New OCM: Steve MacLaughlin

[Tyler]

Yeah, prior to the deal, TWC used live shots courtesy of KDKA (CBS) and KDKA reporters during severe weather events in the Pittsburgh area. Now they always use the WPXI (NBC) towercam.

[TWCToday]

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.

I could have sworn I saw some ABC affiliate in the past but perhaps I was wrong.

[Stephen]

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.

Maybe this means they'll increase the programming schedule... although at this point in time it's too much to hope for. :meh:

TWC will just be shooting themselves in the foot again if they lay off anymore OCMs. Although given the trend, that's actually not too unlikely.

[TWCToday]

AND apparently he sings
http://www.steveweathermusic.com

[Spring Rubber]

He's no Weather Dude.

[TWCToday]

He's no Weather Dude.

No HES the Weather Dude

Weather Dude Nick Walker

[Darr'chelle]

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.

I could have sworn I saw some ABC affiliate in the past but perhaps I was wrong.

There's only been one case I can think of on MSNBC (which is similar in policy) where they used a non-NBC affiliate: when the Binghamton, NY shootings happened, they used WBNG's resources. (WBNG is a CBS affiliate.)

But I've seen a mix of Big Fours on TWC in the past...I seem to remember either WSB or WGCL was used for an Atlanta report (even after the TWC buyout), and of course TWC had larger deals with WSB and WCBS in the past.

[TWCToday]

I actually like Steve quite a bit. Reminds me of Adam Berg.

[WeatherWitness]

Steve is a really great guy, IMO. He has a great personality, and I always enjoyed watching him at KXAS Channel 5 in Dallas. I'm glad to see he's on TWC, where I can still watch him!

[NYwxguy]

http://www.hdreps.com/talent/stephen-maclaughlin.html

It seems that Steve is just a freelancer for TWC according to the above site, so there's no telling how long he'll be around.

[beanboy89]

http://www.hdreps.com/talent/stephen-maclaughlin.html

It seems that Steve is just a freelancer for TWC according to the above site, so there's no telling how long he'll be around.

Thanks for that...even further evidence that Warren Madden and/or Ryan Goswick are gone.

[P71nnacle]

You guys sure Steve MacLaughlin is at TWC? I swear I saw him on Pittsburgh's ABC affiliate a couple of days ago (either that or it was a similar name....)

[beanboy89]

You guys sure Steve MacLaughlin is at TWC? I swear I saw him on Pittsburgh's ABC affiliate a couple of days ago (either that or it was a similar name....)

I haven't seen Steve MacLaughlin on air on TWC in a few weeks. I suppose it's a high possibility that Steve is either a freelancer and bounces around from city to city, or he's no longer at TWC.

Edit, looks like Steve is now indeed at WTAE: http://www.facebook.com/wtae4/posts/125446377501463

[wxmediafan]

I do remember someone posting a link that indicated Steeve was a freelancer.  Best of luck to him in Pittsburgh!

[jtmal0723]

He was a freelancer at TWC, and I guess he found a more permanent job.