KARK Losing Two Mets
Arkansas Business.com reports KARK meteorologists Bret Cummins and Jason Kadah will leave in mid-May. AB.com says Cummins has no comment on what his future plans are ...AND Kadah is leaving for Spokane, Washington.
posted by DCG @ 11:16 PM
84 comments
84 Comments:
So what's that mean? Jason has a job and Brett doesn't? Where's Brett going? Who is going to be chief- Tracy Douglas? Good planning KARK.
Looks like they couldn't handle the competition of the up and coming hottest weather babe- Meredith Mitchell at KTHV!
a horse is a horse is a horse
she works cheap....paid in hay and sugarcubes
I am a former KARK employee,and Jason is a great guy...funny and brings a great spin to the weather. He's been here not even 2 years, KARK can't hold on to good people. Brett, too, is one of the most professional mets in the market. Who cares what his personal life may or may not be? (Ref the poster at 1:23 am...you must work overnights in Master Contral and feel a bit bitter...why be so mean spirted?)Brett could land in a MUCH larger market and fit right in! He's good at what he does.
The last year, KARK news has really gone downhill...across the board, all newscasts. Story ideas are lame. Please don't make Mike Francis chief met, or Tracy D...though they are both nice people. They don't come across as professional at all...KARK loses talent, again, and again, and again, in all departments!The biggest surprise is them leaving in the middle of sweeps. If anyone hears where Brett is going, I hope you post it here.
Brett will be just fine, I can assure you of that. KARK is moving to make Mike Francis the new chief met. How dumb a move is this...oh well, I guess it goes in line with what they've been doing lately...constantly going down, down, down...
I like Mike Francis just fine and today was the second time in the last 60 days when he was first on air, and first to nail the first warnings on radar. In other words, he was warning people in Birdtown a full five minutes before the others.
One thing I would ask him to change is to stop talking, referring to and asking people off camera to do work and make calls. You're not on camera, dude. Write notes. That is a bit unprofessional, but not enough to make me turn to someone else first. Holy cow, Tom Brannon sounded like he was about to fall asleep--no urgency.
No, I don't work at four--don't work in the business.
Francis was annoying today...there is a difference is showing urgency and panic...yelling orders to everything...so damn annoying
When is Mike Francis not obnoxious?
they're leaving towards the end of sweeps and it's sad to see both of them go...Jason brings some personality to weather and Brett is the consumate professional...where is Brett going..i mean i haven't seen anything on that does that mean he has nothing lined up and KARK is letting him go?!?! if that's the case then boooo on them
Not the brightest decision makers at KARK. Let Brett and Jason get away, but keep the obnoxious and annoying Mike Frances? Then make him chief? Jason has way more personality and Brett is solid without yelling at us. Good luck Jason and Brett. You'll be missed.
"One thing I would ask him to change is to stop talking, referring to and asking people off camera to do work and make calls. You're not on camera, dude. Write notes. That is a bit unprofessional,"
It's called "Directing from the studio" and shows a complete lack of class and concern for fellow workers. No production person should be talked to like that, especially from an announcer.
I'm sick about it. He's one of my favorite weather people ever! He's a true wit, has a great personality, and is smooth in his delivery. I don't think Channel 4 realized what a gem they have and let him slip through the cracks.
Oops. I need to add who the "he" is in the above comments. That would be Jason. Sorry for the ambiguity.
They just wanted to get out of town before the WINTER STOOOOOOOORM!!!!!!
the fox weather boys won't have any more competition
Brett's going to New Mexico
In reference to the Tom Brannon comment, Tom is very sick. He should not have even gone to work Friday, but b/c they are in a book, he didn't call in. Every time he tried to talk he would cough. That's why Ed came as early as he did. It's very unlike to Tom to not be energetic, and that is why.
so, let us in on what bret does around town.
I am really going to miss Brett. He has always been so calm and professional in any situation, unlike Mike Francis who gets all worked up and panics! (get it together Mike!) I've always watched Brett for my forecasts and I wish him the best of luck in the future!
It's a damn shame they're working Tom like that. Heaven knows he's trying to hold the world on his shoulders, doing not just his job but working on the Cereal Drive and all of those special projects. For a man who just came back from vacation, he looks like hell.
