CBS11 chief meteorologist Larry Mowry reportedly heading north to Chicago after eight-year stay in D-FW (updated)

By ED BARK
@unclebarkycom on Twitter
Larry Mowry, CBS11’s chief meteorologist for the past eight years, reportedly is leaving the D-FW station and relocating to frostier climes.

A report from longtime Chicago media critic Robert Feder says that Mowry’s new home will be ABC-owned WLS-TV in Chicago, which he’s “expected to join” in April. Mowry worked the weekend shift at WLS in 2004.

WLS so far has had no comment and CBS11 director of communications Lori Conrad said early Monday evening, “We decline to comment.” Mowry uncommonly was absent from the station for a few days during the just-concluded February “sweeps” ratings period.

Losing the personable and very capable Mowry would be a substantial blow to CBS11, which last year touted his forecasting skills in a country music-themed “Listen to Larry” campaign. Mowry, who does the weather segments on CBS11’s 5, 6 and 10 p.m. weekday newscasts, lately could be seen giving away free umbrellas in a promotional spot.

Mowry made his CBS11 debut on Jan. 21, 2008, replacing Kristine Kahanek as the station’s head meteorologist. She eventually left the station in spring 2009 and was a featured panelist earlier this month at the Press Club of Dallas-sponsored “Weathering Heights” event.

Mowry came to CBS11 from Orlando, Florida’s WKMG-TV, a CBS affiliate station.

The apparent move to Chicago will be a slight bump up in market size for Mowry. D-FW is the country’s fifth largest market while Chicago ranks No. 3.

Feder’s report said that Mowry’s hiring comes as 32-year WLS veteran Jerry Taft relinquishes his 10 p.m. weather segment to the newly hired Cheryl Scott. WLS also has three other meteorologists on its staff.

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