Longtime Cleveland Meteorologist Mark Johnson Departs WEWS News 5
Cleveland, Ohio – WEWS News 5, the local ABC affiliate, has announced the departure of meteorologist Mark Johnson, a familiar face on Cleveland television for nearly three decades. The station released a statement on Friday confirming Johnson’s exit, leaving viewers and community members surprised and prompting an outpouring of support for the beloved weatherman.
The brief statement from WEWS News 5 offered little detail regarding the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s departure. "News 5 wants to share with our viewers a change to our on-air staffing. Meteorologist Mark Johnson is no longer employed at WEWS," the statement read.
Jodie Heisner, the station’s news director, declined to elaborate further, stating to Cleveland.com that she was unable to comment beyond the information provided on the station’s website. The lack of specific information has fueled speculation and curiosity among viewers who have come to rely on Johnson’s weather forecasts over the years.
Adding to the ambiguity, Steve Weinstein, WEWS vice president and general manager, issued a statement emphasizing the station’s commitment to ethical standards. "We want our audiences to know that News 5 and its parent company, Scripps, take protecting our audiences’ trust very seriously by requiring our employees to adhere to the highest ethical standards. We cannot provide further details, as this is a personnel matter," Weinstein stated.
The reference to "ethical standards" has led to conjecture about the reasons behind Johnson’s departure, though no concrete information has been revealed. The station’s decision to remain tight-lipped about the matter has only intensified the interest and speculation surrounding the situation.
Despite the lack of official explanation, viewers have rallied around Johnson, expressing their support and disappointment on his Facebook page. Many have voiced their dismay at his departure and questioned the station’s decision.
One user wrote, "Well no reason for me to ever watch WEWS 5 every again!" Johnson responded to the post, acknowledging the outpouring of support and expressing his fondness for his former colleagues. "I still love my News5 Family. Some great people," he wrote on Facebook, as reported by The New York Post. "More than anyone, you know there will be sunshine after a storm."
Another fan wrote, "Clevelanders stand with you… your stellar reputation cannot be tarnished and we celebrate your decades of loyalty to our community."
Johnson has yet to issue an official statement regarding his departure from WEWS News 5, leaving many to wonder about his future plans and the circumstances that led to his exit.
In the interim, other meteorologists at News 5 have stepped in to fill Johnson’s role. Katie McGraw acknowledged that she was substituting for Johnson during a broadcast on Friday, and another meteorologist covered his shift on May 6, according to News 5 broadcasts.
Notably, Johnson remained active on social media following his departure from the station. On Sunday, he posted on Facebook and Threads about a small earthquake that occurred in Ashtabula County, Ohio.
"Did You Feel It?? Small earthquake just before 11pm in Ashtabula County… Lake Erie Bluffs seismograph shows the quake here. 10:47pm near Harpersfield. Measured 2.5," Johnson wrote.
According to News 5 broadcasts, Johnson’s last appearance on the station was on Monday, May 5, when he appeared throughout the day delivering weather forecasts.
The departure of Mark Johnson marks the end of an era for WEWS News 5 and its viewers. For nearly three decades, Johnson has been a trusted source of weather information, becoming a familiar and reliable presence in the homes of Cleveland residents. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by many who have come to depend on his forecasts and appreciate his dedication to the community.
The station’s decision to part ways with Johnson and the lack of transparency surrounding the circumstances have raised questions and sparked debate among viewers. While WEWS News 5 has cited ethical standards and personnel matters as reasons for its silence, the absence of further explanation has left many unsatisfied and eager for more information.
As the community awaits further details about Johnson’s departure, his legacy as a dedicated and respected meteorologist in Cleveland remains intact. The outpouring of support from viewers underscores the impact he has had on the community and the lasting impression he has left on those who have watched him over the years. His future endeavors remain to be seen, but his contributions to Cleveland television and his connection with the community will not soon be forgotten.
