Terre Haute, Indiana – A local meteorologist for WTWO, a Nexstar-owned television station, was recently dismissed from her position, leading to the deletion of her professional social media page and a subsequent outpouring of support from viewers. Alex Kerkhove, a recent graduate of Purdue University, had been delivering weather forecasts for the station since June of last year.
"This is an extremely difficult post to make. I am posting on my personal weather page because they deleted my FB." — Alex Kerkhove, Former WTWO Meteorologist
According to Kerkhove’s own account, shared on her personal weather page, management at WTWO informed her on Monday that it would be her last day. She stated that the decision was made without prior warning, and she was told by station management that they "did not see a future" for her at WTWO. The meteorologist expressed her desire to remain with the station, indicating the decision was not her own.
Adding to the abrupt nature of her departure, Kerkhove’s professional Facebook page, which she had used to engage with viewers and share weather updates, was deleted shortly after her dismissal. This action prompted her to use a personal online platform to communicate with her audience. "This is an extremely difficult post to make. I am posting on my personal weather page because they deleted my FB," Kerkhove wrote in a message that quickly gained traction beyond the local Terre Haute community.
Kerkhove, while candid about her situation, maintained a professional tone in her public statements regarding the reasons for her exit. She acknowledged that she was unable to provide a comprehensive explanation of the events leading to her dismissal, stating, "Honestly, I can’t get into the weeds of what went on behind the scenes." The story was initially reported by the FTVLive newsletter before Kerkhove’s personal post went viral.
The news of Kerkhove’s firing and the subsequent removal of her digital presence resonated strongly with local viewers. Hundreds of comments flooded her personal post, many expressing shock and disappointment directed at WTWO. Viewers highlighted Kerkhove’s on-air abilities, her natural forecasting skills, and the rapport she had established during her months on air, often alongside veteran meteorologist Jesse Walker. Commenters described her as "amazing," "talented," and a "ray of sunshine," with many predicting that the station would regret its decision.
The public reaction underscored the deep connection local news personalities often forge with their communities. Many viewers had rallied around Kerkhove, seeing her as a local success story, a young woman from modest origins who had achieved an on-air position. Kerkhove herself acknowledged this support, thanking those who had shown "such love to a Farm girl from West Lafayette."
The incident also highlights contemporary challenges in the media industry, particularly concerning the relationship between local talent, corporate ownership, and digital platforms. Nexstar Media Group, one of the largest operators of local television stations in the United States, owns WTWO. Companies often maintain strict control over employee-managed professional social media accounts, viewing them as company assets. The deletion of such pages upon an employee's departure is a practice designed to control brand messaging and prevent the transfer of audience engagement to competitors. However, this practice can sometimes clash with the personal brand and community ties developed by on-air talent.
Despite the abrupt end to her tenure at WTWO, Kerkhove conveyed a clear message of resilience and continuity to her followers. "This obviously is not a goodbye," she stated, indicating her intention to continue providing weather updates, gardening tips, festival coverage, and historical weather facts through her personal channels. As of publication, Nexstar Media Group has not issued a public statement regarding the matter. The New York Post reportedly contacted both Nexstar and Kerkhove for comment. The situation continues to draw attention to the dynamics of local media employment and the evolving role of digital engagement in broadcast journalism.