Everyone on here seems to be soooo worried about these peoples personal lives when they're protecting ours. If it weren't for them, what would we do on days like yesterday? We'd be helpless! Brett will be truly missed by every viewer and all his close friends! I can honestly say, that I will sleep better at night, knowing that he is getting treated better than what KARK and all these hatters--who have left bitter comments--have treated him! And, if you're sitting here talking smack about Brett, then why the fuck would you waste your time typing something negative about him? Kinda redundant?
Everyone on here seems to be soooo worried about these peoples personal lives when they're protecting ours. If it weren't for them, what would we do on days like yesterday? We'd be helpless! Brett will be truly missed by every viewer and all his close friends! I can honestly say, that I will sleep better at night, knowing that he is getting treated better than what KARK and all these hatters--who have left bitter comments--have treated him! And, if you're sitting here talking smack about Brett, then why would you waste your time typing something negative about him? Kinda redundant?
Jason chose to go to Spokane...his wife has family up there and he's from the west coast anyways...it's closer to home, hate to see him leave, that guy is a trip!
Brett Cummins is definately the best meteorologist around. If any of you has noticed, KARK will take a complete downfall and rise back to the top. When Brett and Jason are gone, Do you think KARK can recover? I do not see this happening because they had 2 of the best-all-around meteorologists and they get given the boot. I, personally, will discontinue watching KARK and if anyone asks, I will tell them exactly why. These guys have kept us safe during severe weather and for them, I say this.... Brett, thank you for your loyalty and Jason, the same for you... Thank you and to both of you....You are the best all around and anyone hired to fill the void at KARK to replace either of you will not be the meteorologists that you guys are. KARK...YOU are making a mistake!!! Think it over!!!
There has been a website created for Chief Meteorologist Brett Cummins. Those of you reading the blog, please go to http://www.geocities.com/savebrettcummins and be sure to pass the site along.
You know what guys? Mike Francis knows his stuff. He's been doing weather longer than Brett Cummins, too. Brett got the chief met job because of his looks and low key personality. He looks good on billboards and promos. Sales people can sell him. That has nothing to do with ability. Is he good? Sure. But Mike Francis has more experience, and I consider him a better meteorologist than Brett Cummins. He always was and always has been, but because he doesn't have better looks and a lot of other intangibles that lack substance yet are so important in this silly, backwards business called television news, he has to play second fiddle on mornings to a guy that really should've never been ahead of him. Go figure.
I don't care how unprofessional some of you think Mike Francis acts. He deserves to be KARK's chief met. Miss Douglas probably deserves it, too. They both do good jobs.
Not denying Brett is a good meterologist as well as Jason and Mike Francis. For those talking about how we shouldn't discuss personal lives, etc, do you not think that they lose credibility in viewer's eyes as well as give the station a bad name for what they do around town, in the public eye mind you, not in their bedrooms etc. I mean anyone remember the weather guy from KTHV that got caught in the park? He was a good weather guy, but alas he was dismissed because of his personal life and some of the public things he did. Win Noble, he did several things around town and was fired, but none of those actions interferred with his on air reporting. Now Brett has never been caught doing some of the stuff he has done around town over the few years he has been here, but he does lose credibility as well as the respect of other co-workers, etc for his actions and behaviors.
Just an opinion from someone "across the street" regarding Brett and Mike. First, before Dan left and went to NW Arkansas, I though he was the best "Met" in Little Rock as far as his knoweledge and abilities. However he was a little green on-air. Now that Dan has departed, Mike is probably the most knowledgeable and then the edge to either Barry or Todd Y. If Mike receives the chief met job (which he deserves, KARK may find a "vanilla" kind of guy or girl for the evenings and keep Mike in the AM. You need the personality more in the mornings now than in the evenings. Plus a lot of stations are placing their chief in the AM which is quickly becoming the most important newscast of the day. As far as Ed and Ned are concerned. They are both pretty much what the other 5, 6 & 10 weather guys are - Vanilla, plain, guy-next-door, no personality. Mike congrats if you are the chosen one. Brett, sorry to see you leave.
Too much drama and goofy sayings with Mike.
