Leaving the Station in Lex

After more than two decades of dedicated service forecasting weather across Kentucky, Jim Caldwell, a familiar face and voice to countless viewers, is making a significant career change. The morning meteorologist for Lexington's WKYT is stepping down from his post on Friday, December 5, to accept a new role as the public relations and marketing director for the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation.

Caldwell’s departure marks the end of an era for the local broadcaster, who spent years helping Kentuckians prepare for everything from summer storms to winter ice. His move highlights a growing trend of seasoned media professionals transitioning their communication skills into key roles in education and public service.

For Caldwell, the journey began not in front of a green screen, but behind a microphone.

He shared a moving reflection on his early connection to the station, recalling childhood drives past the WKYT studios on Winchester Road. “As a kid riding down Winchester Road on the occasional trip to Lexington, my mom and dad would always point and say, ‘That’s where the newsman Sam Dick works,’” Caldwell remembered. “The first time I drove up that same driveway as an employee, I had to stop and take it in. I remember thinking to myself, ‘I can’t believe this is where I work.’”

Caldwell initially intended to pursue a degree in psychology, but a chance opportunity at age 15 to record promos for WRLV AM/FM in Salyersville, Kentucky, ignited a passion for broadcasting. This early start led to him becoming a color commentator, handling weather recordings, sales, and eventually serving as the sports director and music director while completing high school and starting college.

He received his Broadcast Meteorology Certificate from Mississippi State University and became a respected member of both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. In 2001, he joined WYMT as chief weathercaster before his tenure at WKYT.

The decision to leave the newsroom was clearly difficult for the meteorologist.

Caldwell described the emotional toll of his transition, saying, “Writing this now, I’ll admit I’ve cried more than once putting these thoughts together. This place has been such a huge part of my heart and story that it’s hard to find the right words.”

However, he sees his new position at the KEDC—a nonprofit educational service agency supporting schools across Kentucky—as an unexpected opportunity for professional growth that aligns with his future goals.

“I never thought I’d want to leave WKYT early,” Caldwell stated. “But an incredible opportunity has come my way, one I didn’t seek out but that sought me out.”

Caldwell’s final day on air will be December 5, after which he will transition his extensive communication experience from informing the public about weather risks to promoting educational development across the state.