In the Eye of the Storm: Mobile's FOX 10 Fires Star Meteorologist After Scandal Threatens to Engulf Network

[TheChronicle.cc] –One of Mobile's leading young meteorologists, Michael White, has been named by sources as being the FOX 10 meteorologist accused of paying a young person thousands of dollars in exchange for sexuálly explicit photos.

One of Mobile's leading TV meteorologists, Michael White, has been named by sources as being the FOX 10 meteorologist accused of allegedly paying a young person thousands of dollars in exchange for sexuálly explicit photos, as police said a criminal offense had not been committed.

In recent days, FOX 10 has been teetering on the verge of collapse due to scandal following a report by the Alabama's fearless news outlet Cotton State Chronicle that a veteran meteorologist had allegedly paid $5,000 for the explicit images over three years beginning when the young person was 17.

It suspended the meteorologist with pay but did not name him during a supposed internal investigation. Some are questioning WALA's rationale for being coy about the situation and refusing to report specifically on the matter.

"It's a business like any other business," says Taylor Bennett, a retired professor of media expert on local tv news. "The media is judged positively by its ability to effectively report on events of the day and age, and negatively when it becomes the news. If it can fudge or keep quiet some matters, then it will."

The morning meteorologist for FOX10 News on weekdays from 4:30 a.m. tthrough 9 a.m., Michael White worked with popular anchors Eric Reynolds and Sarah Wall, and has been with the network since December 2009. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, he got his start in broadcasting as a radio DJ at the age of 18.

He attended the University of Alabama where he earned a degree in communications, followed by a degree in meteorology from Mississippi State University.

In a statement released by WALA, it merely states that the network and meteorologist had parted ways, while a source inside had given TheChronicle.cc extensive details.

“White has been treated for severe depression in recent years,” the source said. “The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now seeking private care for his condition."

At the same time, Mobile Police, not unknown for cover ups or dropping the ball, already concluded in a statement that there was “no information to indicate that a criminal offense has been committed.”

White, 43, is one of the most recognizable faces on Mobile television and was the man entrusted with telling the city what roads to avoid on their way to work.

“Once able to do so, he intends to respond to 'the matter' that has been published,” his wife added in a call, saying she learned of the allegations only on Monday.

Further claims have since been made against the meteorologist as three more people came forward with complaints over the past two days. Nothing has been verified at this point.