In a bid to cut costs nationwide, WTHI-TV has announced that it’s eliminating its local meteorologists, including news anchor Patrece Dayton and chief meteorologist Kevin Orpurt. The move is part of Allen Media Group’s plan to create a national “hub” for weather forecasting, based in Atlanta.
The new system will see locally produced weather segments replaced by pre-recorded forecasts from a central team at The Weather Channel. While some meteorologists may retain their jobs or be offered positions in the new hub, others face an uncertain future.
Experts warn that this decision could have significant consequences for local communities during severe weather events, as they rely on trained scientists to provide critical information and updates. As Spencer Denton, a meteorologist at Gray Media-owned WVLT in Knoxville, Tennessee, noted: “WEATHER is the number one reason most people watch a local newscast… These folks are more valuable than some companies realize.”
The shift also raises concerns about viewer trust and the decline of local news as a trusted source. According to a Pew study from 2019, weather was the most important news topic in respondents’ day-to-day lives, with 70% expressing a daily need for information.
As devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles recently, local television outlets saw a surge in viewers seeking immediate information. The loss of local meteorologists across the country could have similar consequences during major events.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/21/media/local-meteorologists-allen-media-weather-channel/index.html