My thoughts on Geoff Fox
A few days ago, WTNH Meteorologist Geoff Fox was informed that his contract was not being renewed. In the days before the internet (more specifically before Facebook and Twitter), the public would generally not know about something like this until a personality was already off the air. How times have changed!
Geoff reports in his blog that within an hour of getting the news, the New Haven Register was calling to confirm. He announced the news on his blog and on Facebook so he could address the rumors directly. The news traveled like a bolt of lightning through Facebook and Twitter accounts across Connecticut. As of this writing, a Facebook campaign to keep Geoff on WTNH has been “liked” by over 6,600 people. Although there was a similar (albeit smaller) Facebook campaign to save my friend Michael Maze when he was recently let go from KC101, and press coverage when other personality have been let go, I have never seen such an immediate and vehement outpouring of support for a local broadcast personality.
As a former hiring manager, I know that sometimes you have to make unpopular decisions… and sometimes you even have to execute actions that were not your decision, actions you may not necessarily agree with. I do not envy the person who had to make this decision. There has been no official word on why this decision was made, but my experience would lead me to believe that declining ad revenue has forced the station to seek cost-cutting measures. I would guess that a 26-year employee may be making too much money for their projected operating budget to support. I wonder if the outpouring of support for Geoff will make them reconsider.
There is a saying in radio that may also apply to television, that you truly haven’t worked in radio until you have been fired. I’ve earned my stripes in that respect, having involuntarily lost more than one job in this business. Geoff worked in both radio and television prior to arriving at WTNH and may have been through this before, but let’s face it… losing your job stinks, no matter how or why it happened. I can only hope that the overwhelming community support he has received has made it sting less.
I have met Geoff on a few occasions, and he was always nice to me. He has proven to be a class act through this ordeal, not slamming his employer and keeping his online comments respectful. For selfish reasons, I hope he stays local… but knowing his disdain for snow, I am guessing he may try to secure a gig close to his parents in Florida or his daughter in California. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and something great may be in store for him around the corner. I wish him the best of luck… and to predictably borrow his catchphrase, “Don’t go to sleep yet … there is more GEOFF FOX to come”!
January 10, 2011 at 1:14 pm
The reason can’t be about $$ because Geoff had said to Higgins, regarding a new contract, that he was “flexible”. And if WTNH is so hard-up for $$, why did they recently remodel the whole damned news set?! Higgins came to WTNH in 2009 from ARIZONA. And ever since that time, he’s been making changes; really shitty changes! Obviously knows NOTHING about what CONNECTICUT viewers expect and demand. It is my opinion that Higgins is nothing more than a (edited)! He needs to go BACK to AZ, where he belongs!
January 10, 2011 at 2:02 pm
My guess about the reason was pure speculation, without knowing any of the particulars. Regardless of why it happened, the fact of the matter is that Geoff will be missed.
January 10, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Would you people just get (edited) over it! He had a great run-it’s over-so what!
January 10, 2011 at 5:39 pm
Hey, everybody is entitled to their opinion… but I would appreciate if you are going to leave a comment that you exclude the profanity, thanks.
January 10, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Hey Samantha, great write up. Geoff if awesome, along with Dr. Mel, I grew up watching both of them. I so hope they change their mind. If not it is their loss and a big gain for someone else.
January 10, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Geoff is a true Meteorologist not just a Weatherman… The point that WTNH needs to be aware of is that there are other networks in Ct Market, but most of us CHOOSE to watch WTNH specifically because of Geoff (and Dr. Mel) Most weather reports are boring… you can get as much info on the Weather station, but Geoff makes it personal and interesting. My Mom stayed with us for a while last year due to an injury, and she also was taken by his wit and charisma. I believe they’ll loose more than they money, they’ll loose watchers!
January 10, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Samantha, very nicely written. I hope that Geoff is able to stay locally, but I know the lure of being away from the snow belt would appeal to Geoff.
My personal wish he is able to land a rewarding job quickly.