Harford County (February 19, 2003) -- Big changes are in store for WBFF-TV (45). Long-time news anchor Tony Harris is departing for a station in Atlanta. And chief meteorologist Lori Pinson is also on the way out, and apparently not of her own accord. Parent company Sinclair Broadcasting is expected to begin using their national news personnel in local markets, and Pinson appears to be the first local victim of this downsizing strategy. Pity, since Lori's knowledge, calm presentation and extreme professionalism—not to mention her outstanding community-relations efforts—made her very popular with viewers. Suffice it to say Ms. Pinson should not be out of work long, as she'd be a valuable asset to any of the remaining local news teams.

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Another meteorologist on the move is Justin Berk, who has apparently left WBAL-TV (11) and moved a couple miles north to WMAR (2), where we understand he'll be part of that struggling station's weekend news team.

Speaking of meteorologists, I recall with mixed emotions the early days of television, when weather was one of the more light-hearted segments in local newscasts. Remember when kid's show king Stu Kerr handled the forecasting duties at WMAR? At the same time, MPT's Rhea Feiken did the honors at WBAL accompanied by "J.P. Puppet." Of course down the parkway, Willard Scott, half of the radio team "The Joy Boys," handled the weather chores at WRC-TV (4) for years, until his ascent to national prominence in the '70's on NBC's "Today Show." Nowadays, in melodramatic contrast, weather is a major component of each station's nightly presentations, as they duel each other for viewers and credibility. TV weather forecasting is big business today, with most stations carrying two, three, or even four meteorologists on staff. Notice in fact how many so-called "news breaks" during network programming usually consist of one news item, with the balance of time allotted to weather. Local television weathercasting got serious in the 1960's when WJZ hired meteorologist Jim Smith. In keeping with the current business climate (no pun intended), WBFF's pending dismissal of Lori Pinson, as good as she is, just makes no sense.

WHFC-FM (91.1) is planning a public 30th anniversary gala this spring, which will also include a celebration of radio's first one hundred years. Entertainment, displays, and a silent auction will take place at Harford Community College's Chesapeake Center. Included in the entertainment will be re-creations of classic old-time radio programs like "The Bickersons." WHFC's anniversary gala is scheduled for Saturday, May 10.

Former WBAL-AM talk show host Alan Prell has parted ways with his new employer. The frequently caustic, left-leaning Prell lasted less than a year at Denver's KNRC-AM.

And finally, "T-Bone" is back! Terry Trouyet has returned to the local airwaves replacing the retired Wayne Gruen at WWLG-AM (1370). Trouyet was most recently with Metro Traffic following a long stint as program director for WJHU-FM, now WYPR (88.1). Terry spent years at WCBM-AM (680) before they switched from music to talk. He and I started together many moons ago as student volunteers on WBJC-FM (91.5).

Have a question or comment? Email me at gwhelton@yahoo.com.

GH