Staff Reporter
Mark Johnson, the well-known former WEWS Channel 5 chief meteorologist, is returning to weather broadcasting under media giant TEGNA—but not yet before Cleveland cameras. After a quiet and controversial exit from WEWS, Johnson now lends his expertise behind the scenes, serving TEGNA’s 64-station network. While viewers may miss his local forecasts for now, industry eyes remain fixed on whether his off-air role at WKYC’s parent company signals a future return to Cleveland screens. For now, Johnson forecasts from the wings—calm, steady, and just out of frame.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
– Mark Johnson joins TEGNA for nationwide weather forecasting support
– Not appearing on-air at Cleveland’s WKYC due to non-compete clause
– Departure from WEWS was abrupt, tied to unnamed “personnel matter”
– TEGNA highlights Johnson’s “unparalleled” industry experience
– Agent defends Johnson’s professional conduct
– Meteorologist stays connected with fans via social media
After more than three decades of forecasting Northeast Ohio’s weather, veteran meteorologist Mark Johnson is stepping back into the spotlight—just not in the place his viewers might expect.
Johnson, who was the chief meteorologist at Cleveland’s WEWS Channel 5 for over 30 years, has joined TEGNA, the media company that owns 64 television stations nationwide, including Cleveland’s WKYC Channel 3. His new role? Contributing weather forecasts across TEGNA’s national network, supporting meteorologists at various affiliate stations. It’s a notable move for a familiar face in Cleveland’s television landscape—though one that keeps him behind the scenes for now.
Although Johnson is technically now affiliated with WKYC’s parent company, current contractual obligations prevent him from appearing on air locally. Non-compete clauses are common in the broadcasting industry, often keeping anchors and meteorologists off air within the same market for a set period following a departure.
A TEGNA spokesperson confirmed the news, noting that Johnson’s expertise would be used to bolster forecasting efforts across several markets rather than a single broadcast.
“We’re excited to welcome Mark Johnson to TEGNA, where he will be supporting meteorologists across several stations with weather forecasting and broadcasts,” the spokesperson said.
“He’s an industry veteran, and we believe his unparalleled weather forecasting and reporting experience will be an asset to our teams.”
While TEGNA declined to comment on the specifics of Johnson’s contract—including whether his role may eventually expand to include on-air duties at WKYC—speculation remains. Given Johnson’s long connection to the region, some insiders wouldn’t be surprised to see him return to Cleveland television once restrictions expire.
His return to the industry comes just over two months after his sudden and somewhat mysterious exit from WEWS. In early May, Johnson left the station without a public explanation from management. Instead, the station issued a brief statement describing the separation as a “personnel matter.” The message went further to suggest that the issue might have involved conduct that failed to meet “the highest ethical standards” upheld by the station and its corporate parent, E.W. Scripps Company.
Johnson’s camp responded swiftly. His agent, Dan Levin, pushed back against any implications of wrongdoing.
“Mark is a model professional,” Levin said at the time.
“Of conduct that would be deemed inappropriate, there’s none of that.”
Despite the lack of official clarification, the story drew widespread attention from loyal viewers and media insiders alike. Johnson had been a fixture on Cleveland’s airwaves for decades, becoming a trusted voice in severe weather events and a familiar presence in living rooms across Northeast Ohio.
During his time off the air, Johnson didn’t disappear from public view. He remained active on social media, keeping in touch with his fan base by posting photos of family life, blooming backyard gardens, and brilliant Ohio sunsets. His posts—often warm, personal, and reflective—offered a glimpse into his quieter days away from the green screen.
Though his next on-air appearance may not happen immediately in Cleveland, Johnson’s voice and knowledge are once again part of the American weather conversation, this time on a national scale. For many, it’s not just about where he’s forecasting—it’s that he’s forecasting again at all.
Mark Johnson’s reentry into the broadcast sphere under TEGNA marks a quiet yet significant shift in his long career. While his voice won’t grace Cleveland’s screens immediately, his presence behind the scenes reflects both his enduring relevance and the industry’s continued trust in his expertise. As viewers and industry insiders watch with interest, his transition stands as a reminder—some forecasts may come without fanfare, but their impact still lingers in the atmosphere.
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