New OCM: Steve MacLaughlin

[Spring Rubber]

I tuned into First Outlook today, only to discover the debut of a new OCM, Steve MacLaughlin. The only thing I can find about him is that he worked for KXAS in Dallas until January 2010, when he opted to not renew his contract in favor of searching for new job opportunities out east.

This is a pretty surprising move considering that TWC already hired Maria LaRosa, and it's only a matter of time before she comes back from maternity leave. TWC already has too many OCMs for its shortened live programming schedule as it is, so does this mean that some veteran OCMs might be leaving soon? I guess time will tell, but I'm a little concerned.

[Mike M]

Either that, or the vet OCMs will be sent out more often do to more long-form.

[jtmal0723]

They're probably hiring more OCMs for the anticipation of a more active hurricane season.

[Spring Rubber]

They're probably hiring more OCMs for the anticipation of a more active hurricane season.

What do you do after hurricane season? Lay OCMs off?

[Anistorm]

I have a slight feeling we might see some layoffs by the end of hurricane season. I feel it's too much. Plus, we still haven't got to see Maria yet, even though she's still on leave.

Besides, they're cutting off live programming.. so why add more?

[TWCmatthew]

In the past few years, TWC has dropped several good meteorologists, such as Dave Schwartz, for one. TWC was probably paying them too much money, so they were laid off. Now, TWC doesn't have to pay new meteorologists as much, so thats a way to pay off the Bob Stokes lawsuit, and set money aside for new technology.

[WeatherWitness]

What, what??? I like Steve M...I think he's a great meteorologist and am sad he left the KXAS NBC 5 station here in Dallas. Had no idea he would end up on TWC, though.

[Al]

it was a trade for Jennifer Lopez! 

[TWCToday]

In the past few years, TWC has dropped several good meteorologists, such as Dave Schwartz, for one. TWC was probably paying them too much money, so they were laid off. Now, TWC doesn't have to pay new meteorologists as much, so thats a way to pay off the Bob Stokes lawsuit, and set money aside for new technology.

I believe a reorganization (encouraged by NBC) forced TWC to drastically cut costs. OCMs and a lot of behind the scene folks were cut. Its becoming clear they cut their on air staff too low and have to hire new people.

[beanboy89]

it was a trade for Jennifer Lopez! 

That's exactly what I was thinking, too.

[WeatherWitness]

Are all (or most) of these new OCMs coming from local NBC weather stations (or some NBC-affiliated company)?

[wxntrafficfan]

Are all (or most) of these new OCMs coming from local NBC weather stations (or some NBC-affiliated company)?

Yeah, that's the general idea apparently. TWC has featured live shots from (and mentioned) KXAS many a time, so I am not at all surprised to see someone from that station coming on-board.

[Tyler]

Yeah, that's the general idea apparently. TWC has featured live shots from (and mentioned) KXAS many a time, so I am not at all surprised to see someone from that station coming on-board.

Well I would hope they are getting live reports from NBC affiliates and not CBS or ABC affiliates since after all they are owned by NBC.

I believe that when NBC took ownership, TWC discontinued any agreements with non-NBC affiliates.

[Spring Rubber]

I believe that when NBC took ownership, TWC discontinued any agreements with non-NBC affiliates.

Although that took a while to do. I guess their reorganization in that sense took some time to complete.

[Zach]

I believe that when NBC took ownership, TWC discontinued any agreements with non-NBC affiliates.

I can back that statement up by the fact that prior to the purchase, TWC showed shots of Downtown Tampa courtesy of WTVT, our Fox affiliate. Today, shots come from WFLA, our NBC affiliate.