Former NBC 10 meteorologist Kelly Bates has become the center of public attention following her departure from the station where she served viewers for over two decades. As news of her exit spread, a wave of support emerged from the community she faithfully served.

However, amid the outpouring of support, Bates has made a notable request to her followers: please do not direct anger toward her former colleagues at NBC 10. What prompted this statement, and what does it reveal about the circumstances of her departure? This article examines the situation in detail, from her distinguished career to the current developments.

Who Is Kelly Bates?

Kelly Bates established herself as one of Rhode Island’s most trusted meteorologists during her 22-year tenure at NBC 10. Born and raised in New England, Bates pursued her education in meteorology before joining WJAR NBC 10 in the late 1990s. Her accurate forecasting, particularly during severe weather events, earned her the respect of viewers throughout southern New England.

Bates became known not only for her professional expertise but also for her personable on-air presence. She developed a strong connection with viewers through her straightforward delivery of weather information and genuine demeanor. This combination of professionalism and authenticity made her a household name in the region and contributed significantly to the station’s credibility in weather reporting.

Throughout her career, Bates received multiple industry recognitions for her meteorological work, further cementing her reputation as a leading professional in her field.

Kelly Bates’ Departure from NBC 10

In September 2021, Bates announced her departure from NBC 10 after more than two decades of service. She initially shared the news through a brief message on social media, stating that her contract had not been renewed. The announcement came as a surprise to many viewers who had grown accustomed to seeing her deliver weather forecasts.

The circumstances surrounding her exit were not extensively detailed at the time, leading to speculation among viewers and media outlets. While Bates mentioned that her contract negotiations had failed, she provided limited information about the specific reasons behind the decision.

The station initially remained relatively quiet about the situation, issuing only a brief statement acknowledging her years of service and wishing her well in future endeavors. This limited communication from both parties created an information vacuum that was quickly filled with public conjecture.

Kelly Bates’ Message to Her Supporters

Following the announcement of her departure, Bates received an overwhelming show of support from viewers. Many expressed their disappointment with NBC 10’s decision on social media platforms and in community forums. As the public reaction intensified, Bates took to social media to address her supporters directly.

In her message, she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support but also made a specific request: “Please don’t take out your anger on my colleagues at NBC 10. They are wonderful people who have no control over management decisions.”

This statement reflected her professionalism and character, as she chose to discourage negativity toward her former workplace despite the circumstances of her departure. She further emphasized that while she appreciated the support, she would prefer that it not manifest as hostility toward those still working at the station.

Bates has since shared occasional updates about her life post-NBC 10, including time spent with family and exploration of new opportunities. While she has not announced a permanent return to broadcasting, she has maintained her connection with the community through social media and public appearances.

Public and Media Reaction

The news of Bates’ departure triggered significant public reaction, particularly from long-time viewers. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support, with many sharing personal stories about how Bates had been a constant presence in their homes for years.

Perhaps the most notable demonstration of public support came in the form of an online petition calling for her reinstatement. The petition quickly gathered thousands of signatures, illustrating the strong connection she had established with the viewing audience.

Local media outlets covered the story extensively, with several conducting interviews with viewers who expressed their disappointment. Media analysts also discussed the situation in the context of broader industry trends regarding veteran broadcasters.

The reaction highlighted how weather presenters often develop unique relationships with their audience, becoming trusted sources of information during critical weather events and familiar faces in daily life.

What’s Next for Kelly Bates?

Following her departure from NBC 10, Bates has maintained a relatively low profile professionally. She has not immediately joined another broadcasting station, instead taking time to consider her next career move.

Industry insiders have suggested that she would likely have opportunities at other regional stations given her established reputation and following. However, Bates appears to be carefully evaluating her options rather than rushing into a new position.

She has made occasional public appearances at community events and has remained active on social media, where she continues to engage with her supporters. While she has not made formal announcements about future plans, she has expressed gratitude for the freedom to explore new possibilities.

The strong public reaction to her departure demonstrates that she would likely bring a significant viewer base to any future broadcasting position she might accept.

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Viewer Reaction to the Announcement

When news of Bates’ departure broke, the immediate reaction from viewers was one of shock and disappointment. Long-time fans expressed their disbelief that such a familiar presence would no longer be delivering their daily weather forecasts.

Comments on social media reflected the personal connection many felt they had with Bates. One viewer wrote, “It feels like losing a family member. Kelly has been in our living rooms for over 20 years, helping us prepare for everything from blizzards to beach days.”

