Meteorologist Ashlee Baracy leaving WBNS-TV
Meteorologist Ashlee Baracy of WBNS-TV (Channel 10) is going to be leaving the news outlet this week. Her last day will be Thursday, according to a Monday social media post by the station that was confirmed by Baracy.
“With heavy hearts, we are announcing Chief Meteorologist Ashlee Baracy is leaving 10TV for an exciting new opportunity . ... We wish her all the best on her next adventure,” the post stated.
“I feel like I have packed a lot in these seven years, and it’s been such a pleasure doing it all with the support of this community,” Baracy said in an email exchange with The Dispatch. “The decision to move on from WBNS was not one I took lightly. However, the decision was deeply rooted in the future of my family, and I look forward to being able to share my next steps in the weeks to come.
“I hope everyone will tune in this Thursday to my last newscast on 10TV. I want to pay tribute to all the people in Columbus that have helped me grow. My success is their success too and I’m eternally grateful.”
On her own Twitter account, Baracy acknowledged the WBNS post, adding “more news to come.”
John Cardenas, president and general manager of WBNS, said via email, “We are sad to see Ashlee leave but are so happy for her and this new opportunity for (her) and her family. She has built and earned the trust of our viewers and we are committed to continuing that trust with our experienced Doppler 10 weather team.”
Baracy, who is from southeast Michigan, joined the Doppler 10 weather team in 2015 and was the morning meteorologist before being named chief meteorologist in 2019. She was the station’s first female chief meteorologist, according to WBNS.
She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and holds a broadcast meteorology certification from Mississippi State University. She also has a Master of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University.
Baracy said it only took late chief meteorologist Chris Bradley an hour to convince her to make Columbus her new home.
“I will never forget him picking me up at my hotel before my audition seven years ago, driving me around downtown Columbus and taking me to dinner. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I was immediately in love with what this great city has to offer,” she said.
“Although I might forecast the future when it comes to weather, I could have never predicted the opportunities I have been afforded here. I am appreciative to 10TV for trusting me and elevating me in my career. This community has become our home.”
Cardenas said Baracy gave “plenty of notice about her impending departure,” and the station will announce a new chief meteorologist in the coming days. rsmith@dispatch.com bpaschal@dispatch.com