"Captain Benton?"
Impending Doom syndrome.
Bring back Tom Bonner for the evening crowd, and give Mike the main met title with the morning show gig.
Like it or not, what these people do in their personal lives DOES impact their jobs in terms of how they're perceived by the public. That's why we have morals clauses. The THV weather guy in the park...that was a stupid, reckless thing to do, and he paid for it with his job. Yes, he's a nice guy, but he made a bad mistake. And Win Noble..the things he wrote on that blog were violent and disturbing...and his face was right there next to those words. Apparently Win was a time bomb. Again...bad mistake, and he paid for it with his job.
AGAIN...WHO CARES ABOUT THEIR PERSONAL LIVES???? I know there are morals clauses, and in they must be invoked, then so be it, the consequences will be borne by the one in violation...but I have NEVER heard one word about Bretts personal life being made public in a negative way. Maybe it was about to be and hence his departure? I don't know, but until he has broken the clause, leave that out of it! And I still think one of your is on overnights in Master Control! (KIDDING!!!)Brett is a great guy and great Met, and I hope that his personal life has nothing to do with his departure, unless he's going to a place that is perhaps not so narrow minded...he deserves happiness! Jason, you'll be missed, too!!!! KARK, your surge was great to see, but it's like a rogue wave on the beach, it sinks in the sand and rolls back into the ocean of ambiguity. It's too bad, there are a lot of really good people at KARK, but history doesn't bode well for them.
The fact that KARK has let Brett go just goes to show that KARK does not seem that serious about GOOD weather reporting. Brett KNOWS weather and he knows how to share his knowledge with the people who depend on him. Recently when the tornados came through Little Rock, Brett was the one who I listened to while taking cover. Brett called out highway/street names as the storm passed through the city. Without this information, I would not have known when the storm had passed my part of the city.
And WHO CARES what he does in his personal life. Are any of you perfect? Do you seriously care what your meteorologist does when he is not on air? What about your doctor, lawyer, accountant, etc? As long as they are professional when they are performing their job, then WHO CARES what else goes on!
And as for KARK, I surely hope you are not letting Brett go because of anything in his personal life. As it is, I will not be watching your newscasts after May 22nd. Had it not been for Brett, I would have stopped along time ago, but in a state where the weather is a major aspect of our lives, Brett has always been there to inform the public. I believe chose this profession not just for a love of meteorology but also a service to the public.
Good luck Brett, where ever you go, they will be incredibly lucky.
Tracy isn't even a certified meteorologist is she?? i thought she just "does the weather"? what's really crazy is how long they'll be with one or two mets...i would think they have some guys ready to come down but nothing has been announced anywhere...Mike will be pulling some hours now that's for sure
Cheif Met Mike Francis = train wreck
"I don't care how unprofessional some of you think Mike Francis acts. He deserves to be KARK's chief met. Miss Douglas probably deserves it, too. They both do good jobs.
11:32 AM, May 04, 2008"
Were you on crack when you typed this? Miss Douglas? Wow, the best thing about this is that KARK has tons of wack job viewers like you...too bad for advertisers I say...
Brett gives very detailed forecasts which is why I've always watched him, When he is gone I will watch another channel for sure. KARK, your loss!
Brett and Jason are both great and will be missed. Good luck guys!
Brett is a great meteorologist. He is the only one who had top notch current reporting during all of the bad weather we have had. He will be missed! I wish he would be able to stay in LIttle Rock.
Brett is a great guy and I'm sure he is moving on to bigger and better things! Good luck, Brett!
"Tracy isn't even a certified meteorologist is she?? i thought she just "does the weather"?"
Certified meterologist? All they do is read the weather wire anyway. Heck, the govt. does the forecasting and they just change it a little.
The loss of Brett Cummins at channel 4 will criple them! Just as they make progress in moving from the bottom of the barrel in the Arkansas market they make a decision like this. It's absolutely insane. When will they get rid of the idiots making these decisions? I for one am done with KARK as soon as Francis takes over. In talking to others around town, I'm not alone. Ned Perme here I come!!!!
I stopped watching channel 4 after they replaced Carlton Wing with that moron Fred Beck. Carlton is a great sportscaster and he was treated so badly at KARK.
