Mike Wankum, the longtime weeknight meteorologist for WCVB-TV in Boston, announced his retirement after nearly 35 years working in the city’s television market, including two decades at the station. Wankum’s final day on-air will be June 30, marking the end of a distinguished career that began in his home state of Iowa.
Wankum, 66, cited significant changes in the television industry as a factor in his decision to retire. He noted a shift away from traditional broadcast formats toward digital platforms such as social media and podcasts. “It’s just time to go to the second chapter, try something new,” Wankum said. “I’m going to watch it snow without worrying about that snowfall map.” He expressed enthusiasm for the evolving media landscape, highlighting the growing importance of mobile and vertical video formats.
Wankum launched his career at KTIV in Sioux City, Iowa, initially reporting weekend weather before becoming chief meteorologist. His career path included stops at WTVR-TV in Richmond, Virginia, and 13 years at WLVI-TV in Boston before joining WCVB in 2006. At WCVB, he anchored the weekday evening and nighttime weather segments, becoming a familiar presence during major storms in the region.
His retirement prompts a reshuffle within WCVB’s “StormTeam 5” meteorology lineup. Cindy Fitzgibbon, the station’s chief meteorologist since 2022 and the first woman to hold the role in Boston, will move from weekday mornings and midday broadcasts to weeknight coverage. Fitzgibbon said the timing aligns with personal milestones, including her youngest son’s recent high school graduation and her desire to leave behind early morning wake-up calls.
Meteorologist Kelly Ann Cicalese will transition from weekend morning shifts to the weekday “EyeOpener” and noon broadcasts, where she will join anchors Antoinette Antonio and Doug Meehan. The station is actively seeking a meteorologist to fill the weekend morning slot, with an emphasis on candidates skilled in digital media and multi-platform communication.
Margaret Cronan, WCVB’s news director, praised Wankum for his professionalism and composure during severe weather events. She stressed that weather coverage remains a critical driver of viewer engagement, especially amid increasing extreme weather patterns. Cronan also highlighted the station’s participation in a pilot program with Northeastern University aimed at integrating digital content production into local TV newsrooms, underscoring the broader industry focus on adapting to changing viewer habits.
Following his retirement, Wankum plans to focus on travel, particularly in East and Southeast Asia, as well as spending more time on his motorcycle. In addition to racing, he teaches motorcycle riding to police officers. Reflecting on his career, Wankum expressed a wistful appreciation for the changes ahead but also optimism about the future of meteorology and broadcasting.