Update: Tegna has confirmed to Cord Cutters News that Tegna stations will keep local meteorologists but will also use national multi-market meteorologists. This will allow these out-of-market meteorologists to fill in with breaking weather news, cover vacations, and more to keep coverage going instead of needing multiple backup meteorologists in each market. Also, online weather coverage in some markets will also come from national meteorologists, like YouTube videos or videos on their websites.
In a move aimed at reducing operational expenses, Tegna, one of the largest owners of local television stations in the United States, has started to add national meteorologists in several markets. Now, well, Tegna will keep local meteorologists, but it will use national meteorologists to fill in and expand coverage with one meteorologist covering multiple markets. This cost-saving strategy is expected to impact dozens of affiliates across major networks, including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, potentially altering the landscape of local news broadcasting. It will allow one staff member to cover multiple markets all at once, cutting costs vs paying for an additional local meteorologist in each market to cover vacations and to have additional staff on hand to cover breaking weather events.
The decision comes as Tegna grapples with rising costs in the media industry, including competition from digital streaming services and declining traditional advertising revenues many TV stations have. It also comes as Nexstar is moving to buy Tegna.
This was confirmed by Meteorologist Ryan Shoptaugh, posting on Facebook saying that “Career update: I’ll be stepping into a new role within the company in January! Remaining based at KENS in San Antonio, I’ll serve as a Multi-Market Meteorologist – helping cover weather across Texas and cities throughout the South.”
This announcement echoes a recent controversy in the industry involving Allen Media Group, another prominent media conglomerate. Earlier this year, Allen Media Group had outlined intentions to dismiss all its local meteorologists across its portfolio of stations and integrate weather content directly from The Weather Channel, a network it owns. The plan was designed to leverage The Weather Channel’s national expertise and infrastructure for cost efficiency. However, it sparked widespread backlash from viewers, journalists, and advocacy groups who argued that it would erode the trust and reliability of local news. Concerns centered on the potential for generic, one-size-fits-all reporting that might overlook specific community needs, such as school closures during inclement weather or evacuation routes in flood-prone areas.
In response to the outpouring of negative feedback, including petitions and social media campaigns, Allen Media Group ultimately reversed course. The company decided to retain its local weather teams, acknowledging the value of on-the-ground expertise in maintaining audience loyalty. That reversal highlighted the risks of such consolidations, as local news outlets often serve as lifelines during emergencies, providing real-time updates that national services cannot match.
Yet, the move raises questions about the future of localism in broadcasting. Federal regulations, enforced by the Federal Communications Commission, emphasize the importance of serving local interests, but they do not explicitly mandate in-market meteorologists. As a result, Tegna’s strategy might set a trend for other media groups facing similar financial strains.
Overall, Tegna’s pivot underscores the ongoing tension between profitability and public service in local media. As the industry evolves, balancing these priorities will be critical to preserving the role of television stations as trusted community anchors.
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Update #2: We updated the story to remove the mention that this could allow staffing cuts, as Tenga says they are adding staff in local markets.