Hank Allen (pictured) has been promoted to chief meteorologist at WGNO, the ABC affiliate in New Orleans. Allen’s new role is effective January 1.
“Hank has been an integral part of our weather team. Hank doesn’t scare viewers with doomsday weather forecasts,” news director Rick Erbach said in a statement. “He’s a straight shooter and he does what it takes to calmly walk viewers through severe weather events.”
Allen, who joined the station in 2007, will continue in his role as the meteorologist for the morning and 11 a.m. newscasts. He replaces Bruce Katz, who left WGNO for rival WVUE last month.
WGNO also announced the hire of meteorologist Jeff Robbins. Robbins moves to New Orleans from Harrisburg, Pa., where he worked at Fox affiliate WPMT. He begins December 2 as the meteorologist for “News with a Twist,” WGNO’s 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts, and the 10 p.m. newscast.
“Jeff engages viewers with his positive personality. He’s a great new addition to our WGNO-News with a Twist staff,” Erbach said.