The reaction extended beyond casual expressions of disappointment. Some viewers announced they would no longer watch NBC 10 news broadcasts, while others called the station directly to express their concerns. This level of engagement demonstrated the unique position that local television personalities can hold in their communities.

Kelly Bates Urges Supporters to Show Kindness

In the aftermath of the announcement, as public sentiment sometimes turned negative toward NBC 10, Bates made a point of encouraging her supporters to remain positive. Her call for kindness toward her former colleagues highlighted her professional integrity even during what was undoubtedly a difficult personal transition.

“The staff at NBC 10 has been my family for over two decades,” she stated in one social media post. “They deserve respect and kindness, regardless of how you feel about management decisions that affected me.”

This message resonated with many supporters who recognized and appreciated her taking the high road. It also served to redirect the conversation away from negativity and toward gratitude for her years of service to the community.

Unclear Circumstances Around Her Departure

Despite public interest in the details, the exact circumstances surrounding Bates’ departure have remained somewhat unclear. While she confirmed that her contract was not renewed, neither she nor the station has provided extensive details about the negotiations that preceded the decision.

This lack of transparency has led to continued speculation. Some industry observers have pointed to broader trends in television news, including cost-cutting measures and shifts toward different presentation styles or younger on-air talent.

Without official clarification, the full story behind the separation remains subject to conjecture, though the strong public reaction suggests that the decision may not have adequately accounted for her popularity among viewers.

Community Support for Kelly Bates

The depth of community support for Bates became evident in the weeks following her departure announcement. Beyond social media comments and the online petition, local businesses displayed messages of support on their marquees, and community leaders made public statements expressing their appreciation for her service.

This grassroots response underscored how deeply embedded local television personalities can become in the fabric of a community. For many viewers, Bates represented more than just a weather forecaster—she was a trusted voice during storms and other weather emergencies.

The community support extended beyond immediate reactions to include ongoing interest in her future plans and continued expressions of gratitude for her years of service to the region.

A Legacy of Professionalism

Throughout her career and even in her departure, Bates has maintained a high level of professionalism that has earned her respect both from viewers and within the industry. Her approach to weather forecasting combined scientific accuracy with accessible presentation, making complex meteorological information understandable to the general public.

Her legacy includes not only accurate forecasts but also her calm presence during severe weather events when reliable information was crucial. Many viewers have credited her clear communication during storms with helping them make important safety decisions.

By encouraging kindness toward her former workplace even as she processed her own departure, Bates demonstrated the same level of professionalism and integrity that characterized her on-air work for more than two decades.

Conclusion

Kelly Bates’ departure from NBC 10 represents more than just a staffing change at a local television station—it highlights the significant connection that can develop between broadcast professionals and their communities. Her request for supporters not to direct anger toward her former colleagues speaks volumes about her character and professionalism.

While the full details of her departure may remain private, the public response demonstrates the impact she had during her years of service. As she considers her next steps, she carries with her not only professional credentials but also the goodwill of thousands of viewers who came to trust and respect her over the years.

What do you think about Kelly Bates’ departure from NBC 10 and her message to supporters? Let us know in the comments!

FAQ’s

Why did Kelly Bates leave NBC 10?

Kelly Bates left NBC 10 after her contract was not renewed. While the specific details of the negotiations have not been fully disclosed, she confirmed that the decision came after unsuccessful contract discussions with the station’s management.

How did viewers react to Kelly Bates’ exit?

Viewers responded with overwhelming support for Bates. An online petition calling for her reinstatement gathered thousands of signatures, and social media platforms were flooded with messages of appreciation and disappointment about her departure.

Did Kelly Bates ask for kindness toward NBC 10 staff?

Yes, Kelly Bates specifically requested that her supporters not direct their anger toward her former colleagues at NBC 10. She emphasized that the staff were “wonderful people who have no control over management decisions.”

Was a petition created for Kelly Bates’ reinstatement?

Yes, supporters created an online petition calling for NBC 10 to reinstate Kelly Bates. The petition quickly gathered thousands of signatures, demonstrating the strong public support for her return to the station.

What is Kelly Bates’ legacy in broadcasting?

Kelly Bates’ legacy includes 22 years of trusted weather forecasting, particularly during severe weather events affecting southern New England. She is remembered for her accurate reporting, clear communication style, and genuine connection with viewers throughout her career.