THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 25, 1996 TAG: 9601250003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 114 lines
I am another shocked viewer who cannot believe WTKR-TV jettisoned the credible resource of Dr. Duane Harding. This is an area where the weather is exceptionally unstable, and the well-worn local joke is that if you don't like the weather in Hampton Roads, stick around because it will change. Therefore, we need a credible weatherman!
I work in an emergency room. I am expected to go to work, crossing bridges and tunnels, when the rest of Hampton Roads is told, ``If you don't need to go out, please stay home.'' Many nights, throughout the near-misses and threats of hurricanes, as well as the occasional snowfalls, I have been reassured by the knowledge and erxperience of Dr. Duane, hour after hour, as he spent all-nighters in the studio to keep us updated.
He also explained why things happened, which added to our confidence in him.
When I listen to the weather and am potentially risking my life on icy bridges, I want the best available information at the time from someone I can trust. Dr. Duane has been doing this for such a long time that he inspires confidence.
Channel 3 has blown it. I hope another market realizes Dr. Duane's value and snaps him up, because he has been shabbily treated here. Someone else's gain is our loss, and WTKR-TV should be ashamed of itself. I'm sorry that a newscaster as great as Tom Randles has to suffer because I choose not to watch Channel 3 any longer.
LINDA WHITT
Virginia Beach, Jan. 22, 1996
Three cheers for columnist Lawrence Maddry! I'm sure he spoke for thousands of us by blasting WTKR-TV for its stupidity in firing Dr. Duane Harding. Dr. Duane is no doubt the most intelligent weather forecaster that this area has ever been fortunate enough to have. WTKR-TV has lost me for good.
AMANDA MARSHALL
Virginia Beach, Jan. 20, 1996
The new administration at Channel 3 really blew it thinking it knows something about its audience. Firing the best meteorologist in Hampton Roads and opting for something that belongs in Times Square was the wrong thing to do.
My household will never watch WTKR news again and certainly watch less of the CBS network. Better send Hamm and the rest of those New Yorkers out on the roof to air out their heads.
J. G. KRESKY
Virginia Beach, Jan. 22, 1996
I was very disappointed to hear of Dr. Duane's dismissal. He did an excellent job. The new weather forecasters will not be able to fill his shoes successfully.
HARRY L BEST
Franklin, Jan. 20, 1996
Many of us are devastated at the firing of Dr. Duane Harding, meteorologist. Both News Director Barbara Hamm and Manager Edwin Hale are the ones who should be relieved of their duties. The opinion of the consumers does not agree with their harsh judgment.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Harding's weather reports as he is pleasant and precise in his presentations.
The idea of these two higher-ups escorting him out of the building as if he were an offender sickens me. I will not be interested in WTKR-TV news and weather reporting henceforth.
SYLVIA F. ZUCKER
Portsmouth, Jan. 19, 1996
I have watched WTKR-TV for many years. I don't have time to watch a lot of TV but I tried always to tune into the 6 o'clock news on Channel 3 to hear what Dr. Duane had to say about the weather. I trusted him because I knew he not only reported the weather but had spent years studying and had his doctorate in meteorology. I, too, have decided to go in a new direction - to a new channel for my news.
Somebody at WTKR sure goofed!
MRS. R. E. HOLLOWELL
Portsmouth, Jan. 20, 1996
My grandson, Michael, a first-grader at Alanton Elementary School in Virginia Beach, is an avid weather watcher and the class weatherman. Dr. Duane Harding is his idol. For this reason, Michael's teacher, Mrs. Robinson, invited Dr. Duane to come to the class on Jan. 18 to talk to the children about his work. This, of course, was after he had been summarily fired from his job by the management of WTKR-TV.
Dr. Duane happily gave his time to the first-graders anyway. The children thoroughly enjoyed his talk and visiting with him.
I don't know what kind of people are managing WTKR, but it is obvious to me that plans for the station's weather programs, conceived by whatever management ``genius,'' are being executed by ``idiots.''
Count me as another viewer down the tube.
W. R. PATTERSON
Virginia Beach, Jan. 20, 1996
I read that WTKR-TV was dismissing Dr. Duane Harding becuase he did not fit in with its plans. I did note, however, the last paragaraph in the article in which Dr. Duane stated that he would not be back on the air. I can only speculate as to his reason for making that statement.
I must say that I agree with his decision, because I have too much respect for the man to see him standing out on the roof of the station in the rain, snow, wind and cold, like some moron, giving a weather foreast. If I were him, I would not degrade myself or my profesison by doing such a thing, nor would I remain in the employ of any employer that required me to do so. My hat is off to Dr. Duane for maintaining his dignity.
DONALD P. KELLAM SR.
Exmore, Jan. 18, 1996 ILLUSTRATION: Photo
DUANE HARDING
by CNB