Eastern Iowans who depend on accurate local weather will have one fewer choice in a few months.
Ad Week and numerous other sources are reporting that Allen Media announced over the weekend that it will begin to hub its weather forecasts. What does that mean? Allen Media owns and operates 22 TV stations across the country, including KWWL NBC Channel 7 in Eastern Iowa. Allen Media also owns The Weather Channel. Ad Week reports that Allen Media plans to roll out a “groundbreaking format for local weather coverage powered by The Weather Channel across local markets nationwide.” What does that mean for the hundreds of local meteorologists? It means they’re out of a job.
Ad Week notes that weather forecasts will be sent from The Weather Channel in Atlanta. They will be pre-recorded by regional meteorologists for each Allen Media station. Live severe weather coverage will also come from them. This is the latest cost-cutting move by Allen Media according to Ad Week…