Allen Media, which owns over 20 TV stations in 13 states, is making major staffing changes by laying off meteorologists at its stations across the country.
The company, which owns one station in Minnesota, one in Iowa , and several in Wisconsin , has decided to centralize its weather forecasting operations. Instead of employing local weather personnel, Allen Media will now rely on staff from The Weather Channel in Atlanta, Georgia, to provide forecasts for these stations.
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Here are the Allen Media-owned stations in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin:
Minnesota:
- Rochester , Minnesota : KIMT (CBS/MyNetworkTV)
Iowa:
- Waterloo–Cedar Rapids, Iowa: KWWL (NBC)
Wisconsin:
- La Crosse–Eau Claire, Wisconsin: WXOW (ABC)
- La Crosse–Eau Claire, Wisconsin: WQOW (ABC)
- Madison, Wisconsin: WKOW (ABC)
- Wausau–Crandon, Wisconsin: WAOW (ABC)
- Wausau–Crandon, Wisconsin: WMOW (Catchy Comedy/ABC)
It’s unclear if all or exactly how many meteorologists will be laid off, but NewsCast Studio estimates that nearly 100 staff members could lose their jobs.
Allen Media Cuts TV Meteorologists: What Viewers in MN, IA, WI Can Expect
The impact of centralizing weather services on local weather coverage is still unknown. However, KRON published a press release stating: “This innovative partnership based at The Weather Channel’s Atlanta headquarters brings together world-class meteorological expertise, cutting-edge technology, and the most advanced forecasting tools to deliver superior weather content to local television station audiences.”
The company also emphasized, “Severe weather coverage remains a top priority, and the new format will dramatically improve reporting capabilities, especially in high-stakes weather situations.”…