The Forecast Calls for Layoffs?

The Scoop: Rumors are swirling that Allen Media Group (AMG) is preparing to axe local weather departments at its TV stations by the end of Q1 (2025), centralizing operations out of The Weather Channel’s Atlanta HQ. While no official memo has leaked (please feel free to leak whatever), the move fits AMG’s reputation for cost-cutting and leveraging its marquee brands.

Byron Allen, the media mogul behind AMG, acquired The Weather Channel in 2018. Since then, it’s been an underutilized resource for his growing portfolio of local stations. If these layoffs proceed, expect The Weather Channel staff to take over forecasting for AMG’s stations - goodbye local meteorologists, hello “synergy savings.”

The Bigger Picture: Centralized weather forecasting isn’t new. Tegna and Gray Television have already transitioned to regional hubs, streamlining operations. But for viewers, losing familiar faces during severe weather coverage could erode trust—a gamble Allen Media may be willing to take for the sake of the bottom line.

To throw some facts into the mix, I checked the Weather Channel’s job openings and ‘meteorologist’ is not one of the jobs publicly listed, right now.

The News Snooze: Weather position axed? Relax. Take this moment to reflect on your career. TV pros are some of the most adaptable people out there. And let’s face it, you’re already excellent at forecasting corporate storms.

Beyond the Broadcast: If the wind blows in the other direction, Meteorologists are in high demand for industries like emergency management, climate startups, and even AI weather prediction. It’s time to explore how your skills can shine in the private sector.

Reader Engagement: Know a meteorologist who left the business? What are they up to now? We’re looking for the most fascinating career changes - whether they’re chasing storms in private aviation, crunching climate data for tech, or doing something completely unexpected. Spill the tea.