Spurned by Chicago’s WFLD, Amy Freeze Set to Join New York’s WABC

By Andrew Gauthier 

Amy Freeze, who was recently squeezed out as chief meteorologist of Chicago’s WFLD, is set to join New York’s WABC as a weekend weathercaster, effectively replacing the embattled Heidi Jones.

WABC is expected to announce the move this week, according to sources.

WFLD decided not to renew Freeze’s contract in February as the Fox O&O added meteorologist Bill Bellis from Phoenix’s KNXV and Tammie Souza returned to the station after a stint in Tampa.

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After leaving WFLD, Freeze said that she was “disappointed” by the station’s “unexpected” decision not renew her deal, saying that she would have liked to stay in Chicago.

As Chicago media reporter Robert Feder points out, though: “Vindication doesn’t get much sweeter than getting hired by the No. 1 station in the No. 1 market.”

>Update: WABC news director Kenny Plotnik tells FishbowlNY that Freeze will begin work on Monday, although it will be a couple of weeks until viewers see her during WABC’s weekend morning newscasts.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge that will mix in very well with our three people, in terms of understanding the weather, explaining it to our audience, and strong forecasting,” Plotnik said.

“I think she will connect very well with the audience.”

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