January 26, 2025 • 10 mins
Allen Media Group's Weather Strategy and Subsequent Reversal
Allen Media Group (AMG), owner of The Weather Channel and numerous local television stations across the United States, initially announced a plan to eliminate nearly all local meteorologist positions at its stations.
Viewer and Staff Backlash:
- Public Outcry: The announcement was met with swift and intense backlash from viewers, who expressed concerns about the loss of local expertise and the impact on severe weather coverage. Viewers described the plan as "greedy," "ridiculous," and "damn cheap."
- Concerns about Public Safety: Emily Pike, a former meteorologist at WSIL-TV 3, stated, “Local meteorologists are being replaced, which could pose serious risks, especially during severe weather events.” This speaks to a more general fear that "hubbed" weather forecasts would be insufficient during crises.
- Loss of Local Expertise: Viewers and some media critics argued that local meteorologists have a deeper understanding of local weather patterns, geography, and community needs, making them more effective during severe weather. As one meteorologist noted: “We know the area. We know how to forecast for the area. We know the ins and outs of hyper-local weather.”
- Impact on Local News and Journalism:
- Loss of Localism: The decision to remove local meteorologists was seen as a blow to localism in media, removing a key aspect that draws viewers to local stations. One source noted that "cutting local meteorologists 'will reduce viewership and station app use, probably in every Allen market,' not to mention driving away advertisers."
- Centralization Trend: AMG's actions were part of a broader trend of media consolidation and centralization, with other station groups such as Sinclair, CBS, and Gray Media making similar cost-cutting decisions.
- Public Service Obligation: The action was seen by some as a dereliction of duty, since "broadcast stations carry an FCC license that requires some responsibility to operate in the public interest."AMG's Reversal and Uncertain Future:
- Pause on Layoffs: Due to the backlash, AMG has reportedly hit pause on its plan to lay off meteorologists and outsource coverage to The Weather Channel. As one source reports: "Allen Media Group is reportedly reversing its controversial plan to ax local meteorologists and replace them with a Weather Channel feed after facing heated backlash from loyal viewers".Stations Affected (Partial List):
- WJRT (Flint, MI)
- WSIL-TV 3 (Carterville, IL)
- WEVV (Evansville, IN)
- KWWL (Waterloo, IA)
- KIMT (Rochester, MN/Mason City, IA)
- KEZI (Eugene, OR)
- KDRV/KDKF (Medford, OR)
- KHSL/KNVN (Chico / Redding, CA)
- WTHI (Terre Haute, IN)
- WLFI (West Lafayette, IN)
- WFFT (Fort Wayne, IN)
- WAAY (Huntsville, AL)
- KADN (Lafayette, LA)
- KITV/KIKU (Honolulu, HI)
- WAOW (Wausau, WI)
- WQOW (Eau Claire, WI)
- WKOW (Madison, WI)
- WXOW (La Crosse, WI)
- KVOA (Tucson, AZ)
- WREX (Rockford, IL)
- WCOV (Montgomery, AL)
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome back to Meteorology Matters.
(00:02):
You know, we love diving into all things weather here,
but today, today's topic is a little different.
Yeah, a bit more behind the scenes
than our usual deep dives into like,
you know, the science of storms and stuff.
Exactly, we're talking about the people
who bring you your daily dose of weather wisdom,
those local meteorologists you see on the news every night.
Ah, yeah, the folks who brave green screens
(00:24):
and crazy hair to keep us informed
about the latest heat wave or blizzard.
You know it, but get this Alan Media Group,
the company that owns a whole bunch of local stations,
Andy, the Weather Channel,
well, they almost pulled the plug
on almost all their local meteorologists.
Well, hold on really, that's a pretty big deal.
It was a huge shakeup in the weather world.
Their initial plan was basically to centralize everything.
(00:46):
So beaming out forecasts from the Weather Channel HQ
in Atlanta, like a one size fits all weather report
for the entire country?
Pretty much, they were talking about these regional
weather hubs using prerecorded segments
and maybe even having some local meteorologists
relocate to Atlanta.
