Farewell WNBC
Being called into the general manager’s office at a television station can often have quite varied outcomes. On May 1st this year I was summoned via email to come to my GM’s office to discuss changes coming to our morning show.
When I received the email I spoke to a co-worker who said that the rest of the team had already been individually brought in to discuss the plan. I assumed I was just the last in the chain to be notified asI was just the weather guy.
As I walked into the office and did the protocol handshake with both my news director and general manager, I attempted a light hearted joke referring to an incident that took place a month earlier (to be discussed in a future blog). It was pretty much met with the sound of crickets.
I really don’t believe my butt had quite made contact with the chair when the words “this is never an easy conversation” came from my GM’s mouth. To be honest, at this point I really just wished he stopped speaking and I could say “got it, thanks for everything, see ya!” I knew of course immediately this was my demise. The end of a nearly 24 year career at WNBC.
Five years, especially ten years earlier, these words would have instantly sent a wave of panic through my gut. I would have gone into some dizzying state of mind. However, the honest truth was I felt a peace come over me. Like much of my life has brought me since I turned 50, it’s been one loss leading to change after another.
In a 5 year period I survived and moved on from losing my Dad, some other friends and family, and the toughest of all, my wife of 32 years. In addition my son had a battle with cancer as well. For whatever reason, the reality of the fragility of life came at me for what seemed like an unrelenting tsunami.
This was just a job. Hearing the words “we are not renewing your contract” pales in comparison to your wife’s oncologist saying “Chris, the tests came back and there’s nothing we can do.” One thing 58 years of life has taught me is that everything is relative. Perspective can be the most powerful filter through which we live our lives. Of course, the lesson learned rarely comes without significant pain or discomfort along the way.
So there I sat in the chair listening to whatever words continued to follow the only ones that mattered( I’m effectively fired) and I nodded calmly and waited for it to finish. I had no questions of great consequence other than to get the details of my ending date, etc. If the entire meeting lasted 5 minutes it was a lot. I got up and exited with little else to say. In the awkward two months to follow I never again saw or spoke to my general manager.
As I walked further away from the office, I felt like something had been lifted from my chest and head. A weight of some kind was gone. I wasn’t entirely sure why, but I had some ideas. What I do remember thinking was that now for the first time other roads could be opened up and traveled in my life. Freedom! A scary freedom, as I have no roadmap or GPS to help me navigate these new unknown paths ahead.
On Tuesday, July 2, 2019, I bid farewell to WNBC with my final broadcast. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t tough emotionally. These people were my family. Many were with me when I went through the long ordeal from my wife’s diagnosis of a rare blood cancer, to her long brave battle, and to her final day. When you live through moments like that together you tend to be bound as friends forever.
I have included some pictures from that last day if you are so inclined to take a look. I hope for some of you who have been loyal viewers all this time this helps clear up some questions you had about what happened to me.
For those of you who don’t know me or my past, I hope the part we find interesting together is this new journey I now embark upon. I’m sure I’ll blog more on this part of my life again, but I want to focus more on what’s ahead.
My plan is to share my travel experiences, love of food and wine, sports, music and social hot button issues on this blog. I might even talk about the weather once in awhile.
If you got this far, thanks for reading. Until next time…sunshine always.
sitelock.quinathen
Wow. I couldn’t understand what happened to you. Never saw your last broadcast. You were part of my everyday life. Your blog here clears up a lot. And so beautifully stated. I wish you only the best. Miss seeing you.
Chris we miss you dearly and I feel like we all ( the watch area ) were somewhat your family as well
When you see someone everyday and one day it’s gone you notice and we have NOTICED !!
I wish you great luck on your future endeavors and hope to see you in a new forum
Good luck my friend
Patty from jersey
I still miss you every morning. My husband thinks they’re turning the entire newscast female. 🤪 I’m just glad that you have the perspective to embrace a new road ahead, though I’m sorry that perspective was earned on such a difficult way. (I mean the losses you suffered previously; not the loss of this one job.) Welcome to the world of blogging and podcasts. Those of us who have long loved seeing your work every morning are, now, happy you remain accessible to us. I look forward to more of this from you. Enjoy life. You deserve it. ❤️
As always Classy.
So happy you wrote this. I had missed your last day and was completely confused on what happened. I’ve watched you got me a very long time, your sense of humor always made the weather fun. You will be missed and are missed but I’ll be following your adventures. Best of luck to you Chris, you are a class act. Linda Davis
Miss watching you every morning. I will continue to follow your post/blogs! Best wishes to you! By the way…. we are pretty close neighbors 🙂 Just about 2 towns over! Maybe I’ll run into you one day in the grocery store!
Wow. So abrupt. But that’s how it happens. I thank you for explaining it. You’ve been a part of our family’s morning viewing for all of those 24 years. My husband still hasn’t gotten over the fact that you’re gone! I know it’s hard at first but do what you love – that’s what is the most important thing. I personally lost my job last August when my boss of 13 years retired. I was hoping to be re-hired by the institution where I worked but it hasn’t happened. I’m 64 and I know that plays a lot into it. When I read your title – I felt it. You will flourish Chris – in other ways now. You’ll find your path I’m sure. I know I will be reading your blog and listening to your podcast when that happens. Thanks for sharing with us!
