Action News' new weathercaster is...........

[Julius May]

Melissa Magee. http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/the-insider/Action_News_.html

[cool245]

I saw her a few times doing weather on Fox 5 and didn't think she was that great. We'll see how she fits in at channel six.

[Irishfl]

Reading the comment section, seems like most think this is a case of affirmative action. As someone who liked Erica Grow, I sure hope that the decision to not keep her was a cost cutting move, and not a AA move. However, if this Melissa Magee is gonna earn the same amount, while being less qualified, I can't see whatelse it could be.

As for Melissa Magee. accu-weather use to post bloopers on their video section. Maybe they still do. Anyway, just from those I always felt that she was kind of airhead, but she should be able to present the weather just fine.

[imhomerjay]

A few cranky posters does not "most" people make.    

I enjoyed Erica on the newscast, too, but no one has offered a shred of evidence that (a) channel 6 decided to let her go specifically to make room for the new person (nor for that matter that the decision to not renew the contract wasn't Erica's decision); let alone (b) that even if they DID do that, that the decision had a single thing to do with race.

[radiophiler]

Michael Klein's Inquirer column today seems to say that it was Erica Grow's decision not to stay at Channel 6. "WPVI has hired a weathercaster to replace Erica Grow, who elected not to reup after her contract expired. " http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_klein/20091208_Inqlings__J-Roll_s_duds_go_to_museum.html

[WCAUTVNBC10]

She confirmed that on her Facebook page. She wants to get out of the TV business altogether.

[imhomerjay]

I saw that after leaving for work for the day.  Once again, the online mob jumped to conclusions (see the idiotic thread on Klien's page) that were off base, to be charitable. 

[cool245]

She confirmed that on her Facebook page. She wants to get out of the TV business altogether.

Not surprising since Channel Six isn't really a station to fire people. The people that leave there want to leave there (either they get a better job or want to get out of TV) if someone chooses they could basically finish their career there. I'm sure there is someone I can't remember but has anyone actually gotten the boot from Channel 6 unwillingly?

[Irishfl]

Sorry jumped the gun a bit. I saw the facebook comment and was wondering if she left on own accord. Have since heard that waking up at 3:00am in the morning, with no change in the future (Tynan has what another 20 years before she retires?), added job duties with no pay increase, and the long commute (lives in Bethlehem area) were major factors. She's also more of a private person, and has never enjoyed the attention of being someone recognizable has brought on.

[imhomerjay]

True--not a lot of room to move up unless Adam moved to weekdays and she took the weekend evening slot.  Still weekend duty full time, even if it would mean no 3 am wake ups. 

Of course, there's always the off chance that someone higher up leaves unexpectedly, but given the track record there, it would be a heck of a gamble IF that were your basis for staying put.  Since she indicates she's looking to get out of the TV biz, it becomes moot.