On Friday, long-time WTHI-TV news anchor Patrece Dayton and chief meteorologist Kevin Orpurt bid an emotional farewell to their viewers in Terre Haute, Indiana, after learning that their positions were among the many being eliminated as part of a sweeping round of cuts by their parent company, Allen Media Group.

“As many of you know, we’ve been in your homes for decades—nearly 37 years for me,” Dayton shared, holding back tears in front of a box of tissues. “And more than 40 for me,” Orpurt added, also visibly moved. “For those of you who don’t know, both of our positions are being eliminated here at WTHI-TV,” Dayton continued, explaining that the changes are part of a larger industry shift as budget cuts and restructuring affect local stations across the country.

The news marks the end of an era for Dayton and Orpurt, who have become trusted figures in western Indiana over the years. The layoffs are part of a broader company-wide restructuring at Allen Media Group, which owns nearly two dozen local TV stations. These changes will see local meteorologists replaced by a new national “hub” based in Atlanta, led by Carl Parker, a veteran meteorologist from The Weather Channel—an Allen Media acquisition in 2018.

The new system will broadcast weather reports and forecasts to local stations from Atlanta, which will be staffed by regional meteorologists. This shift means meteorologists like Dayton and Orpurt, along with at least 50 others, will lose their jobs, with some possibly reassigned to The Weather Channel. As part of the transition, some former local meteorologists may even reappear in their markets as part of the new centralized operation.

This shift comes at a time when Allen Media is focusing on expanding its weather reporting capabilities, offering local stations enhanced technologies, forecasting tools, and the ability to cover weather stories 24/7. The company has emphasized that weather will remain a “top priority” for local stations, with the goal of improving weather coverage during high-stakes events.

However, the change has raised concerns among meteorologists and viewers alike. Spencer Denton, a meteorologist at WVLT in Knoxville, Tennessee, pointed out on Facebook that while the decision may save money short-term, it could hurt credibility and value in the long run. “WEATHER is the number one reason most people watch a local newscast,” Denton wrote. “These folks are more valuable than some companies realize and I am certain they will land on their feet.”

Local meteorologists, trained scientists familiar with their community’s weather patterns and dangers, have long been a critical resource, particularly during emergencies. As weather-related disasters like wildfires and severe storms continue to increase, many are concerned that losing local meteorologists could hurt communities during major weather events.

“Local meteorologists are essential to local news,” said Sam Kuffel, a meteorologist at a Milwaukee CBS affiliate, noting that this change could negatively impact local communities during emergencies. “Communities will suffer during major, local weather events because of this decision.”

Despite declining trust in the news media in recent years, local news—particularly weather coverage—remains a vital resource for many Americans. A 2019 Pew study found that 70% of people felt a daily need for weather information, and recent natural disasters, such as the devastating wildfires in California, have shown how crucial local news outlets are when disasters strike.