Fans are outraged.
Matt Laubhan, the former chief meteorologist at WTVA in northeast Mississippi, was recently laid off following a company restructuring. Laubhan had gained national attention in March 2023 when he paused his live broadcast to offer a prayer during a deadly EF-3 tornado that struck Amory, Mississippi. His emotional on-air moment, where he prayed for the safety of residents in the tornado’s path, resonated deeply with many viewers, leading to widespread praise on social media for his compassion and humanity during the crisis.
The layoffs were part of a broader restructuring by Laubhan’s parent company, Allen Media Group (AMG), which affected around 2,500 employees. As part of the changes, AMG decided to replace local weather teams across multiple stations, including WTVA, with pre-recorded weather reports from The Weather Channel, also owned by AMG. This move is set to impact over 100 meteorologists nationwide, replacing local forecasting with regional segments.
Though Laubhan has not publicly commented on his layoff, many local residents have expressed strong disapproval of the decision. Laubhan was seen as more than just a meteorologist by his audience. For many, he was a familiar, trustworthy figure who went beyond his professional duties to care about the community. One local resident, Helen Thorson, described Laubhan as a “neighbor” and “friend” in a heartfelt Facebook post, underscoring his connection to the people he served.
Other viewers shared personal stories about how Laubhan’s weather reports helped them stay safe during severe storms. Matt Chisholm, a local resident, recounted how Laubhan’s warnings saved his family from a dangerous storm. Chisholm explained that, thanks to Laubhan’s guidance, his family sought shelter in time, avoiding what could have been a fatal outcome.
The decision to lay off Laubhan has sparked outrage among many, as he was seen not only as a reliable weather forecaster but also as a comforting and dependable presence during times of crisis. His departure highlights the ongoing trend of corporations centralizing operations, often at the expense of the personal connections that many viewers valued.