After a wave of backlash to removing local meteorologists to create a national hub at The Weather Channel in Atlanta, Allen Media reversed the decision for some of its stations.
The cost-cutting move was announced earlier this week, impacting TV stations in two dozen markets, from Honolulu and Eugene, Oregon, to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Rockford, Illinois. Several dozen meteorologists were slated to lose their jobs, with some reassigned to move to Atlanta to work out of Weather Channel headquarters off I-85 and I-285.
WTVA in Tupelo, Mississippi, and WAAY in Huntsville, Alabama, both confirmed this week that they will be able to keep their local meteorology team after all. Other markets that will maintain their meteorologists include KWWL (Channel 7, NBC) in eastern Iowa; WSIL (Channel 3, ABC) in Harrisburg, Illinois; KEZI (Channel 9, ABC) in Eugene; and KDRV (Channel 12, ABC) in Medford, Oregon, according to TheDesk.net, a media outlet that covers tech, media, telecom and streaming.
“The WTVA Severe Weather Authority — the meteorologists you’ve come to know and trust — will remain here,” the station wrote on its website. “And we are incredibly grateful for the community support we have received this past week. … Your calls, emails, texts … every word spoken in support of our team was heard, and without your outpouring of messages that rang so loud, this change may not have been possible. For that, we thank you. It’s you who made this happen.”
Allen Media, along with other owners of local TV stations, are facing shrinking viewing audiences on their traditional screens as more viewers navigate to apps and social media for news and weather. This downward pressure is forcing companies to seek creative ways to reduces costs.
An Allen Media spokesman did not respond to an email and text for comment Friday, but WTVA wrote, “The communication we received was that their decision has mostly been reversed.”
Credit: RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com
Credit: RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com
In the original press release, the Weather Channel touted that “the new format will dramatically improve reporting capabilities, especially in high-stakes weather situations. This initiative aims to transform the way local weather is reported — ensuring the most accurate, timely and engaging forecasts for communities across the country.”
WAAY’s station website wrote that Allen Media “decided to postpone the full implementation of this strategy.”
“While The Weather Channel is consistently voted one of the most trusted weather brands in the country, this decision was about keeping local meteorologists who have a deeper understanding of the unique weather patterns and challenges of our region,” said Mike Wright, WAAY-TV general manager. “We understand our viewers rely on timely, in-depth coverage of our communities, especially during severe weather events. Our commitment to providing that expertise remains steadfast.”
Entrepreneur Byron Allen, who runs Allen Media Group, purchased The Weather Channel in 2018 for $300 million. The network is separate from the Weather Channel mobile app and other digital assets, which are owned by San Francisco-based private equity firm Francisco Partners.
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