Fired Cleveland Anchor Lawyers Up

An attorney representing fired WEWS meteorologist Mark Johnson has issued a statement defending his client, calling him “a model employee and citizen” and saying that his “termination was unfounded and disappointing.”

Daniel Levin of Prominent Brand + Talent also promised that Cleveland would soon hear from Johnson directly about his sudden exit from WEWS, Cleveland’s ABC affiliate station owned by the EW Scripps Company and part of the Scripps News Group. “Mark Johnson has built a distinguished reputation over three decades as a trusted and respected meteorologist in the Cleveland community,” Levin said in the statement. “His work has earned him the public trust and internal recognition, and his performance evaluations have always been exemplary – consistently reflecting his dedication, reliability, and value to Scripps and the WEWS family. All the viewers, colleagues, and community organizations have repeatedly appreciated Mark’s integrity, approachability, and his commitment to public service. His contributions have been instrumental in building Scripps’ credibility and connection with its audience over the many years that Mark has served as part of the Scripps’ community in Cleveland.”

Levin dismissed online and social media speculation about the reasons behind Johnson’s departure from the Cleveland station.

“I have represented Mark for over 25 years,” Levin said. “Mark is a model professional. Of conduct that would be deemed inappropriate, there’s none of that.”

Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer reached out to WEWS/Scripps for a comment.

Johnson’s abrupt departure was announced Friday in a statement from WEWS in Cleveland. The statement did not specifically explain his departure, simply saying he “was no longer employed by WEWS.”

“We want our audiences to know that News 5 and its parent company, Scripps, take protecting our audiences’ trust very seriously by requiring our employees to adhere to the highest ethical standards,” Steve Weinstein, vice president and general manager of WEWS, the Scripps-owned ABC affiliate in Cleveland, said in the statement. “We cannot provide further details, as this is a personnel matter.”

H/T Cleveland.com