Last week, we reported that Allen Media planned to replace all of its local meteorologists with syndicated weather forecasters, sparking swift and vocal backlash. Now, it appears the company may be reconsidering that decision, potentially retaining some staff members at its 22 TV stations across the U.S.

Allen Media is the parent company of Flint's ABC affiliate, WJRT-TV (Channel 12). Three local meteorologists were informed that their positions at the station would be eliminated over the next several weeks. Weather forecasts for the Flint station would be outsourced to Weather Channel staff based at a "weather hub" in Atlanta, Georgia, leaving meteorologists JR Kirtek, Kevin Goff, and Isaac Cleland without jobs.

Allen Media Reverses Course

Viewers and advertisers quickly voiced their displeasure as the media company prepared to implement its cost-cutting plan. FTV-Live, a watchdog site that covers TV and media news, reports that some advertisers have pulled their ad dollars from Allen Media stations in response to the announcement.

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Today, we're learning that Allen Media may be reconsidering its decision, which could spell good news for some staff members. It remains unclear whether this change will affect the company as a whole or if it’s limited to select stations. So far, we've confirmed that meteorologists at Allen Media stations in Tupelo, MS, and one of its Wisconsin properties will retain their positions.

What Does This Mean for ABC-12 Staff Members?

As for Kirtek, Goff, and Cleland, the future of the ABC-12 Flint weather team is still uncertain. WJRT staffers are unable to comment at this time as they wait for official communication from their employer about their potential future employment.

We did not receive a response to our request for clarification from ABC-12 General Manager Brock Rice.

This breaking story will be updated as new information becomes available.

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