and stating her “heart is with everyone on our team.”
Montoya herself posted a video to Instagram thanking supporters. “I had no idea that I had made such an impact on so many of your lives,” she said. “To say that I’m overwhelmed would be an understatement.” Following her final day on air, she wrote: “It was an AMAZING 13 years at KTLA. I am truly grateful for the experience.”
Fix’n Fidos: Montoya’s Nonprofit Mission
Montoya founded Fix’n Fidos in 2018 (officially established as a 501(c)(3) in 2019) to address two interconnected problems: overcrowded animal shelters that euthanize animals to create space, and low-income pet owners who surrender their animals because they cannot afford veterinary care.
The nonprofit provides:
- Subsidized spay and neuter surgeries for low-income residents across Southern California
- Financial assistance for unexpected vet bills, helping pet owners avoid surrendering their animals
- Support for veterans with pets, connecting them with resources and care
In her May 2026 appearance on Fox 11’s Good Day LA, Montoya discussed the ongoing crisis of overcrowded shelters and illegal breeding. “Hopefully this election cycle we get people who care about pets and will fix it,” she said. The appearance was a reunion of sorts—she had previously worked with Good Day LA anchor Araksya Karapetyan in Portland, Oregon, roughly 20 years earlier.
Montoya has said she will run Fix’n Fidos full-time while “exploring some other opportunities” in the wake of her KTLA departure.
What’s Next for Kacey Montoya
As of late 2026, Montoya has not announced a permanent new on-air role. She has signaled openness to new opportunities while prioritizing her nonprofit work. Her combination of broadcast experience, investigative reporting skills, and nonprofit leadership positions her for potential roles in advocacy, media consulting, or a return to broadcasting at another outlet.
Her recent Fox 11 appearance demonstrates that she remains a recognized and trusted voice in the Los Angeles media landscape—and that her advocacy for animal welfare will continue to be part of her public profile regardless of where her career goes next.
Read More: Jacob Rothschild: Life, Legacy, and Impact of the Renowned British Financier
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Kacey Montoya at KTLA?
Kacey Montoya was laid off from KTLA in February 2026 as part of a wave of cuts by Nexstar Media Group. She remained on air through April 2026 to complete her 60-day notice period before departing after 13 years at the station.
What is Kacey Montoya’s nonprofit?
Her nonprofit is Fix’n Fidos, a 501(c)(3) founded in 2018 and officially established in 2019. It provides spay and neuter services for low-income pet owners and financial assistance for unexpected veterinary bills in Southern California.
Where did Kacey Montoya work before KTLA?
Before joining KTLA in 2013, she worked at KOIN-TV in Portland, Oregon, for over five years as an anchor and reporter. She also spent two years at KPSP-TV in Palm Springs and one year at WOAY-TV in West Virginia.
What awards has Kacey Montoya won?
Montoya is a multiple Emmy Award winner. She has also won a Golden Mike Award and several L.A. Press Club Awards. At CSUN, she earned first place for TV in-depth reporting.
Has Kacey Montoya been in any TV shows or movies?
Yes. She appeared in seven episodes of Ray Donovan, two episodes of Hit the Floor, and single episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and The Lincoln Lawyer. Her film credits include Arkansas, The Forever Purge, and Breaking.
Where can I follow Kacey Montoya’s work now?
Montoya is active on Instagram (@kaceymontoya) and continues to promote Fix’n Fidos through public appearances and her nonprofit’s website, fixnfidos.com.
Conclusion
Kacey Montoya‘s career reflects a rare combination of journalistic credibility, public trust, and genuine community impact. From her early days in small markets to 13 years at KTLA, she built a reputation as a reporter who cared about the stories behind the headlines—whether covering weather, investigating consumer issues, or advocating for animals. Her departure from KTLA in 2026 marked the end of one chapter, but her work with Fix’n Fidos and her continued public presence suggest that Kacey Montoya’s most impactful work may still be ahead of her.
