KATV's Brandt named new chief meteorologist

Barry Brandt
Barry Brandt

LITTLE ROCK -- KATV on Thursday announced that Barry Brandt has been selected as its new chief meteorologist.

Brandt will provide forecasts for the station's 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.

"I'm honored to have been chosen to lead such a great team of meteorologists," Brandt said in a news release.

"Arkansas has been my home for more than 30 years now, and in that time I've developed a deep love for our state and its people, as well as a unique understanding of Arkansas weather patterns ... an understanding shared by the rest of the Channel 7 Weather team, all native Arkansans delivering the most accurate weather forecasts each and every day. I truly believe that our team of meteorologists are unmatched in this market, or anywhere in the country."

"I'm excited to name Barry as KATV's Chief Meteorologist. Barry has shown his passion and commitment to alert and protect Arkansans for more than 30 years. I know with Barry leading the most experienced weather team in the state, viewers will continue to trust KATV as their source for weather information," KATV News Director Nick Genty said in the release.

Brandt received his bachelor's degree in Atmospheric Science in 1986 from the University of Kansas. In 1986, upon graduation from KU, he worked as chief meteorologist at KQTV in St. Joseph, Mo. One year later, in 1987, he moved to the Little Rock television market and has been serving central Arkansas viewers ever since.

"We are very fortunate to have such a deep bench of experienced meteorologists at Channel 7," said KATV General Manager Mark Rose. "After the retirement of Ned Perme, who served as KATV's Chief Meteorologist for 34 years, it's absolutely incredible to be able to fill this position with someone as talented and experienced as Barry."

Meteorologist Todd Yakoubian will move to weekdays, providing forecasts for Channel 7 "News Midday" at 11:30 a.m., as well as "Good Afternoon Arkansas" at 3 p.m. and Channel 7 News at 5 p.m.

Meteorologist Melinda Mayo, with more than two decades of experience tracking Arkansas weather, will remain in the mornings, appearing weekdays on Channel 7 "Daybreak" and "Good Morning Arkansas."

The newest member of the Channel 7 Weather Team is North Little Rock native James Bryant, who comes to KATV with a Bachelor's degree in meteorology from Mississippi State University. He is a storm-chaser, and was among the very first on the scene during the 2014 Mayflower/Vilonia tornado. He spent the past year working in the aviation industry, providing vital weather information to pilots. Bryant can be seen on Channel 7 News on weekends.

Entertainment on 01/04/2019

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