Change In The Weather Lineup At WNEP

The last time ABC affiliate WNEP Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pa. (DMA 56), changed chief meteorologists was in 1982, when Tom Clark took over for Paul Douglas. But with Clark’s retirement Friday, which is the result of a Tribune Media Co. buyout, a long-time weathercaster will take over the chief’s job, and two new meteorologists will begin their shifts early in January.

Kurt Aaron, current 10 and 11 p.m. weather anchor, will become chief meteorologist and handle weathercasts at noon, 4, 5 and 6 p.m. said Carl R. Abraham, news director. Aaron has been with the station for 14 years, dividing his time between weather and news reporting. He holds a broadcast meteorology certificate from Mississippi State University.

Apearing at 7, 10 and 11 p.m. will be John Hickey, formerly a meteorologist with WPTZ Burlington, Vt. Hickey is a Boston-area native, graduate of Lyndon State College, Lyndonville, Vt. He previously worked at WENY Elmira, N.Y. which borders the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton DMA. He starts Jan. 9.

Ally Gallo comes to Newswatch 16 from WJHG Panama Beach, Fla. She will begin Jan. 2. In addition to handling weekend 6, 10 and 11 p.m. weather duties, Gallo will also cover news three days a week. She is a South Jersey native and a Temple University grad.