One of the most recognizable faces in meteorology has retired from television.
Greg Fishel retired from WRAL-TV in February of 2019. He had worked as a meteorologist for the network since 1981. He retired due to personal reasons, but he hasn’t provided full details—one can understand that the subject is one the meteorologist has preferred to keep private.
Read on to learn more about Greg Fishel’s career and what we do know about his decision to leave his television career behind.
Who Is Greg Fishel?
Greg Fishel joined WRAL-TV way back in 1981. He became the station’s chief meteorologist in 1989 and was the first certified broadcast meteorologist in the United States.
He held views on climate change that went against the grain for much of his career, believing that changes in climate were not down to human interference.
However, he did a U-turn on these views and participated in a climate change documentary in 2015. For the last few years of his career, he would make strong statements on the matter, denouncing climate change denialists.
Greg explaining his transition from “hardcore skeptic,” to advocate for climate change:
Fishel resigned from his decades-long career in February of 2019, to the surprise of many avid viewers that had gotten accustomed to the familiar face on their television set.
Why did he leave?
When Fishel left WRAL, the meteorologist cited a “personnel matter” as the reason. He released the following statement:
“I know there will be many questions as to ‘why?’ and I would like to share what I can with you.
I have been facing many personal challenges over the last year, and these issues have impacted my ability to work effectively and professionally.
I take full responsibility for my actions and intend on meeting these challenges head-on. WRAL-TV has accepted my resignation.”
In the year since his resignation, Fishel traveled frequently and kept fans updated on his day-to-day activities, which seemed to be bringing the presenter happiness.
It’s known that Fishel had taken a medical leave of absence in early 2018. When he returned he no longer presented the 11 pm weather slot, and instead delegated this task to Mike Maze, who had been filling in, during his absence.
In a letter on Facebook, Fishel thanked his fans over the years who had supported him for so long:
“I just want you all to know what a privilege and honor it has been to come into your homes for all or part of the last 37+ years.
And I want you to know that WRAL is still the best television station in the country not only because of the product it produces but by the people it employs.”
Greg Fishel over the years
New Job
Fishel announced on Facebook that he had embarked on a new chapter in his life. He now works for Priogen Energy, as a senior atmospheric scientist.
The job is not a television-based position, which perhaps suits Fishel better at this point in his life.
He’s now living in Raleigh, North Carolina, for his new company, which is an Amsterdam-based corporation. His role is to advise energy traders across America.