Allen Media Group Reverses Plan That Was Set To Terminate Or Reassign Nearly 100 Local Meteorologists Following Backlash

Allen Media Group has decided not to proceed with its initial plan to terminate or reassign nearly 100 local meteorologists following significant public outrage.

As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the media company owned by Byron Allen planned to eliminate meteorologists at over 36 local television stations and replace them with pre-recorded forecasts from a hub of The Weather Channel, which was acquired for $300 million in 2018. 

However, on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, NewsCast Studio reported that the media company reversed the decision aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs.

“While not all staff and meteorologists are safe, a majority will remain in their roles. Earlier today, employees were informed of their termination dates, but this afternoon they were told, ‘Allen will no longer hub the weather from Atlanta, and your job is still there,'” meteorologist Emily Pike of WMTW in Westbrook, ME, wrote on Facebook.

WAAY in Huntsville, AL, and WTVA in Tupelo, MS, are two stations that will retain their local meteorology teams. WTVA noted that the changes were “mostly reversed,” per Newscast.

WTVA credited calls, emails, and messages from viewers, influencing the company’s decision to maintain its weather team. At WAAY, General Manager Mike Wright noted that while the local team would remain in place, the station would collaborate with The Weather Channel.

“This decision was about keeping local meteorologists who have a deeper understanding of the unique weather patterns and challenges of our region,” Wright said, according to NewsCast.

With the Atlanta hub still planned, it’s unclear how the reversal will impact those already terminated under the original plan.

In a news release on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, Allen Media announced the upcoming rollout of a “groundbreaking” initiative that combines “world-class meteorological expertise, cutting-edge technology, and the most advanced forecasting tools” to provide weather content to local television station audiences, AFROTECH™ noted.

“We are proud to announce that Allen Media Group is leveraging the full resources and expertise of The Weather Channel to make our local weather news the very best,” said Tom O’Brien, Weather Group/The Weather Channel president. “We are 100% committed to delivering next-level weather news to our local television stations 24/7.”

Led by Carl Parker, a storm and climate specialist with 20 years of experience at The Weather Channel, the initiative would see some local meteorologists transition to the hub. While the forecasts will be pre-recorded, meteorologists will deploy during specific weather events.

“Severe weather coverage remains a top priority, and the new format will dramatically improve reporting capabilities, especially in high-stakes weather situations,” the announcement said. “This initiative aims to transform the way local weather is reported, ensuring the most accurate, timely, and engaging forecasts for communities across the country.”