ABC6 meteorologist Kelly Bates says she and others have lost their jobs

Kelly Bates, a prominent meteorologist in Providence, announced on September 11, 2025, that she and several colleagues lost their jobs at ABC6 following a change in ownership. The station's new parent company, which previously employed Bates, deemed her role redundant. In an emotional Facebook video, Bates struggled to hold back tears as she addressed the layoffs, stating, "So it happened again. " This incident marks her second job loss in recent years, having returned to the air in 2022 after a contract dispute with NBC10. The layoffs underscore the difficulties faced by local media professionals amid industry consolidation and ownership changes.

Bates has been a familiar face in Providence television, contributing to the local weather reporting landscape for years. The situation raises concerns about the future of local journalism and job security for those in the field. The ongoing evolution of media ownership may continue to impact staff stability at local stations.