Sitting in the waiting room at Weill Cornell waiting to see my leukemia oncologist as I read your blog. Woke up with you for the past 24 years. You are greatly missed but I GET IT! So glad we have social media to keep us updated and in touch. Good luck Chris! I definitely will be following!!!
The joy is in the journey embrace it😉
Hi Chris. Thanks for sharing!! It was a great blog and such an in depth look at what took place. I’m sorry that happened to you. It just goes to show you that sometimes loyalty to a company does matter to them. Very sad. As for all the sadness you had to go through I’m so sorry. I don’t understand sometimes why certain people have to bare so much pain and others none. Only God knows the answer I suppose. I pray that your life from this day forward only brings you joy and happiness. Looks like you found someone to share life’s journey with. You look very happy. Enjoy. I do miss you on the TV though and would appreciate weather updates now and again. Sometimes I sit and feel sorry for myself with all I went through I now I just turned 60 (mind blown) and there is so
Much I want to do while I can still do it so you have given me much inspiration!! So thank you. I look forward to your future blogs. Be happy 😊
How could NBC do that?! You are the best meteorologist there! Your delivery is fantastic and humor cannot be replaced. Never once thought they let you go! Actually wondered how they must have begged you to stay when you told them you were going to persuade life differently. I’m shocked!! And those others standing in for you are boring! Wish you the very best! Poor decision NBC!
Been with you the entire time. Saw your last day and was so confused. You left graciously and with genuine affection from the team. But we knew not why. And still don’t. Your wit, very wry and dry, thank you very much..missed! The adage ‘everything happens for a reason’ has to apply here. Trust it. Run with it. Be free. Your unbearable losses are a part of you, and while awful, allow you the freedom to pursue life with completeness. Freedom. Nothing to lose at all. Go for it. All! With gusto and courage and an open heart. You’ve earned it. And we will continue to miss your cool charm and sly expressions with a capable weather delivery, every single day. Go for it, man! All the best!
When one window closes all the doors of the world open. For me 17 years at Merrill Lynch ended in a single day and it was the best moment. It had been time to move on but I was feeling safe and content. Spread your wings Chris and fly.
Beautiful and classy as always. I can’t wait to see where life brings you next!! Sunshine Always ❤️
Well done Chris
Your positive outlook should be an example to others
I look forward to your next read
I am sad that u no longer r my go to weather person but I just miss ur presence on the show
You r a gentleman who deserved better from corporate nbc
Please let us know ur adventures and if u go on another network I am there with u
You a truly missed 😔😔
Thanks for sharing. While breaking up is hard to do, you must know that you are missed. If not, I would not be here checking in on you.
Well done and thank you for sharing so much. Your openness and willingness to share is why you are so universally loved and respected by people who “only” saw you through a screen – you are so genuine and relatable. I wish you all the best and will continue to follow you wherever life takes you and as long as you are sharing.
Chris I had a feeling that your contract was not renewed . Loyalty doesn’t mean a thing anymore as I know my twin sisters worked in a company (won’t mention name) for 33 years all of a sudden they were terminated, due to salary and age. How sad. I wish you all the best. You will find something. Hope you will go to Fox and help Janice Dean out. Wherever you go, you will be loved and appreciated. I will pray to St. Joseph for you to help you find a job. You are too young to not be working and letting us in on your life. God Bless
When I first heard of you leaving I thought to myself “He must be so tired of this super early in the day life and now he can go live and have fun!” This posting made me angry and relieved at the same time. Their loss and in my view, a poor choice on their part. And guess what? You absolutely get to go and live an (even more) amazing life and share so generously with us. Thank you!!
Class as always. I too was “let go” after 23 years – the difficult part was watching all my friends and colleagues go….but, I’m am bless and will find another job to get me thru the next years to RETIRE! I watched you, Darlene, Michael and Lauren every morning – you were my ‘friends’ that helped get the day started. THANK YOU for sharing your life – especially the travel – you and Lauren are my animal travel spirits! I know you will find your next chapter – Here’s to the best life ever!
Hi Chris. Thank you for posting. I was so upset when I found out you were leaving the show but this answers what I suspected.
I watched you on NBC for all those years. You were, and still are, my favorite weatherman (and fellow Met fan). I always tell people you were the reason I was so prepared for Superstorm Sandy (you were leaning towards the European model early). My morning routine is not the same with out you.
I wish you nothing but the best – you deserve it. Keep up the blog!
Thanks bud. Got nothing but love for you. I wish you nothing but the best… always
Wow !! I wondered what happened
I thought it was strange that you left. I like your positivity , remember when one door closes another opens .
I will be following your pod cast and and your blog . Your a talented broadcaster , weatherman and obviously family oriented .