I can see how that could be appealing
from a cost saving perspective,
but wouldn't that mean sacrificing that local expertise?
(01:09):
That's exactly what viewers were worried about.
Think about it, you're used to seeing
your trusted local meteorologist
who knows your area inside and out.
The one who can tell you if that creek
always floods after a heavy rain
or which neighborhoods get hit hardest by lake effect snow.
Right, and suddenly it's someone miles away
who might not even know how to pronounce
half the town names in your region.
Yeah, that would be a little jarring,
(01:29):
especially during severe weather,
when you need someone who understands
the specific risks in your area.
And viewers were not happy about it.
Let me tell you, the backlash was intense.
People took to social media, flooded the comments sections,
even threatened to broycott the stations.
It sounds like they really underestimated
that connection viewers have with their local meteorologists.
(01:50):
They definitely did.
People were calling the move,
everything from greedy and out of touch
to downright ridiculous and damn cheap.
Wow, they didn't hold back.
It's amazing how passionate people are
about their local news teams.
It really shows how much trust and value
viewers place in those familiar faces,
especially during times of crisis.
(02:11):
For sure, when a storm's bearing down on you,
you wanna hear from someone you know
and trust someone who's been there through it all before.
And you know what, all that outrage
actually made a difference.
No way, really, they backed down.
It seems so.
Reports are saying that Alan Media Group
is reversing course because of the massive outcry
those local meteorologist jobs are safe, at least for now.
(02:33):
That's incredible.
Talk about people power in action.
It's a pretty inspiring story, actually.
But before we get too deep into that,
speaking of amazing weather folks,
you gotta check out Rob Jones.
He's a meteorologist who's super passionate
about sharing his knowledge.
Oh yeah, I've seen some of his stuff online.
He's great, very engaging and informative.
He really is.
You can find him on Instagram at atmediologist
(02:54):
on TikTok at atTVMediologist
and on YouTube follow at Rob Jones Hurricane,
where you can also find the
Meteorology Matters podcast in his playlist.
Our plug noted.
Now back to this Alan Media situation.
This wasn't just some isolated incident, right?
Not at all.
It's actually part of a much bigger trend
we're seeing across the media landscape.
So other station groups are doing the same thing,
(03:15):
trying to centralize and cut costs.
Exactly.
Sinclair, CBS, Gray Media,
they've all tried similar strategies.
And it's raising some big questions
about the future of local news.
Like are we heading towards a world
where everyone gets their weather
from some generic national feed?
And what does that mean for those local meteorologists
who know their region so well?
(03:36):
Are they gonna go the way of the dinosaurs?
It's a tough question,
but it's one we need to be asking,
because this whole situation really highlights
the tension between efficiency and expertise.
Right.
And it makes you wonder too,
does this just have to sit back and accept these changes?
Or do we have a say in how local news evolves?
Well, this case with Alan Media Group
proves that we do have a voice,
(03:57):
and that speaking up can make a real difference.
It's a great reminder that local news,
especially those crucial weather updates,
is something worth fighting for.
Absolutely.
Having that familiar face deliver that information
builds a level of trust and connection
you just can't get from some faceless national feed.
It's about more than just getting the forecast.
(04:17):
It's about feeling connected to your community
and knowing that someone's got your back
when things get rough.
Kittens said it better myself.
Yeah.
But there's another layer to all of this
that we can't ignore,
and that's the rise of artificial intelligence.
AI, oh yeah, that's been shaking things up
in a lot of industries lately,
including weather forecasting.
It's getting so sophisticated
at analyzing weather patterns and making predictions.
(04:39):
It's really changing the game.
So, does that mean human meteorologists are on their way out?
Is AI gonna take over completely?
That's the million dollar question, isn't it?
It's definitely something to think about
and we'll dive deeper into it
as we continue unpacking this evolving story.
It's a wild situation for sure.
I mean, they kind of dodged a bullet this time,
but who knows what'll happen down the road.
(05:00):
Right, like are those local meteorologists jobs
really safe in the long run?
