KIMT-TV, a CBS affiliate based in Mason City, Iowa, is shifting its weather forecasting duties to a national hub. The decision, made by owner Allen Media Group, will consolidate local weather operations from 21 stations, including KIMT-TV, to the Weather Channel’s headquarters in Atlanta.
The move has sparked concern about job impacts on KIMT’s four-person StormTeam 3 team led by Chief Meteorologist Aaron White. While no official layoffs have been confirmed, sources indicate that some staff members may lose their jobs as part of the transition.
Allen Media Group plans to implement a new “groundbreaking format for local weather coverage” powered by The Weather Channel’s advanced technology in 2025. This initiative aims to provide quicker and more efficient updates while enhancing the viewer experience. However, critics argue that small stations like KIMT may struggle to compete with larger networks.
The Weather Channel President Tom O’Brien defends the plan, stating that his organization’s technology will deliver superior forecasting to local stations. Despite this, concerns remain about the impact on local weather journalism and the potential loss of jobs at KIMT-TV.
Source: https://www.postbulletin.com/business/kimt-tv-owner-to-shift-weather-duties-to-national-hub-but-no-word-on-local-job-impacts