Who was Carlton Wing and who was Fred Beck? Was this back in the in your face crappy days of Channel 4?
Moral clauses... Yes, invoke them-- if you're caught soliciting sex in a park (odd) or running over your girlfriend while posting egotistical, violent blogs (good riddance)-- BUT I cannot think of an "incident" tied to Brett. Not one. I have read "personal life" over and over... but there isn't one negative example provided. Who he choses to date should be non-issue. I've enjoyed watching Brett- I can depend on accuracy, honesty, weather reporting vs. theater, and quite truly... KARK's record is sub par. Think of the countless folks who have swtiched stations, moved, vanished. Countless. Channels 7 & 11 don't seem to have trouble keeping their employees- that in itself is quite telling, isn't it?? Folks tend to reap what they sow-- and as a once avid Channel 4 viewer, I will be making a move as well. I know of many others following suit.
Cheers Brett (and Jason) to new opportunity, less scrutiny, less drama, and less stress/pressure in a new station-- free of politics and narrow "behind the times" views. I'm sure the window opening (as a result of the door closed) will provide a better view. Pun intended.
Where did the other post go about the crappy website dedicated to saving Brett?
Somebody knows the dirt, spill it. You don't just cast off your lead Met w/out a reason.
Could it be he wanted more money then they were willing to pay?
These things are usually a two way street.
My guess is that Mr Mosler, a meteorologist, will take over weather duties on the morning.
Matt will not be taking on that role...go to KARK's website; they have an announcement on the changes, they are bringing in 2 new additional mets and making Mike Francis the Chief.
http://www.geocities.com/savebrettcummins
Somebody call Steve Martone... maybe he'd be interested in working at KARK!
"I don't care how unprofessional some of you think Mike Francis acts. He deserves to be KARK's chief met. Miss Douglas probably deserves it, too. They both do good jobs."
"...but because he doesn't have better looks and a lot of other intangibles that lack substance yet are so important in this silly, backwards business called television news, he has to play second fiddle on mornings to a guy that really should've never been ahead of him. Go figure."
11:32 AM, May 04, 2008
Stop it Mike Francis, we know its you. And yes, you are pretty unattractive, especially compared to Brett. And we like eye-candy. And you're not eye-candy. And that does sell better, stop being bitter about it. Sorry dude.
And since you're reading and posting defensively on this blog, why don't you get a clue and calm yourself down a little bit. I know weather is exciting, but try not to wet your pants over it.
I don't know about Brett's sex life and I don't care. All I see is on TV and I can't think of one thing he has done that's memorable during his tenure. Sorry folks, may not be reality but it's perception.
Francis is a true meterologist who graduated at the top of his weather classes in Oklahoma, the Harvard of weather instruction.
Yes, he's a smart-alek sometimes on air and in person, but Matt Mosler annoys me much more than Francis.
I'm afraid he will make Bob and Jancy seem rather drab in the personality department---oh wait, they aready are.
Mike Francis will be a disaster. Just wait and see
Cindy McCain. Now there's a babe.
Moving Francis to nights will actually lower the suicide rate in Arkansas ! I've heard of more than one report of people killing themselves, while watching, "Dialing For Dollars" on the noon show !!!
Mike Francis---horrible. Why does he always yell and order people around when there is severe weather? It is so annoying....he is such an ass! Can't wait for him to help in the continuation of the KARK ratings slide!
This is the reason why my meteorologist *ss is staying far away from my home town of Little Rock. You guys go through weather people like no one else. I would love to come home but if I ever do it will be with a job that I will know will be for the rest of my life...Just hasn't opened up yet....oh and if curious I am currently work on air in a larger market than LR so I would hope I could get picked up there if I showed some interest.
Don't you love how someone in a larger market thinks that just because LR is smaller, he/she could easily get picked up here? Ok, bow for royalty. And I don't think there is high weather turnover here. In the last year, Becky from 11 left, now Jason and Brett from 4. The reason for so much chit chat is the bone head way 4 has handled it, especially with Brett.