Or is this just a temporary reprieve?
Yeah, that's the big question,
especially with all this talk about AI
and how it's transforming weather forecasting.
True, but I still think there's something to be said
for having an actual human being,
someone with experience,
(05:20):
interpreting those forecasts and explaining them to viewers.
Oh, absolutely.
AI is great at crunching numbers and spotting patterns,
but it can't replace that human element,
that local knowledge and the ability to communicate
effectively with a specific audience.
Exactly, like a seasoned meteorologist can look at the data
and say, okay, this storm system is moving in,
(05:40):
but because of our unique topography
or whatever microclimate quirks
we have in this region,
it's gonna impact this neighborhood way more than that one.
And they can explain all of that in a way
that makes sense to people
who maybe aren't weather experts themselves.
Plus there's that trust factor you were talking about earlier.
People have built relationships
with their local meteorologists.
They rely on them, especially during severe weather.
(06:02):
For sure.
When there's a tornado warning or a blizzard bearing down on you,
you wanna hear from someone you know
and trust someone who's been through it all before
and understands the specific risks in your area.
Not like having a friend guide you through a storm,
instead of just some robotic voice spitting out data.
Exactly, that human connection, that empathy,
it's something AI just can't replicate, at least not yet.
(06:23):
So are you saying there's still hope
for the local meteorologists that their jobs aren't doomed?
I think so, yeah, I mean,
this whole Alan Media situation shows
that viewers really value that local expertise
and that personal connection.
So maybe that loyalty will be enough
to save their jobs in the end.
It's definitely a factor that media companies
need to consider because alienating your viewers
(06:44):
is not exactly a recipe for success.
But let's be real, technology, IS, advancing rapidly
and AI, IS getting more sophisticated every day.
So how do we balance that progress
with the need for human expertise?
That's the million dollar question, isn't it?
I mean, instead of viewing AI as a threat,
maybe we should see it as a tool,
something that can actually enhance the work
(07:06):
that human meteorologists do.
I like that perspective.
So it's not about AI versus humans,
it's about finding ways to make them work together.
Exactly.
Imagine a future where AI handles all the heavy lifting,
the data analysis, the initial predictions,
and then the human meteorologists step in
to interpret that information for their specific region
and communicate it effectively to their viewers.
(07:28):
That's actually a really cool vision.
It's like a partnership where technology
and human expertise combine to create something even better.
Right, it's about leveraging the strengths of both
to deliver the most accurate, timely
and engaging weather information possible.
I'm all for that.
I mean, at the end of the day,
the goal is to keep people informed and safe, right?
Absolutely.
And whether that's achieved through AI,
(07:50):
human expertise, or some combination of both,
that's what really matters.
You know, this whole thing with Alan Media Group,
it really got me thinking about
how much we rely on local news.
Yeah, it's easy to take it for granted
until you almost lose it.
Right.
All those comments from viewers
calling the move greedy and ridiculous,
it showed just how deeply people care
about their local news teams.
(08:11):
It's about more than just getting the information.
It's about that sense of community,
trusting those familiar faces to keep you informed,
especially when things get tough.
Exactly.
And that goes way beyond just the weather.
I mean, think about your local news anchors,
the reporters, even the sportscasters.
They become like part of the family almost.
You see them every day.
They share your concerns, celebrate local victories,
(08:33):
and they're right there with you
during those difficult times.
It's that shared experience
that makes local news so valuable.
And especially these days,
with so much information overload online,
a lot of it questionable.
Oh, totally.
You need that source.
You can rely on a place to get
accurate and unbiased information.
Local news is like that anchor.
It grounds us in reality,
amidst all the noise and chaos.
(08:55):
And that's why this trend of media companies
consolidating and cutting local jobs is so concerning,
it risks weakening that vital connection
between local news and the communities they serve.
It's like trailing in a home-cooked meal
for some processed, factory-made stuff.
Sure, it might be cheaper,
but it lacks that personal touch, that unique flavor.
And in the case of local news, that flavor is trust.
