KPIX Makes it official: Deanno to become 'Chief Meteorologist' during Weeknight; Gonzales to move to Weekends and Field Reporting

KPIX made it official on Tuesday.

What's been in the works for months was finally announced: Paul Deanno will become the chief meteorologist Monday-Friday, working the 5, 6, and 11 PM news blocks. The Seattle-based weather guy begins in late August and will replace Roberta Gonzales.

Gonzales will move to the weekends and do weather-related reporting in the field. From a PIX press release:

“I am very excited both to welcome Paul and to have Roberta in a dynamic new role,” said Dan Rosenheim, Vice President and News Director. “With Paul, Roberta, and morning weather anchor Lawrence Karnow, we have three exceptionally talented weathercasters, and we will now be the only station in the Bay Area with three full time staff weather anchors

Behind the scenes: CBS network affiliate stations brass have been eyeing a lot of "high-compensation" air talent and Gonzales was on that list, (as are others). There's more to life than money, and although Gonzales will take a pay cut, she remains in the Bay Area and still gets a decent salary.

That said, Rosenheim's behind-the-scenes move, (combined with NY's involvement) puts new pressure on the PIX News Director. This is a decision that ultimately aims to placate viewers loyal to the enormously popular Gonzales. Her move to the weekend may or may not work and that's squarely on Rosenheim's watch.

Deanno comes to the Bay Area with a basket full of experience. He's the first broadcast meteorologist to have filled in on both The Today Show and Good Morning America, and he has also provided severe weather coverage for MSNBC, CNN, The Weather Channel and NBC Nightly News.

But whether that translates to a smooth transition and no Channel 5 viewer backlash will be the utmost test. Rosenheim better hope this works or he could soon be updating his resume.


*Follow me on Twitter