The statement was not made to say "oh it is easy to get job in LR. Thanks for putting your words in my mouth. You sir deserve the dunce cap of the day... I would love to say I worked in the market where all my family and friends live, but the market is way too unstable for guys coming in. You have your neds and the guys who have been there for years then you have the new guys who are a revolving door. How many weekenders stay past their initial 2 year contract? That is all I am saying. But once again where did I say it would be easy to get job there. It isn't, but it is far easier getting employed than keeping that employment for newbies...
By the way by your own admission the turnover rate for this year is already at 25 percent....YIKES! My market....turnover rate right now is +12% for the year. Last year one guy left for a larger market and he was replaced this year. Just remember once you are on and you leave it is even harder to come back...I really want to always feel like I at least have a chance at coming home....I am sorry that you feel that I am trying to display royalty no matter how illogical that is...
Look Mr Defensive, I'm guessing by your 2 paragraph response that you are the young, insecure type that needs to work in a slightly larger market to validate yourself even if you just do noons 3 days a week. You're the one who said "I am currently work on air in a larger market than LR so I would hope I could get picked up there if I showed some interest." Sounds arrogant to me.
I'm not going to get in a pissing match with you. I just disagree with your original statement. Why are some weather people (of which I am not) so defensive?
Once again you are putting words in my mouth. I am sorry I sounded arrogant to you. I guess you should never hope to have a chance at getting a job. Can you imagine living life like that? Not hoping to get hired anywhere just showing up and then saying, "alright this was fun I am sure you have a better candidate out there so I am sure I won't be hearing from you.” I am hopeful that you have hopes and dreams and I don't think that makes you arrogant. Since you have been way off about me and how I live, I will open up for you. You know what I want? I want to be able to work in my hometown market full time and everyday be around people who are family and friends. I cannot. Who knows what you do or where you do it but I hope you get that opportunity as well. Look at all the current number 3s in the market; they are local kids getting their start. I have talked to each one of them and am curious how long they stay. They are as worried as me that if they don’t stick they will never make it home again. Sorry this post is long but you don't seem especially sharp so I am trying to explain everything...Your problem is that you have a bad habit of attempting poorly to put words in someone else’s mouth. You don't do it very well and should quit while you are behind. Oh and to answer your question, when someone claims you have some royalty complex you tend to get a little defensive... It is alright though you have no idea what type of person I am. On the other hand I now feel like from your posts that I have a reasonable picture of the type of person you are. I know you are a smart a**. I know that you cannot reasonably be expected to take a basic comment and form a reasonable opinion or thought from said comment. And I am pretty sure you still live at home with your mom. Did I get all 3 correct?
I worked at KARK and I personally liked Brett as a person. He's great is great on camera and has a great presence. But as a meteorologist/forecaster he's a bust.
Brett completely missed the 2004 December winter storm that dumped about 5-7 inches in Central Arkansas. He even showed up late missing the first forecast and barely making main weather. He was caught in the very storm he didn't predict. And he would later tell the news director and general manager, "I didn't know it would be this bad." Dan Skoff was the one who not only correctly forecasted the snow storm, but raised his estimates on snow levels.
Speaking of Dan Skoff: KARKers will remember when he was visibly sick on the air and continued with his forecast and later ran off the set and threw up. Ernie Paulsen and Barbara Roberts told Dan on air to "GO HOME!" Brett, who was contacted several times throughout the morning about Dan's condition, refused to come in as relief.
Another example: Brett once told a producer that it was okay to allow a reporter to do a live shot, even though said reporter heard thunder and saw lightning. The reporter never did the shot and explained why in the post meeting, and Brett lied and said anything of the sort to the producer.
These were just some of the examples of Brett's diva attitude and rigidity when it came to working with people. KARK has a history of screwing over talent, but it was no surprise to me that he was shown the door.
It looks like Dan Skoff has chimed in
Yeah, they wanted everyone with a point-and-shoot camera to run out and get photos of the tornado in their area and do their work for them.
I usually don't post on these meaningless gossip blogs, but I couldn't stand to see the Mike Francis bashing go on any longer without chiming in.
As an old classmate of Mike Francis and Dan Skoff at OU, I can tell you...Arkansas is in good hands with both of them being chief. I am not just saying this because they are friends of mine.
