KVOA Faces Local Weathercaster Exodus as National Chain Shuts Down Stations Nationwide

Allen Media Group, which owns Tucson’s Channel 4 KVOA, is streamlining its weather operations by reducing the number of local meteorologists across the country. The consolidation will shift responsibilities to the Weather Channel hub in Atlanta, prompting questions about how localized forecasts and emergency alerts will be managed nationwide.

KVOA currently employs four weathercasters: Matt Brode, Daniel McFarland, Dee Cortez, and Isabella Fredrickson. Details regarding the operational changes and their implementation remain unspecified, raising concerns about forecasting accuracy in various regions ranging from California to Wisconsin. Founded by billionaire Byron Allen, the media conglomerate controls over 30 broadcast stations, alongside the Weather Channel.

In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to delivering “accurate, timely, and engaging forecasts” by transforming local weather coverage. A groundbreaking format for this initiative is expected to debut across AMB’s local television markets in 2025, incorporating an advanced team supported by cutting-edge forecasting tools.

Meteorologist Carl Parker, a seasoned expert with two decades at The Weather Channel, will lead this new effort. This initiative will also feature a selection of existing local meteorologists transitioning to Atlanta to enhance the project.

KVOA’s weather department has not issued a response to media inquiries following the announcement. In previous layoffs, reports indicated that affected employees received two weeks of severance in exchange for signing non-disclosure agreements.

The Tucson station currently lists ten on-air staff members, including the four weathercasters. Brode has been with KVOA since 2013, while McFarland joined in 2019. Cortez’s tenure began in summer 2024, and Fredrickson started in June 2023.

Last year, KVOA experienced job cuts affecting about eight staff members, including veteran reporter Lupita Murillo, who concluded her 46-year career on air in June. These layoffs collectively eliminated over 150 years of experience from the station’s workforce.

Part of a nationwide cost-cutting strategy, the reductions involved approximately 300 employees from Allen Media’s 1,200 workforce. Reports suggested Allen was attempting to slash $100 million in expenses.

Acquired by Allen Media in 2021, KVOA is part of a broader portfolio that includes 30 broadcast outlets and 12 cable networks, significant among them being the Weather Channel and TheGrio, a platform tailored for African American audiences. The privately held company holds broadcast licenses for major networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox.

In a significant move, Allen Media sold KVOA’s studio property in May 2023 for $10.8 million, engaging in a sale-leaseback agreement with STORE Capital. Byron Allen has also explored major media acquisitions, including an ambitious $14 billion bid for Paramount Global and indicating interest in purchasing ABC from Disney in 2023.