
WTVJ’s chief meteorologist apparently has little over a month left in the Sunshine State. Two months ago, SFLTV was the first to report he was leaving, and heading to the Pacific Northwest. He wouldn’t (and still wont) say where, though. Portland is a possibility, as is Seattle. He has family in Oregon and Washington.
While location of his move is still tightly sealed (working on fixing that), I was able to uncover a date. His last day will most be likely May 15th. I’ve had one contradicting tip of a slightly later date, but most tips are saying the fifteenth will be his last day. This is just short of the hurricane season start day, June 1st.
From what I’m told, his replacement has not been chosen yet. Ryan Phillips and John Gerard both tested for the spot last month. But, Yvette Miley, the NBC6 news director is said to want someone young, fresh, and hip… possibly Hispanic or African American. This “new” chief meteorologist may even be doing an on-air test of his own in the coming weeks, though I’m still checking on that.
My Interview With Joel Connable
Photo Via: Joel Connable
On April 27th, Joel Connable was dismissed from WTVJ with a sea of controversy and questions following soon behind him. After much persistence, I had the chance to speak with Mr. Connable and ask him some questions about what happened at WTVJ, and what he’s doing now.
The big news is a lawsuit has been filed against NBC. Gina Cadogan of Schnall and Cadogan is representing him in this case, currently filed in Florida state court. NBC claims Mr. Connable violated NBC policy by accepting a trip free of charge, in exchange for taping a story featuring the Ritz Carlton in St. Thomas. When we asked Connable about the allegations, he said this.
“I did not solicit favors from anybody… and I am truly hurt by the allegations” Connable said.
The lawsuit claims a producer at NBC6 suggested Connable and another NBC employee shoot a story for his travel segment, called “The Departure Lounge,” while they were on the trip. The lawsuit says Connable never agreed to shoot a story and they were all going on a personal trip and not taking any NBC equipment.
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