Amid reports of further cost cuts and layoffs, Allen Media Broadcasting announced Saturday that it would centralize its weather forecasts.
In a press release (this one was posted on the website of its San Francisco station KRON), Allen Media said it was “rolling out a revolutionary format for local weather coverage powered by The Weather Channel in local markets across the country.”
This partnership will be based at The Weather Channel’s headquarters in Atlanta and will roll out to AMB’s local television markets in 2025. It is not yet known how many people will be laid off because of this.
“We are proud to announce that Allen Media Group is leveraging all of The Weather Channel’s resources and expertise to make our local weather news the best,” said Tom O’Brienpresident of Weather Group/The Weather Channel. “We are one hundred percent committed to providing next-level weather information to our local television stations, 24/7.”
Stating that the hub will feature “immersive mixed reality and award-winning visual storytelling,” Allen Media said the team will be led by a meteorologist. Carl Parkera 20-year veteran of The Weather Channel, and will also include some of AMB’s local market meteorologists who will be transitioning to Atlanta to be part of the next-level local weather initiative.
Allen promises that by using The Weather Channel’s advanced technology, local stations will provide faster, more efficient updates while improving the viewer experience.
“Weather is the main reason people still watch local TV news,” wrote Tim Millard on LinkedIn. “Yes, the weather app on your phone can tell you the forecast for the day or week. But if a tornado or hurricane is approaching your home, you want to get live forecasts from a trusted local meteorologist who knows your community. You won’t get that local institutional knowledge from a pre-recorded forecast from someone at Weather Channel headquarters.
Weather forecasts will be sent from the Atlanta Weather Channel. These will be pre-recorded by regional meteorologists recording the results for each Allen station. Live coverage of severe weather will also come from them.
Please know that our general manager has tried everything to keep the ABC12 weather team. This was a flawless business decision in the region. Some have made comments about keeping our competitors happy – our competitors were among the first to reach out to us with only words of kindness, so stop with this nonsense.
I’m really sorry to see this happen. To my friends and colleagues, you are a valuable asset to the meteorological world and the community and I know you will land on your feet. I’m here if you need anything
Facebook post from Christine Burkhart – former meteorologist at WJRT, owned by Allen Media, in Flint, Michigan
