Happy Friday to all who celebrate! In this week’s edition of stories we didn’t get to for one reason or another, we see the usual comings and goings that are part of life at a local station. We also see that the Grand Rapids station that told its staff to ease off on reporting about Pride Month has fired its news director.
Let’s get started:
Nexstar Media Group has fired one of its Michigan-based television news directors who orchestrated a memo urging reporters under his watch to lessen their coverage of Pride Month events because the stories were upsetting some viewers.
On Thursday, WOOD in Grand Rapids, Michigan fired news director Stanton Tang during a one-on-one meeting with the station’s general manager, Julie Brinks, following a two-week investigation by executives at Nexstar over whether the memo violated corporate policy. Click here for more.
The Chicago Bears and WFLD announced today Fox 32 will remain the broadcast home of the Bears in a multi-year deal. Under this deal, FOX 32 will continue to broadcast the Chicago Bears preseason games as well as produce hours of original programming each week throughout the football season.
Matt Piacente, Fox 32 vice president and news director added, “Fox 32 is thrilled to continue our amazing partnership and remain the Home of the Bears. We understand the enthusiasm of Bears fans and are committed to providing them with the premium coverage they demand.”
WTOC in Savannah, Georgia hired a digital anchor and reporter Simone McKenny. Click here to see the video.
WGAL reporter Kate Merriman shared posts on her social media pages on July 4 that she was no longer working with the Lancaster, Pennsylvania station and was “honored” to have the opportunity to work there. Click here for the story.
Lauren Crawford is joining CBS News Texas KTVT Dallas-Fort Worth as a morning reporter in July 2023. Click here to read about it.
Fox Weather, Fox News Media’s free ad-supported streaming television (“FAST”) weather service, has signed meteorologist Bob Van Dillen as on-air host, announced its president Sharri Berg. Most recently, Van Dillen was the meteorologist for HLN’s Morning Express with Robin Meade. He will begin his new role on July 10th and will be based at Fox Weather headquarters in New York City.
In making the announcement, Berg said, “We are thrilled to welcome Bob and his experience in the field, combined with his years as co-host on a national show. His relatability and conversation-focused style is a perfect fit for Fox Weather and the Fox Weather team.”
Kevin Kalia has been named director of engineering for WCVB Channel 5, Hearst Television’s flagship station and Boston’s News and Community leader. Kalia’s appointment was announced by Kyle I. Grimes, WCVB president and general manager, and is effective on Monday, July 10.
“Kevin is an extremely talented broadcast executive who has been an invaluable member of the Hearst Television team for many years,” said Grimes when making the announcement. “Kevin’s diverse leadership experience in the broadcast industry allows him a unique vantage point, and his dedication to mentorship perfectly aligns with WCVB’s commitment to public service. We are excited to welcome Kevin to WCVB’s management team and know he will be a tremendous addition to the Channel 5 family.”
You may have seen the video online of a man taking a swing at a KEYE meteorologist in a road rage altercation. Austin, Texas morning meteorologist Avery Tomasco posted the video to show how volatile these interactions can be and to vouch for dash cams.
“It was a sucker punch,” said Avery. He still seems a little shaken up by this punch caught on dash cam video this week. Click here for more.