Mike knows his stuff. Yes, I know TV is basically a popularity contest (looks, personality..etc.) But given the fact that Arkansas has seen an unprecedented amount of fatalities so far this year from tornadoes and severe weather...I think KARK is making a good move here.
Congrats Mike, ignore the negativity, do your best, and save lives, because in the end, that's all that matters.
Dan Skoff deserved the job. He is the greatest chief in the state.
Never heard of him.
What is the rumor about Brett's personal life?
I can definitely see a drop in class here. Not sure who is responsible, but I don't think a reporter can be more professional than Brett Cummings. Maybe there's something I don't know about his personal life, but that's none of by business. I just know who I felt was most courteous and professional. He'll be missed. Good Luck Brett!!!!
Brett said it would.
Any stations doing their newscasts live from Riverfest, or, having booths to meet and greet ???
Hey every body!!!
i am soooooo sad that Bret's leaving. He sold me a weather radeo at Kroger and was really nice and sweet. he's a living legend in Arkansas. & that Jason Kada is a cutie patooty. lol & c u guys at river fest!!!!
Wow. What a PR job has been done by the management at KARK.
IF you wanted to let Brett go, for whatever reason, it would have been simple to not insult the intelligence of your viewing audience. Simply put, give us some credit... make a simple statement... it doesnt have to be anything fancy or overinformative.
Some of us have been loyal viewers of KARK.. through all the turmoil of the past couple years...
One of the reasons my family has watched KARK has been Brett's weather coverage. No knock to Mike Francis, we enjoy him in the morning... but Brett has been the "calm" one.. in the most recent storms, my wife and I have enjoyed his "DUCK" coverage and could almost predict when Mike was going to say it. While we consider Mike to be an essential part of KARK's weather team, an consider his experience and knowledge a great asset, we enjoyed Brett's "calmer" and "less panicky" approach.
I had the opportunity to meet Brett and do a little "on Air" time with him back in 2001. HE was a great guy and super personable. He brought great credit to the station IMO. I didnt work with him everyday, and of course I have no idea what he was like to work with on a daily basis... but it seems to me that much is / has been made of his "perceived" personal life.. which is frankly none of our business.
It is too bad that KARK has found it necessary to to position themselves as the LEAST concerned with their viewing audience of the local stations... Constant turnover makes you "LESS" watched... I want to be comfortable and "know" the people I "let into my home" for up to 5-6 hours per day... When you are seemingly constantly removing the personalities that we grow comfortable with... Why should we continue to watch?
ITs too bad he was let go. While we do not know the exact reasons, we are left to assume the worst. Our family will
THe rumor on Brett was that he was secretly having a, shall we say "intimate" relationship with morning anchor Melissa Simas.
what's the deal with all the gay weathermen in central arkansas? seriously, half of them are clearly flamers. is it just an arkansas phenomenon or is it nation-wide?
Nationwide!
Brett Cummings was my favorite. Mike seems so shallow and silly. He starts doing the weather, then interrupts himself to talk to people off camera. His forecasts are so disjointed. I think he's fine for the morning show, but Brett gave a grade A professional forecast where it mattered. I will miss him. It seems to me that KARK made a wacky decision with these changes.
Overall Brett delivered the weather better than other news stations. Regarding Tracy, she is looking a little trashy lately with her wild hair and trashy outfits. As Simon Cowell says, she needs to have a chat with who is dressing her, and take it up to a professional level.
I know Brett for years. He got the job as "Chief" because he was so qualified when he came to Little Rock. I moved out of Little Rock nearly 2 years ago now. He told me he was moving. He was a very special person to my family. He did a lot for charity behind the scenes and was very involved with "Big Brothers,Big Sisters" of central Arkansas.I am glad I left before him as we only watched channel 4 because of him
The God's have unleashed a total idiot to be the chief. Bret was the only person I trusted with the lives of my kid's and grandchildren. We can"t count on KARK to save our lives. All Mike can do is stuttttter. You should be ashamed of your small mind's. Bring Bret Back!!!!!
Trust me..I know Brett. he wasn't having an "intimate" relationship with morning anchor Melissa Simas. Actually that's kinda funny. That would be the last thing on his mind.
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