The short answer to your question is that we did not renew Noah's contract and he will no longer be on FOX23 News, but I do not know what his plans are currently. There were a number of articles about Noah leaving in the local papers and we did a tribute to Noah on his last day (September 29th) showing video clips of him over the years so we were not trying to keep anything from our viewers.
The longer answer is that personally I like Noah Francis and professionally he did a fine job as FOX23 News Chief Meteorologist; which is why we have made provisions beyond his contract end to allow for as smooth a transition as possible. In a note to the FOX23 staff, Noah said that he was appreciative of how the station is working to help him through this transition.
We did not come to this decision lightly, however we believe it is the right decision for our viewers and for the FOX23 News team in the long run. I understand if you were a fan of Noah's, but I have 100% confidence in Steve Teeling given his extensive experience, and I think over time many Capital Region viewers will agree with me.
I know you don’t know me but please know that everyday I think about what is best for the FOX23 viewers and advertisers and my actions are guided by my desire to exceed their expectations in everyway possible. The station has made tremendous growth in a number of areas under my direction over the past 5 years; and not that every decision we make is right, but we believe we are making them for the right reasons…the benefit of our viewers and advertisers.
Thank you for taking the time to e-mail me and for watching FOX23.
Jeffrey J. Whitson
V.P./General Manager
FOX23 WXXA-TV/DT
28 Corporate Circle
Albany, NY 12203
518.862.2323 ext. 201
518.862.0865 fax
"How will I exceed viewer and advertiser expectations today?"
