Chris Gloninger, the chief meteorologist at CBS affiliate KCCI-TV, announced his decision to step down from his position after facing a series of threatening emails, including a death threat, as a result of his coverage on climate change. Gloninger, who has 18 years of experience in meteorology and spent the last two years at KCCI, revealed his departure on Wednesday via Twitter.
“After a death threat stemming from my climate coverage last year and resulting PTSD, in addition to family health issues, I’ve decided to begin this journey ‘now,’” Gloninger wrote on Twitter.
A quick goodbye. More later. I’ll be focusing on my health, family and combating the #ClimateCrisis. pic.twitter.com/2pGipELgNN
— Chris Gloninger (@ChrisGloninger) June 21, 2023
Gloninger disclosed that he began receiving threatening emails last summer, some of which he shared publicly. One message, allegedly from a sender disgruntled with Gloninger’s coverage, stated, “Getting sick and tired of your liberal conspiracy on the weather, climate changes every day, always has, always will.” Another message went as far as asking for Gloninger’s address, ominously referring to “an Iowan welcome you will never forget.”
Local authorities in Iowa identified a 63-year-old man from Lenox, Iowa, as the person responsible for the emails. The man was subsequently fined $150 for harassing Gloninger, as reported by the Iowa Capital Dispatch.
In his announcement, Gloninger cited the death threat and resulting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as factors contributing to his decision to leave the station. Additionally, he mentioned “quite serious” family health issues, highlighting the importance of family and the need to support loved ones during challenging times.
“We learned family’s very important,” he added. “So stepping away from TV will allow my wife and I to help our families in their time of need. It will also allow me to make a difference full-time in the realm of climate change.”
His last day at KCCI-TV is scheduled for July 7. Although the station did not respond to requests for comment regarding Gloninger’s departure, the meteorologist expressed his gratitude for the support received and his commitment to working towards sustainable solutions and positive change.
