Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin Names Alex Kirchner Chief Meteorologist

Several notable changes are occurring in local meteorologist positions across the Midwest. Alex Kirchner, formerly of WREX-TV and WXOW-TV, has become the new chief meteorologist at Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin, handling evening weather coverage since late July. Mark Johnson, after a sudden departure from WEWS Channel 5 in May amid undisclosed personnel issues, has been hired on a contract basis by TEGNA, the parent company of WKYC Channel 3, to provide freelance weather forecasts for stations outside Northern Ohio, with speculation he may return to Cleveland airwaves after a non-compete period. Meanwhile, WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee has filled a meteorologist vacancy by bringing in Lauren Larsen from WGBA-TV in Green Bay, following recent departures of other meteorologists and a morning news anchor. These staffing movements highlight ongoing shifts and adjustments within regional broadcast meteorology teams.