KOLD viewers have probably noticed the absence of chief meteorologist Chuck George on broadcasts for the last week or so. In fact, his Facebook page is flooded with posts inquiring why he hasn’t been on air. George, who through a news story aired by KOLD recently announced he is engaged in a long-running battle with depression, may have suffered another setback.
George most recently appeared June 7 on the station’s 5 and 6 pm newscasts, but was not on the air at 10pm. Aaron Pickering filled in on that prime time shift. George hasn’t been seen on television since. Furthermore, he’s been absent from social media, which George utilizes with frequency under normal circumstances.
Upon retrospective viewing, George appeared to struggle more with the 5 pm newscast. He’s good enough to get through the weather reports, but they certainly don’t rank as high water efforts. He’ll do little things like miss his marks, or wander a bit too close to the camera, but generally he manages to make it through.
Perhaps it’s reading too much into it, but the required news banter interaction is where uncomfortable signs appear. On the June 7 newscasts, Teresa Jun and Heather Rowe occupied the anchor seats, and they seemed to go into some variation of Pleasantville mode, a bit over-smiley, almost as if they were hoping a happy demeanor would act to diffuse an unpredictable situation so the weatherman didn’t blurt out something that would really get some attention.
If the absence is long-term, it would be George’s at least fourth lengthy hiatus from KOLD since 2010.
This article appears in Jun 20-26, 2013.
And Dan Marries has been having a heck of a time pronouncing some common words this week. He stumbled over “theologians” last night.. and several more earlier in the week.
Sheesh, this guy.
WE WILL SUPPORT CHUCK THROUGH HIS BATTLE..ALWAYS A FAN..
If he is depressed, so what, give him space to work it out. Report it then support it. And, open the door to a public discussion. Depression affects 5-8 percent of adults in the United States, that means 25 million Americans each year will have an episode of major depression. It seems if a public figure is depressed s/he gets thrown away and is lost forever.
He has always fought the battle of being gay yet wanting to be “normal”. Known him a long time. I think as he ages and there are no little “chuck George’s” around or will be (unless he adopts) it makes him feel incomplete. Too bad cause he is a really cool guy.
This dude is a train wreck… let him go peoples
I have been looking out the window of my jail cell and seeing the weather. Don’t need to know…it’s hot out there.
I am seeing a pattern of the “Friday” blues. And I thought it was “Rainy Days and Sundays Always Get Me Down.”
Worth noting. Now let him be so he can get through it.
I’m so sorry to hear he is suffering. I hope he is getting the care & treatment he needs. Depression hurts many people & needs understanding, patience & caring people to overcome. It is an illness & should be treated that way. Get well soon Chuck…..you are missed.
Scott kilbury leaving Kold for Rochester. Many of his fans not happy as per social media posts. Station mgmt did not even give him a decent sendoff or goodbye. Staff demoralized. Kilbury handling the snuff with class.
Depression is so unpredictable. Praying for you, Chuck, may you find the peace you need. Know we love and support you…miss you.
We like Kilbury. We like George. Not sure about KOLD.
TV is a cut-throat business. It’s all about your appearance, much less about your brain.
I’m not downgrading his condition or anything of that nature, but if I had even attempted to take all the time off from my job that Mr. George did just the first time this all happened I would’ve definitely been handed a pink slip. When is enough of these absences enough people?
I think there must be some other issue. Depression must be bad, BUT so are so many other illnessess/diseases and if he can’t work, he can’t work and should apply for disability or go into a less visable line of employment.
I am sorry, but I just don’t buy it but do hope he is well.
A workplace that values it’s employees and is willing to accommodate them when they are ill (or severely injured, or when their family member is seriously ill, or when the employee is pregnant FGS) is so foreign to us here in the Land of the Free, that it becomes an object of derision. The kindly treated employee is treated to a burst of ‘buck up you gimp, if you can’t take it ..shove off’. Fire their ass.
You should be so lucky. Humanistic workplace models can be found all over the world, but there are damn few of them here.
…Why of course I blame Ayn Rand!
An ugly ugly disease. From one human being to another…hang in there.
Depression is a horrible sense of being. We don’t know what is “normal”. It doesn’t go away on its own. Fighting depression, anxiety or panic attacks on a daily basis – strictness the life. But – it is what it is – i thank God everyday that i have such an understanding & loving family.
The Chuck George fan club NEVER ceases to amaze me
Leave the man the FUK alone!!!!!!
Is this supposed to be a news article? Or is it some sort of editorial or a column? I came here looking for news. It’s more like a gossip column. Chuck George is suffering and I hope he’s getting some excellent support. Compassion is what matters here, and KOLD should be praised for giving him time and space to work things out.
Bravo to Corduval’s comment!
I pray that Chuck is getting great help with his depression. If he is gay, that has been a rumor for years, I wish he would just come out. I know most of the viewers and his friends would support him. Maybe that is part of the depression.
He is the greatest weather person that I have seen. He has so much knowledge about the weather and other events. Also the off site affairs he did on camera were so natural for him. My heart bleeds for him, hoping his is ok.
I hope KOLD supports him in his time of need. He is the best weather guy. All of the weather people on KOLD are good and seems to have lots of knowledge they share. God Bless Chuck and we hope to see you much better. We wish you the best in this stuggle.
Scott Kilbury leaving Kold for Rochester. It is sad that KOLD is going to the pots with the latest General Manager. She seems not to care. A few Sundays ago for the evening news they had no sound for except like 5 minutes. I was told just to read the lips and don’t change over to KVOA. There have been lots of technical issues too while on the air.
They have excellent TV personalities and I hate to see them leave because of poor management. Chuck George is the best weatherman I have seen in this nation. He knows a lot and enjoys educating his viewers. We miss him a lot.
The weather forecast has been a delight to tune in to when Chuck George presents it- interesting extras make it special- presented with sincere, knowledgeable authority on the subject. Looking forward to seeing you soon Chuck.
I get the impression he struggles with alcohol/substances, ends up doing a spot half drunk, then gets sent to dry out for a couple weeks.
I suffered from depression for many years. the only thing that helped me was antidepressant meds. It changes the way you think , it gave me my life back ( drinking makes it worse ) He needs to find a med that works for him then he can have a normal life. In my book Mike Goodrich ( kvoa/ kgun ) was #1 CG is a close second
We all might stop talking, media included, about Chuck George, unless he is in the room. Oh rattycatty people, it’s so easy to judge, isn’t it?
I miss him on the news, but as a result, I stopped watching it. Surprise! It’s a much happier evening.
He would have been fired if he wasn’t white. He is NOT a nice person. His demons are catching up to him and I hope he does not return. He is not only a closet gay but he is a closet racist.
icecld2, your an idiot. chuck is not racist by the slightest means. My boss and him are great friends and my boss is a African American. Ive met and had drinks on public occasions with Chuck numerous times over the years, and he in a completely sincere loving person. There is not one ounce of unkindness in this mans heart. We all have our own demons to face, lets hope your demons of apparent hatred dont devour you.