Highest paid meteorologist in local tv plus#
Highest paid meteorologist in local tv professional#

'Television is a visual medium and there's always been an unfair double standard when it comes to appearance. The Rhode Island native was wooed away by a Boston television station it was while he was working there that he collapsed, was hospitalized and, at 44, finally diagnosed with his mental illnesses.Īlthough being born and raised in New England, he and his family had never stopped missing the Twin Cities, and they felt like they were returning home when KSTP came calling.īarlow has evolved - and aged - before the eyes of a generation of Minnesota viewers, never an easy thing to do. 'When we see people moving forward in their careers even after they have shared, maybe that helps others to say, 'I don't need to be afraid, either.' Ken does good work and that's what counted.'īarlow worked on the morning forecast live from the news station.īarlow arrived at KARE-TV in 1990 and tracked blizzards, heat waves and thunderstorms at Channel 11 for 15 years. They fear they won't get the raises and good assignments it happens,' she said. 'Many people don't talk about their mental illness because they are afraid of discrimination in the workplace, which is still a huge issue. The confidence that Barlow's employers have demonstrated by giving him the lead role is regarded as barrier-breaking by Sue Abderholden, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of NAMI. 'The position does have pressures associated with it, but Ken has been forthright about his challenges and is proactive about managing them.' I never stopped and thought, 'Can he do the job?' ' Varner said. His personal struggle for better mental health was never a consideration. 'With Dave's retirement we were lucky to have someone of Ken's stature and credibility to lead our team,' said Kirk Varner, KSTP's news director who elevated Barlow's role. In his role as KSTP's chief meteorologist, Barlow sets the tone for the five-person weather department, melding the science and the on-camera sizzle for consistency across the station's newscasts. His conscious steps can remove unconscious bias.' Ken is your friend, your neighbor, doing his job but also weaving his true story in that, comfortably, willingly, endearingly. 'He's an everyman of sorts and that helps with normalizing conversations about mental health. 'Ken's willingness to share his story takes courage,' said Linda Vukelich, executive director of the foundation and the Minnesota Psychiatric Society. If you need help please reach out.'īarlow's advocacy on behalf of those with mental illness includes high-profile roles with several local organizations, including serving on the board of the Minnesota Mental Health Community Foundation. … I've learned that ANYONE can get an eating disorder. 'I have been to treatment … more than once.

I don't talk about it much because I have been pretty ashamed about it,' he wrote. Instead of brushing it off, Barlow took an extraordinary step: He not only posted the missive on his Facebook page, but he also addressed why the remarks cut so deeply. What do you weigh, 90 pounds? I suggest you start eating.' 'I know it's good to stay trim, but you look anorexic. The viewer took a sneering shot at Barlow's physique, sending a handwritten note that mocked the meteorologist's body. You'd think that after being on television for 33 years, I would have thicker skin, but I'm just human,' said Barlow. Still, a message from a viewer hit him with the force of an Alberta clipper.

Highest paid meteorologist in local tv plus#

And there was lots of snow on the radar, always a plus for the self-described 'weather geek.' Barlow and his wife, Theresa, were managing the disruptions of the pandemic and staying virus-free, as were their three adult children.

Highest paid meteorologist in local tv professional#

That's when Barlow, 58, earned a career-capping professional promotion.Īfter a decade on the air at KSTP-TV, he was named the station's chief meteorologist following the retirement of Dave Dahl. Ken Barlow's forecast looked bright in January.