Television viewers across Rhode Island were stunned when Kelly Bates, the familiar face of ABC6’s weather team in Providence, announced that she had been laid off.
In a heartfelt video posted on Thursday, Bates revealed that she, along with several colleagues, had become redundant following a corporate takeover.
For many fans, the news was both surprising and disheartening, as Bates has been a trusted presence on local broadcasts for decades.
Heartfelt Video Message Goes Viral
In the video, Bates, a Massachusetts native, appeared visibly emotional as she recounted her experience.
“So, it happened again,” she said, reflecting on a previous job transition.
She explained that ABC6’s parent company, recently acquired by the same company she had worked for previously, decided her role was no longer needed.
Fighting back tears, Bates reassured viewers, “No tears this time.
I know what to expect with this company,” while also using the moment to showcase her skills and dedication to potential employers.
Highlighting Skills and Dedication
Bates made a plea for new opportunities, describing herself as “dedicated, loyal, and hardworking,” and even humorously mentioning her talent for making homemade bracelets.
She encouraged anyone seeking a capable communicator to reach out, underlining her professionalism and commitment despite the setback.
Captioning the post on Facebook, she praised her former ABC6 colleagues as “resourceful beyond measure” and “magic makers,” emphasizing the teamwork and excellence that defined her time at the station.
A Career Spanning Decades
Kelly Bates has had a long and distinguished career in local broadcasting.
She joined ABC6 in June 2022 after a 17-year tenure at NBC10, which she left following a contract dispute.
Earlier in her career, she had also been part of ABC6 as a weekend night meteorologist in 2000.
Her job loss came amid Sinclair Inc.’s takeover of the infrastructure and operations for rival market stations, including ABC6, leading to the redundancy of several staff members.
Fans Rally in Support
The announcement quickly ignited an outpouring of support online.
Viewers expressed outrage and empathy in the comments, with many calling the decision “outrageous” and expressing trust in Bates’ expertise.
One fan even joked about hiring her as a personal meteorologist if they won the lottery.
Others encouraged boycotts of the stations involved.
Bates’ resilience and the wave of public support highlight her enduring connection with the community and underscore how deeply she is valued by viewers across Rhode Island.