Media people

Sam Rubin goes to bat for Garth Kemp* (video)

sam-rubin-grab-garth-kemp.jpgOn today's KTLA Morning News, Sam Rubin reminded viewers that Garth Kemp was a successful KLOS-FM disc jockey who did one weather report for Channel 5 before taking his reel to KABC Channel 7. Kemp spent 17 years doing weather at KABC until yesterday, when his name vanished from the station's website following social media posts (under Kemp's name) that thanked him for his service and announced he had resigned.

Fans have been clamoring on social media for more information, and Rubin joined in the clamor. He said he doesn't know what happened between Kemp and his bosses at KABC, though he speculated that Kemp was offered a contract renewal at substantially less pay. (Sounds like that is becoming more common in LA local TV.) In any case, Rubin says, "viewers deserve more than having someone on the air for 17 years just disappear." In the segment, the morning crew on KTLA lauds Kemp for his work with animals and his annual Christmas season appearance in an elf outfit.



*Update: Kemp's new Twitter account and some tweets.



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