Cropper leaving WTAE
Pittsburgh:The Post-Gazette reported today that WTAE Meteorologist Stephen Cropper is leaving the station after 16 years. Cropper has, at times, served as the station's Chief Meteorologist. After the recent hiring of Mike Harvey as Chief, Cropper was moved to the weekend shift and it wasn't the first time it happened.
New WTAE President and GM Mike Hayes says the decision and announcement wasn't unexpected but wasn't something he wanted either.
Stephen Cropper, who also has a law degree from Duquesne University, isn't sure whether his next move will be in law or television, but has no plans to leave the area. "One we had kids we just realized that the quality of the area and the quality of the people were reasons to stay," he told the paper. His last day will be April 20.
Readers’ Forum
One comment: Why, after being tutored extensively by Joe DeNardo to be his replacement, was Stephen replaced? Mike Harvey, in my opinion, does not add anything new to the scenario.
Sylvester - April 13, 2011 at 10:46 pm
If I got jerked around the way Cropper was by channel 4 (remember Don Schwenneker?), I’d have thought about leaving long ago.
Rick - April 13, 2011 at 11:11 pm
I applaud Steven Cropper for leaving WTAE. I’ve always thought he was one of most personalble TV meteoroligists in the ‘Burgh. He seemed to be well-liked and invloved in the community. It’s a shame he was taken advantage of by the brass at the station. He would certainly do well at another station in the city. He deserves better. I hope if there is a non-compete, it goes quickly so he can re-emerge on the local airways again. And I agree with Sylvester, Mike Harvey did not add anything new (if anything, he was less personable).
deerejohn - April 14, 2011 at 10:59 am
Someone in the Pittsburgh market needs to start recognizing there’s a lot more to being a major player on a local newscast besides wearing white shirts.
Rick - April 14, 2011 at 10:46 pm
Amen, Rick. Perhaps we don’t get the talent we used to get when the market had a higher ranking, but that doesn’t mean programmers should lower their expectations, too.
Pat Cloonan (URL) - April 16, 2011 at 09:40 am
I’m surprised he stuck it out as long as he did.His abilities and viewer popularity were worthy of more respect than he was shown.Pittsburgh’s loss, hopefully another market’s gain.
RJ Kanary - April 16, 2011 at 3:10 pm
When Joe DeNardo retired, I fully expected Stephen to take his place. He is very personable and intelligent guy. I do not like Mike Harvey – he has (almost) like a wall up – I don’t feel you can get to know someone like him very well, whereas I felt like I knew Stephen.
Lisa - June 23, 2011 at 10:03 am
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