Bill Bellis, whose hire as WFLD-Ch. 32 new chief meteorologist was first rumored in October and officially announced in mid-November, is set to finally make his Chicago debut as Amy Freeze’s replacement on the station’s 9 p.m. newscast Feb. 23.
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Tammie Souza back, Amy Freeze out at Ch. 32
Tower Ticker | Fox-owned WFLD-Ch. 32 on Thursday announced its re-hire of weathercaster Tammie Souza, a move rumored so long that viewers can be excused for thinking it occurred. It also has hired an Indianapolis anchor as a general assignment reporter.
As expected, WFLD will not be renewing the the contract of lead weathercaster Amy Freeze, who’s expected to leave in the next month after four years at the station. Bill Bellis, the chief meteorologist at Phoenix’s KNXV-TV since 2003, is set to slide into Freeze’s Channel 32 post in late February.
Sources said there were discussions with Freeze about continuing at WFLD in a non-weather role, but nothing has come of that.
In a move not involving the weather department, WFLD has hired Tisha Lewis, an anchor at Chicago Tribune parent Tribune Co.’s WXIN-TV in Indianapolis, as a general assignment reporter, beginning Feb. 2.
WFLD makes Canellis lead sportscaster
Lou Canellis has been named WFLD-Ch. 32’s new lead sportscaster, succeeding Corey McPherrin, who last month became co-host of the station’s low-rated morning program, “Good Day, Chicago.”
Reporter/anchor Pender out at Ch. 32
Nancy Pender is set to leave WFLD-Ch. 32 next month after 13 years as a reporter and weekend anchor at the Fox-owned station.
A Channel 32 spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday that Pender’s contract is not being renewed.
It’s official: WFLD hires broadcaster Bob Sirott
Veteran Chicago broadcaster Bob Sirott has been named co-anchor of WFLD-Ch. 32’s marquee 9 p.m. news, and he’s set to make his on-air debut July 19.
Bob Sirott reportedly near deal with Ch. 32
Bob Sirott, the long-time Chicago radio host and former anchor for WMAQ-Ch. 5, WTTW-Ch. 11 and WFLD-Ch. 32, is poised to to return to Fox-owned Channel 32 as replacement for 9 p.m. co-anchor Jeff Goldblatt.
