Top 11 of 2011: The Big Collapse

Top 11 of 2011: The Big Collapse

During a recession like this one, stories about companies collapsing and industries failing have become sadly commonplace, but nothing prepared Rhode Island for the dramatic implosion of one of its most visible industries. Nor its real-life drama.

It was local media that showed the strain perhaps the most in 2011, as one of three TV news organizations turned on its own under pressure. In scenes more from 1980s dramas like "Dynasty," the besieged

employees of officially bankrupt Channel 6 made news with their own fracases. It all exploded literally in May between news anchor John DeLuca and new station owner Phil Lombardo.

What's followed is a revolving door of staffing changes at WLNE, and the sense that Rhode Island may be facing losing one of its traditional news organizations.

Meanwhile, a parallel story was being played out on the radio waves as radio powerhouse Citadel, emerging from national bankruptcy, was purchased by media giant Cumulus Media. The first round of cuts have already taken place at Rhode Island's Citadel stations, and watchers wonder what will happen to the remaining talk show hosts as Cumulus injects its corporate culture into the local scene.

It can't get much uglier than it was in 2011. Or can it?