WVUE Ups Bruce Katz To Succeed David Bernard As Chief Meteorologist

Bruce Katz

Gray Television’s Fox affiliate WVUE New Orleans as promoted Bruce Katz promoted to chief meteorologist, succeeding David Bernard who is leaving broadcasting to pursue his master’s degree in social work.

Katz has 34 years of meteorological broadcast experience, 27 of those years in the New Orleans DMA. He joined WVUE in 2012 and has been the weather anchor on several different broadcasts. He will officially take over the chief meteorologist duties on Nov. 17.

Katz will join Anchor and Chief Investigative Reporter Lee Zurik, Anchor Meg Gatto and Sports Director Juan Kincaid on Fox 8 News at 5pm and then again on Fox 8 News at 9 and 10 p.m.

David Bernard

“We’re delighted that David gets to pursue another one of his passions, while passing the chief meteorologist torch to such an experienced professional,” said News Director Kristen Palestina. “Bruce is a trusted meteorologist who is from here and has worked in New Orleans for 27 years, giving him extensive knowledge of how different weather patterns affect our region. He’s a perfect fit.”

This move also brings other changes in the station’s weather lineup.  Meteorologist Zack Fradella moves to the Fox 8 Morning Edition from 4 until 8 a.m. At 9 a.m. meteorologist Nicondra Norwood joins the team to finish out the forecasting duties. She will also move to Fox 8 News at Noon and Fox 8 News at 4 pm.  Meteorologist Hannah Gard will remain on the Fox 8 Morning Edition on Saturday and Sunday.

“We are excited for both Bruce and David,” said Vice President and General Manager Mikel Schaefer. “Bruce has steadfastly served a community he grew up in and deeply loves for nearly three decades and we are proud for him to take on the chief meteorologist role at WVUE. Meantime, David will continue to passionately serve the public as he pursues his Master in Social Work at Tulane.”