MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2025 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Thompson, Turner, Aguirre, Creekmore IV, Gibbs (36th), Lancaster, Waldo
A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THE CRITICAL SERVICE OF THE WTVA-CHANNEL 9 METEOROLOGY TEAM, ENCOURAGING CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE STATION, AND URGING THE CONTINUED COMMITMENT OF ALLEN MEDIA BROADCASTING TO PROVIDE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI WITH LOCAL WEATHER COVERAGE BY ITS DEDICATED METEOROLOGISTS.
WHEREAS, since its founding in 1957 by Frank K. Spain, WTVA-Channel 9 has been a beacon of journalistic excellence, pioneering local television broadcasting in Northeast Mississippi, with a commitment to delivering timely and accurate weather forecasts to the residents of the region; and
WHEREAS, WTVA has a long-standing reputation for providing life-saving weather coverage, demonstrated most recently in March 2023, when the timely and accurate reporting of the WTVA Severe Weather Authority helped protect lives during the devastating tornado that tore through the town of Amory and Monroe County; and
WHEREAS, the station's meteorology team, led by Chief Meteorologist Matt Laubhan, has earned national recognition for its expertise and commitment to keeping the people of Northeast Mississippi informed and safe, with meteorologists John Dolusic, Chelsea Simmons and Gabe Mahner further contributing their experience and dedication to delivering critical weather updates; and
WHEREAS, WTVA has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards and nominations, for its excellence in weather broadcasting, further solidifying its status as a trusted source for severe weather warnings, forecasts and community updates; and
WHEREAS, the community of Northeast Mississippi overwhelmingly values and depends on its local meteorologists, whose deep knowledge of the region, familiarity with its unique weather patterns, and ability to provide real-time, location-specific updates cannot be replicated by remote forecasting services; and
WHEREAS, in response to widespread public support, including a petition signed by over 35,000 people, Allen Media Broadcasting reversed its decision to eliminate WTVA's local meteorology staff and has pledged to continue providing Northeast Mississippi with the trusted coverage that the community has come to rely upon; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that this commitment be upheld and reinforced to ensure that the residents of Northeast Mississippi continue to receive the highest standard of weather forecasting, particularly in times of severe weather threats; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and support institutions and professionals who serve as critical lifelines to the people of Mississippi, especially those such as the WTVA Meteorology Team, whose dedication to public safety has proven to be invaluable:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby acknowledge the critical service of the WTVA-Channel 9 Meteorology Team, encourage continued support of WTVA and its local meteorologists, and urge the continued commitment of Allen Media Broadcasting to providing Northeast Mississippi with locally staffed weather forecasting, ensuring that the community remains informed, prepared, and safe in the face of severe weather by trusted professionals who live and work in the area.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Allen Media Broadcasting, WTVA Chief Meteorologist Matt Laubhan and the WTVA Severe Weather Authority team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.