In a display of professionalism amid controversy, former NBC 10 meteorologist Kelly Bates urged her supporters not to direct their anger at her former colleagues following her departure from the station. The popular weather forecaster’s exit after 17 years triggered an unprecedented wave of public support that quickly turned into backlash against the Providence-based station.
A Call for Compassion Amid Public Outrage in NBC 10
“I’d respectfully ask that if you are motivated to advocate for me, please be kind to the newsroom staff of WJAR,” Bates wrote in a Facebook post. “I appreciate all of you, and I can’t express how much your devotion to me has rocked my world.”
The meteorologist acknowledged having “disagreements with management” but emphasized that many at NBC 10 “stood by” her throughout her time at the station. Her plea came after remaining staff members, particularly fellow meteorologists, faced harsh criticism and vitriolic messages from viewers upset about her departure.
Colleagues Face Public Backlash
Christina Erne, another meteorologist at the station, shared an example of the hostility she received. One message aggressively claimed she would “never be better than Kelly Bates.” In response, Erne posted: “I have no tolerance for cruelty and rudeness. If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it at all.”
Behind the Exit of Kelly Bates: Contract Disputes and Financial Realities
Bates announced her exit from the Cranston-based NBC affiliate in September 2021. While the station described her departure as her choice not to renew her contract, the situation was more complex. Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that while her new contract offered a modest pay increase, crucial additional income opportunities had disappeared, making her financial situation untenable.
Fletcher Fischer, business manager for IBEW Local 1228, the union representing NBC 10 workers, described the deal offered to Bates as “insulting” in an interview with Newsweek. He explained that Bates, who had been moved to part-time status approximately ten years earlier, previously supplemented her income by filling in when other meteorologists took time off. When these opportunities dried up, her financial stability became precarious.
“People at the station love to work there,” Fischer stated. “But at some point, people have to be able to pay their bills. And [Bates] wanted to be treated fairly.”
Station Response and Public Reaction
NBC 10’s general manager Vic Vetters expressed regret over Bates’ decision, stating, “The WJAR team is saddened that meteorologist Kelly Bates is leaving the station after nearly 17 great years together. Kelly ultimately decided it was time to move on and elected not to renew her contract with us,” as reported by Newsweek.
The station’s response did little to quell public outrage. Fans launched a petition demanding Bates’ reinstatement, and many threatened to boycott the station. The controversy quickly gained national attention, highlighting issues within the television news industry, particularly regarding treatment of women.
Gender Inequality in Television News
In an interview with Newsweek following her departure, Bates described the television news industry as “unequivocally unfair” to women. She expressed hope that the attention on her situation would spark broader conversations about discriminatory practices against women in television.
The 49-year-old meteorologist initially feared her television career was over, writing on Twitter that “as a 49-year-old round woman, it’s safe to say my television career is done.” However, in a later post, she clarified that “nothing was said about my weight,” and she wasn’t directly receiving comments about her appearance anymore.
Broader Workplace Issues Exposed
The controversy revealed deeper issues at NBC 10, owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group. Ten current and former employees described low morale and stagnant pay at the station, particularly among younger field reporters, according to reporting by The Boston Globe.
A New Beginning: Return to Weather Forecasting
In a positive turn of events, Bates eventually secured a new position at ABC affiliate Channel 6 (WLNE) in June 2022, where she works as a weekend meteorologist and science reporter. This represented a return to her roots, as she had started her Rhode Island weather career with ABC in 2000.
“I’m the luckiest person in the world,” Bates told The Boston Globe after landing her new role. “They say it’s darkest before the dawn. This is kind of proof of that.”
Legacy of Grace Under Pressure
Bates’ handling of her departure and the subsequent controversy has been widely praised as exemplary. By discouraging negative campaigns against her former employer while standing firm on issues of fair treatment, she demonstrated grace under pressure and set an example for handling workplace transitions with dignity.
Impact Beyond Local News
Her story resonated beyond Rhode Island, touching on universal themes of workplace fairness, media ethics, and the special relationship between local television personalities and their communities. For many viewers, Bates wasn’t just a meteorologist—she was a trusted presence in their daily lives for nearly two decades.
Media Landscape Implications
The episode also highlighted the changing landscape of local television news, the power of social media in mobilizing public support, and the importance of transparency in maintaining viewer trust.
Disclaimer
Based on public reporting from multiple news outlets including The Boston Globe, Newsweek, and public social media posts. Some information represents statements from parties involved and may reflect their perspectives rather than independently verified facts.