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WEWS News 5, an ABC affiliate based in Cleveland, Ohio, made headlines on Friday following the sudden departure of longtime meteorologist Mark Johnson. Johnson, who provided essential weather updates for close to three decades, is no longer part of the station’s team.
In an official statement, the station announced the personnel change, stating, “Meteorologist Mark Johnson is no longer employed at WEWS.” This sudden news has left many viewers surprised and concerned.
Jodie Heisner, the news director at the station, confirmed to Cleveland.com that they were unable to comment further, sticking to the brief announcement released on their website.
WEWS Vice President and General Manager Steve Weinstein elaborated, emphasizing the importance of trust between the station and its audience. He stated, “News 5 and its parent company, Scripps, take protecting our audiences’ trust very seriously. We require our employees to adhere to the highest ethical standards. However, due to this being a personnel matter, we cannot provide additional details.”
Community Response to Mark Johnson’s Departure
The news of Johnson’s exit has sparked a flurry of support from his fans and followers. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment, with one viewer stating, “Well, no reason for me to ever watch WEWS 5 again!”
In response to this outpouring of support, Johnson took to Facebook to express his appreciation, noting, “I still love my News5 Family. Some great people.” This acknowledgment highlights the strong bond he formed with his audience over the years.
Another fan commented on social media, commending Johnson’s contributions to the community. They wrote, “More than anyone, you know there will be sunshine after a storm. Clevelanders stand with you… your stellar reputation cannot be tarnished and we celebrate your decades of loyalty to our community.”
The Transition at WEWS
Following Johnson’s departure, the station quickly made arrangements to fill the gap left by the beloved meteorologist. During a broadcast on Friday, fellow meteorologist Katie McGraw addressed the change by announcing she would be stepping in for Johnson. This transition reflects the station’s commitment to maintaining a knowledgeable and reliable weather team.
The recent challenges faced by the station have led to increased viewership scrutiny. Many viewers are concerned about the reasons behind Johnson’s termination as details remain scant.
Mark Johnson’s Last Broadcast
Johnson last appeared on WEWS on May 5, delivering his weather forecasts throughout the day. His absence since then has not gone unnoticed by loyal viewers who regularly tuned in to see his forecasts.
In a light-hearted post on Facebook shortly after his last appearance, Johnson commented on a small earthquake that shook Ashtabula County on Sunday. He reported, “Did You Feel It?? Small earthquake just before 11pm in Ashtabula County… Lake Erie Bluffs seismograph shows the quake here. 10:47pm near Harpersfield. Measured 2.5.” This post demonstrated his ongoing engagement with the community even after his unforeseen exit.
Looking Ahead
The sudden change in WEWS’s weather team leaves many questions about what the future holds for both Johnson and the station. While viewers eagerly await further developments, Johnson’s exit serves as a reminder of the unpredictability in the media landscape.
As local news stations navigate challenges and personnel changes, the relationship with their audiences remains crucial. Johnson’s departure marks a significant shift for WEWS and highlights the dedication of meteorologists who work tirelessly to keep the public informed.
In summary, the Cleveland community now navigates the aftermath of losing a familiar face in Mark Johnson. His legacy of delivering reliable weather forecasts and his commitment to the viewers will likely resonate for years to come.