(09:18):
The kind of trust that's built over years
of being part of a community,
understanding its unique needs and concerns.
So where do we go from here?
How do we balance the financial realities
of the media world with the need
for strong local journalism?
That's the challenge, isn't it?
Maybe the answer lies in finding creative ways
to use technology like AI
without sacrificing that human element,
(09:39):
that local expertise.
It's a conversation we need to keep having, for sure.
As we wrap up this deep dive
into the world of local meteorology,
one thing is crystal clear, viewer voices matter.
They absolutely do.
The passionate response to Alan Media Group's initial plan
proved that people are invested in their local news
and the people who bring it to them.
It's a powerful reminder that we as viewers
(10:00):
have a say in how the media evolves.
By supporting local journalism,
engaging in these discussions
and demanding quality reporting,
we can help ensure that it continues to thrive.
And as technology keeps advancing,
hopefully we'll find ways to harness its power
while still preserving that human touch
that makes local news so essential.
That's a great point to end on.
(10:21):
Thanks for joining us on this episode
of Meteorology Matters.
And remember, if you wanna stay up to date
on all things weather, make sure to follow Rob Jones.
He's a fantastic meteorologist who's a wealth of information.
Yeah, he's great, definitely worth a follow.
You can find him on Instagram at meteorologistuntiktock
at TV Meteorologist.
And on YouTube, follow at Rob Jones Hurricane,
where you can also find meteorology matters
(10:42):
in his podcast playlist.
Until next time, stay informed, stay engaged,
and most importantly, stay curious.
Welcome back to Meteorology Matters.
(00:02):
You know, we love diving into all things weather here,
but today, today's topic is a little different.
Yeah, a bit more behind the scenes
than our usual deep dives into like,
you know, the science of storms and stuff.
Exactly, we're talking about the people
who bring you your daily dose of weather wisdom,
those local meteorologists you see on the news every night.
Ah, yeah, the folks who brave green screens
(00:24):
and crazy hair to keep us informed
about the latest heat wave or blizzard.
You know it, but get this Alan Media Group,
the company that owns a whole bunch of local stations,
Andy, the Weather Channel,
well, they almost pulled the plug
on almost all their local meteorologists.
Well, hold on really, that's a pretty big deal.
It was a huge shakeup in the weather world.
Their initial plan was basically to centralize everything.
(00:46):
So beaming out forecasts from the Weather Channel HQ
in Atlanta, like a one size fits all weather report
for the entire country?
Pretty much, they were talking about these regional
weather hubs using prerecorded segments
and maybe even having some local meteorologists
relocate to Atlanta.
I can see how that could be appealing
from a cost saving perspective,
but wouldn't that mean sacrificing that local expertise?
(01:09):
That's exactly what viewers were worried about.
Think about it, you're used to seeing
your trusted local meteorologist
who knows your area inside and out.
The one who can tell you if that creek
always floods after a heavy rain
or which neighborhoods get hit hardest by lake effect snow.
Right, and suddenly it's someone miles away
who might not even know how to pronounce
half the town names in your region.
Yeah, that would be a little jarring,
(01:29):
especially during severe weather,
when you need someone who understands
the specific risks in your area.
And viewers were not happy about it.
Let me tell you, the backlash was intense.
People took to social media, flooded the comments sections,
even threatened to broycott the stations.
It sounds like they really underestimated
that connection viewers have with their local meteorologists.
(01:50):
They definitely did.
People were calling the move,
everything from greedy and out of touch
to downright ridiculous and damn cheap.
Wow, they didn't hold back.
It's amazing how passionate people are
about their local news teams.
It really shows how much trust and value
viewers place in those familiar faces,
especially during times of crisis.
(02:11):
For sure, when a storm's bearing down on you,
you wanna hear from someone you know
and trust someone who's been there through it all before.
And you know what, all that outrage
actually made a difference.
No way, really, they backed down.
It seems so.
Reports are saying that Alan Media Group
is reversing course because of the massive outcry
those local meteorologist jobs are safe, at least for now.
(02:33):
That's incredible.
