Larry Handley, the WCPO meteorologist who left the station Friday, told fellow staffers in his goodbye email he was not happy at the Cincinnati ABC affiliate.
“Recently, Channel 9 has become a very dark place for me,” Handley wrote in the email. “Nearly every day was heavy and bleak and that is no way to spend so many hours week after week.”
The Cincinnati Enquirer‘s John Kiesewetter who first posted the email, reports Handley left after his contract had not been renewed after 15 years at the station.
His exit, coupled with the departure of meteorologist Sarah Walters earlier this month, means Channel 9 has lost half of its weather staff during the July ratings “sweeps” while looking to replace main news co-anchor Clyde Gray, who retires in August.
Handley could not be reached for comment. General manager Jeff Brogan said Channel 9 doesn’t comment on personnel matters, and added: “We appreciate Larry’s time spent at WCPO and wish him the very best.”
Here is the entire email as posted by the Enquirer:
Don’t get me wrong. I am a little nervous at times when I think too much but my days are infinitely brighter and more promising.
It is over.
My most recent 15 years with WCPO and, potentially, my 25 years of uninterrupted service as a television meteorologist are over. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier or more excited.
Recently, Channel 9 has become a very dark place for me. Nearly every day was heavy and bleak and that is no way to spend so many hours week after week.
Don’t get me wrong. I am a little nervous at times when I think too much but my days are infinitely brighter and more promising.
The kindness that has been shared through cards and letters and emails has been a bit overwhelming. It is all way too generous. Forgive me, but this time I am going to accept every single word. I will hold them close. Bask in them. Cherish them. Thank you so very much.
Some of you have asked what I will be doing. I really don’t have a solid answer. I am going to rest. I am going to sleep in past 1:30 am. I am going to spend some much needed time with my family during normal hours. I am going to attend to some projects around my house that I never had time to get to. Then, I am going to start doing what I love – what my heart is telling me to do – telling great stories. If that intrigues you, friend request me on my personal Facebook page and you can watch it happen.
I am thrilled to start writing this chapter of my life with no preconceived outcome but I will miss so many of you. I’m sure there will be a sense of emptiness for a while not seeing certain folks on a daily basis. I hope you know who you are. I sincerely apologize if you don’t because you deserve to know. You have been very special in my life. I will regularly pray for you and for Channel 9 as a whole. I want it to succeed for you. I know how important it is and how you depend on it.
I am a man of ruthless trust and faith. It is an excruciatingly hard road to travel but it always leads me right to where I need to be. Even now. So, I will leave you with this. Jeremiah 29-11. Believing this truth has carried me through some very difficult times when I felt helpless and defeated. It will do the same for you.
Blessing,
Larry