COLUMBUS, Ohio — After four years covering everything from blizzards to tornadoes here in West Michigan, we are proud to announce that 13 ON YOUR SIDE Meteorologist Michael Behrens has been promoted to our sister station WBNS in Columbus, Ohio.
Michael has been a vital member of the weather team here in Grand Rapids since joining at the start of the pandemic during the spring of 2020. He dove in head first covering the weather for West Michigan from his then home in East Texas, all while still working morning shows for our Tyler, Texas station KYTX CBS 19.
After moving to West Michigan Michael would become a fixture at local parades, events, and schools across our region. Michael was always focused on sharing his passion for weather and television with the members of our community. At the station he was never afraid to hop in and cover any position, from breaking news, to climate and science reports, or the history of our 13 Weatherball, Michael was likely to tell the story!
Michael brought home several awards for his work at 13 On Your Side, including two Michigan Association of Broadcasters awards and an EMMY nomination for his story on understanding hail impacts. Michael is also proud of his work keeping West Michigan informed through his weather, science, and informational series "Here's Why".
News Director for 13 ON YOUR SIDE Brooks Blanton said the following about Michael's time at WZZM, "I am sure you, like me, have been impressed with how dedicated Michael is to forecasting the weather and his incredible knowledge of technology. Michael is always willing work extra hours, odd shifts, and go above and beyond to make sure we are the best in all of our endeavors."
13 ON YOUR SIDE President and General Manager Dan Baylog echoed these sentiments saying, "We’re going to miss you but are thrilled for you and know you’re going to do great things at your new TEGNA station in Columbus, Ohio. Personally, I’m going to miss your willingness to adlib and try new things along with your tech savvy. Thank you for everything."
When asked about the move Michael said, "I am extremely grateful to the communities around West Michigan for welcoming me into their homes and lives over these past four years. I am certainly sad to be leaving this amazing and diverse community, but I am also very excited to continue my career journey with TEGNA and to take on new challenges in Central Ohio. I will never forget the beauty of this region, or the impacts of our wild weather."
Michael has already started forecasting with the Doppler 10 Weather Team on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, but will also continue to forecast for 13 On Your Side Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until he moves to Columbus full time at the end of the month. Once there he will join the weekend evening team starting the first full week of March.
You can follow his journey and stay up to date on social media at the links below!
Facebook Meteorologist Michael Behrens, X/Twitter @MikeBehrensWX, and Instagram/Threads @MikeBehrensWX.
Email: MBehrens@tegna.com
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