Talk about people power in action.
It's a pretty inspiring story, actually.
But before we get too deep into that,
speaking of amazing weather folks,
you gotta check out Rob Jones.
He's a meteorologist who's super passionate
about sharing his knowledge.
Oh yeah, I've seen some of his stuff online.
He's great, very engaging and informative.
He really is.
You can find him on Instagram at atmediologist
(02:54):
on TikTok at atTVMediologist
and on YouTube follow at Rob Jones Hurricane,
where you can also find the
Meteorology Matters podcast in his playlist.
Our plug noted.
Now back to this Alan Media situation.
This wasn't just some isolated incident, right?
Not at all.
It's actually part of a much bigger trend
we're seeing across the media landscape.
So other station groups are doing the same thing,
(03:15):
trying to centralize and cut costs.
Exactly.
Sinclair, CBS, Gray Media,
they've all tried similar strategies.
And it's raising some big questions
about the future of local news.
Like are we heading towards a world
where everyone gets their weather
from some generic national feed?
And what does that mean for those local meteorologists
who know their region so well?
(03:36):
Are they gonna go the way of the dinosaurs?
It's a tough question,
but it's one we need to be asking,
because this whole situation really highlights
the tension between efficiency and expertise.
Right.
And it makes you wonder too,
does this just have to sit back and accept these changes?
Or do we have a say in how local news evolves?
Well, this case with Alan Media Group
proves that we do have a voice,
(03:57):
and that speaking up can make a real difference.
It's a great reminder that local news,
especially those crucial weather updates,
is something worth fighting for.
Absolutely.
Having that familiar face deliver that information
builds a level of trust and connection
you just can't get from some faceless national feed.
It's about more than just getting the forecast.
(04:17):
It's about feeling connected to your community
and knowing that someone's got your back
when things get rough.
Kittens said it better myself.
Yeah.
But there's another layer to all of this
that we can't ignore,
and that's the rise of artificial intelligence.
AI, oh yeah, that's been shaking things up
in a lot of industries lately,
including weather forecasting.
It's getting so sophisticated
at analyzing weather patterns and making predictions.
(04:39):
It's really changing the game.
So, does that mean human meteorologists are on their way out?
Is AI gonna take over completely?
That's the million dollar question, isn't it?
It's definitely something to think about
and we'll dive deeper into it
as we continue unpacking this evolving story.
It's a wild situation for sure.
I mean, they kind of dodged a bullet this time,
but who knows what'll happen down the road.
(05:00):
Right, like are those local meteorologists jobs
really safe in the long run?
Or is this just a temporary reprieve?
Yeah, that's the big question,
especially with all this talk about AI
and how it's transforming weather forecasting.
True, but I still think there's something to be said
for having an actual human being,
someone with experience,
(05:20):
interpreting those forecasts and explaining them to viewers.
Oh, absolutely.
AI is great at crunching numbers and spotting patterns,
but it can't replace that human element,
that local knowledge and the ability to communicate
effectively with a specific audience.
Exactly, like a seasoned meteorologist can look at the data
and say, okay, this storm system is moving in,
(05:40):
but because of our unique topography
or whatever microclimate quirks
we have in this region,
it's gonna impact this neighborhood way more than that one.
And they can explain all of that in a way
that makes sense to people
who maybe aren't weather experts themselves.
Plus there's that trust factor you were talking about earlier.
People have built relationships
with their local meteorologists.
They rely on them, especially during severe weather.
(06:02):
For sure.
When there's a tornado warning or a blizzard bearing down on you,
you wanna hear from someone you know
and trust someone who's been through it all before
and understands the specific risks in your area.
Not like having a friend guide you through a storm,
instead of just some robotic voice spitting out data.
Exactly, that human connection, that empathy,
it's something AI just can't replicate, at least not yet.
(06:23):
So are you saying there's still hope
for the local meteorologists that their jobs aren't doomed?
I think so, yeah, I mean,
this whole Alan Media situation shows
that viewers really value that local expertise
and that personal connection.
So maybe that loyalty will be enough
to save their jobs in the end.
