Tom Brannon Back At KTHV As Chief Meteorologist

Tegna-owned CBS affiliate KTHV Little Rock, Ark. (DMA 62) announced that longtime anchor and meteorologist Tom Brannon will return to the station as Chief Meteorologist.

The news comes alongside the announcement that Ed Buckner will be extending his medical leave from the station indefinitely.

GM Marty Schack said: “While Ed’s departure from his role as chief has been heartbreaking for so many of the station’s longtime viewers and THV11 staff, we wish him only good health in the coming year.”

He added, “As one can imagine, finding a replacement may not have been  an easy task, but I am delighted to welcome Tom back to the station where he has helped guide Arkansans through severe weather, provided smart forecasting, entertained us and contributed greatly in his community endeavors.”

Buckner announced in February of this year that he would be taking medical leave due to complications from Tourette’s. His extended leave is due to the same reasons.

He said in a Facebook post, “I’m doing OK and working hard to heal, but having tics for 45 years has a way of wearing out your body, and I am still not 100%.”

He was chief at KTHV for more than two decades.

Brannon said of Buckner, “I wish Ed nothing but the best. He will always be ‘Arkansas’ Weatherman.’ I wish him speedy healing and I hope he’ll stop by to play guitar in the garden, cover severe weather, or just catch up and visit.”

Brannon was on KTHV’s morning show since its inception. He appeared weekdays for 20 years, making him the longest running morning anchor in Little Rock before leaving in 2017, the station said.

He said, “I look forward to my next chapter at THV11. You don’t always get a chance at a second act, and for that, I’m very grateful.”

A date for Brannon’s return has not been announced.