The broadcasting company that owns KWQC-TV, Channel 6, has plans to cut $20 million in costs at its stations, with high-priced on-air employees on the target list.

Young Broadcasting is a 10-station group that includes the Davenport station. In 2006, the company earned $232.83 million. A trade publication, Broadcasting & Cable, reported that several sources said late last month that the company needs to cut $20 million in costs.

KWQC general manager Rene LaSpina did not return calls seeking comment about how the cuts may affect the station and which employees might be affected. Ms. LaSpina also is the general manager for WTEN-TV in Albany, N.Y., and comes to Davenport about every three weeks.

Ms. LaSpina's assistant, Jo Ann Johnson, who is located in Davenport, said the effect of the cuts is not yet known and referred all other questions to Ms. LaSpina.

The station's top meteorologist, Terry Swails, confirmed last month he no longer is with the station. Mr. Swails had been at the station for more than 20 years.

Leigh Geramanis, news director for WQAD-TV NewsChannel 8 in Moline, said each broadcasting company writes its contracts differently. "I really can't speak for how Young Broadcasting writes their contracts.

"The contracts are designed to protect the company and to provide some predictability and some ability to plan for the future and to ensure raises at scheduled intervals for the individual under contract," she said. "It is pretty standard in a market this size for anchors to be under contract. We contract our reporters as well."

At WTEN in Albany, 10 people were dismissed and four open positions won't be filled, according to Broadcasting & Cable. The cuts included an anchor, sports director, meteorologist and reporter.

Another station, WKRN-TV in Nashville, Tenn. did away with weekend morning news and as many as 15 employees were let go at the end of January, according to Broadcasting & Cable.

Other Young stations are KELO-TV in Sioux Falls, S.D.; WRIC-TV in Richmond, Va.; and WBAY-TV in Green Bay, Wis.

Staff writer Amy Rausch can be reached at (309) 786-6441, ext. 208.