It's definitely a factor that media companies
need to consider because alienating your viewers
(06:44):
is not exactly a recipe for success.
But let's be real, technology, IS, advancing rapidly
and AI, IS getting more sophisticated every day.
So how do we balance that progress
with the need for human expertise?
That's the million dollar question, isn't it?
I mean, instead of viewing AI as a threat,
maybe we should see it as a tool,
something that can actually enhance the work
(07:06):
that human meteorologists do.
I like that perspective.
So it's not about AI versus humans,
it's about finding ways to make them work together.
Exactly.
Imagine a future where AI handles all the heavy lifting,
the data analysis, the initial predictions,
and then the human meteorologists step in
to interpret that information for their specific region
and communicate it effectively to their viewers.
(07:28):
That's actually a really cool vision.
It's like a partnership where technology
and human expertise combine to create something even better.
Right, it's about leveraging the strengths of both
to deliver the most accurate, timely
and engaging weather information possible.
I'm all for that.
I mean, at the end of the day,
the goal is to keep people informed and safe, right?
Absolutely.
And whether that's achieved through AI,
(07:50):
human expertise, or some combination of both,
that's what really matters.
You know, this whole thing with Alan Media Group,
it really got me thinking about
how much we rely on local news.
Yeah, it's easy to take it for granted
until you almost lose it.
Right.
All those comments from viewers
calling the move greedy and ridiculous,
it showed just how deeply people care
about their local news teams.
(08:11):
It's about more than just getting the information.
It's about that sense of community,
trusting those familiar faces to keep you informed,
especially when things get tough.
Exactly.
And that goes way beyond just the weather.
I mean, think about your local news anchors,
the reporters, even the sportscasters.
They become like part of the family almost.
You see them every day.
They share your concerns, celebrate local victories,
(08:33):
and they're right there with you
during those difficult times.
It's that shared experience
that makes local news so valuable.
And especially these days,
with so much information overload online,
a lot of it questionable.
Oh, totally.
You need that source.
You can rely on a place to get
accurate and unbiased information.
Local news is like that anchor.
It grounds us in reality,
amidst all the noise and chaos.
(08:55):
And that's why this trend of media companies
consolidating and cutting local jobs is so concerning,
it risks weakening that vital connection
between local news and the communities they serve.
It's like trailing in a home-cooked meal
for some processed, factory-made stuff.
Sure, it might be cheaper,
but it lacks that personal touch, that unique flavor.
And in the case of local news, that flavor is trust.
(09:18):
The kind of trust that's built over years
of being part of a community,
understanding its unique needs and concerns.
So where do we go from here?
How do we balance the financial realities
of the media world with the need
for strong local journalism?
That's the challenge, isn't it?
Maybe the answer lies in finding creative ways
to use technology like AI
without sacrificing that human element,
(09:39):
that local expertise.
It's a conversation we need to keep having, for sure.
As we wrap up this deep dive
into the world of local meteorology,
one thing is crystal clear, viewer voices matter.
They absolutely do.
The passionate response to Alan Media Group's initial plan
proved that people are invested in their local news
and the people who bring it to them.
It's a powerful reminder that we as viewers
(10:00):
have a say in how the media evolves.
By supporting local journalism,
engaging in these discussions
and demanding quality reporting,
we can help ensure that it continues to thrive.
And as technology keeps advancing,
hopefully we'll find ways to harness its power
while still preserving that human touch
that makes local news so essential.
That's a great point to end on.
(10:21):
Thanks for joining us on this episode
of Meteorology Matters.
And remember, if you wanna stay up to date
on all things weather, make sure to follow Rob Jones.
He's a fantastic meteorologist who's a wealth of information.
Yeah, he's great, definitely worth a follow.
You can find him on Instagram at meteorologistuntiktock
at TV Meteorologist.
And on YouTube, follow at Rob Jones Hurricane,
where you can also find meteorology matters
(10:42):
in his podcast playlist.
Until next time, stay informed, stay engaged,
and most importantly, stay curious.
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