Ps we are related ( well many a little )
My Dad and your cousin Sonny are first cousin’s. I know your beautiful deceased wife was there niece
(Teri and Sonny) Good luck Chris
Remember the world is your oyster
Thank you,Chris~ miss you but happy for you at this time in your life. Glad you are moving on with your beautiful lady and I know good things will happen for you!! Thanks for sharing with us!!
Wow! That type of thing happens all over now. It’s very strange not seeing you in the A.M. after all these years watching you. I’ll be following your blog from now on. Bob
Miss you and your gentle spirit! I think that tv management do not know that we think of you as our family welcoming you into our homes daily! I hope your next adventure in life is even more fulfilling!
Powerful and honest. Life will go on and you will be a be a better person…
I started my career in 1979 after graduating frim college and my first job was at 30 Rock as an NBC Page. After turning 60 in 2017 it was time for change. 2 zyears ago I said goodbye and to “the biz,” got all the appropriate licensing, purchased an SUV and started my own private car company and never looked back. My grandfather yeasr 6ago said “If you treat your vocation like a vacation you’ll never work a day in your life” Chris, Excelsior!
The weather isn’t the same. Miss you every morning. Wishing you all the best in your next adventure.
I knew it had to be some corporate BS that lead you to this point. I was happy and sad to see your last show with your TINY family.
I wish you nothing but happiness and look forward to watching you on social media.
Hi Chris, I’m so happy that you will still be with us through your beautiful blog. As mentioned above, you were part of my morning routine. You are sorely missed. Change is hard, so hard. The reality of aging is hard, so hard but the beauty of this stage is really knowing what’s important. Having some challenges and changes too. Come on over for a glass of Brunello one day. We would love that! Till next time!
To see the rainbow, you need raindrops and sunlight…
Wow! Thanks for filling us in. The morning news is not the same without you. Look forward to hearing what’s next for you
Chris
thanks for telling like it is. Sorry for all personal losses. Just remember what comes around goes around better known as karma. Wishing you the best.
It’s a shame the NBC execs who decided not to renew your contract didn’t have the same professionalism & dignity that you exhibited for your 24 years at NBC. You will be greatly missed. Hope you wind up on another local TV station.
God bless you & your family !
My eyes welled with tears as I read this and you’re showing us what it means to be a strong, caring, resilient human being. You need no encouragement from me and I believe there are greater things ahead for you. Let’s start with a book, as you’re clearly a wonderful writer. I hope you have fun with your journey, and I look forward to reading your thoughts about food, wine and sports. I bet you can find work on the public speaking trail and giving talks on cruise ships. Hey, modeling and TV commercials, too. The sky’s the limit! I’m with you as you move forward.
Thanks Sheila for the kind words and supportive ideas. I might just work on some or all of those things.
You were the best part of my tv morning. It’s not the same without you. WNBC made the biggest mistake & will surely lose loyal viewers. Wishing you all the best and will follow you wherever you go.
You have been one of the constants in my life for years…
And ‘tho closing doors are rarely welcoming, I do believe that this closure is a huge opening for you.
You’ve got MANY quiet fans out here who are genuinely interested in your well-being and your new life.
Onwards and Upwards, Chris 🌟💫✨
I was so upset Chris when you announced that it was your last day… I felt like a family member was moving across the continents and I would NEVER see them again! Shame on NBC! I have watched you for all of your 24 years on NBC and I pray all good things are heading your way! You were ALWAYS professional yet warm and sincere… I joined Instagram just to follow you! All Gods blessings for you and your children!
As expected, you took the high road. Traffic is very sparse up there. Your boss really blew it. You guys had great chemistry and all so incredibly talented. Missing you and wishing you nothing but the best. Big blessings.
I have watched you for the last 20 years as I got ready for my work day as a middle school teacher. I will miss your wit and charm. Your voice is clearly evident through your writing and I look forward to reading more. We are both DMB super fans!
Good luck with your next adventure.
I’m happy that you’re happy. You deserve happiness and peace. You were always a pleasure to watch. For me the question I have is why? Why didn’t they renew your contract? Couldn’t have been ratings. I have not watched since you left. I get my weather from Alexa and my news trolling Facebook. That’s s question I need answered; why?
Chris—I’m so happy I found your blog. I’d been thinking you must be on vacation, but as the weeks rolled on, I thought to myself, “Oh, no, he hasn’t left the station, has he?!” only to figure it out online. Like so many of your fans in the NY market, I’ve watched you every morning since your first broadcast and can’t believe the incredible stupidity of WNBC-TV management in not recognizing how many viewers not only depend on your accurate weather reports, but also love your humor and style. You are missed dearly. No one can replace a superb talent like you. Wishing you great success and happiness in your next chapter!
I was ecstatic when I saw a comment of yours recently on one of Erica Grows Instagram posts. (I love the whole morning local team.) Learning of your departure through the media grapevine left me very sad and clueless of the Five Ws. (Who, what, when, etc.). Then I found you on Instagram! Chris, I was soo excited I even called my ex-wife to tell hear, she loves you too, but was’nt as thrilled as I was. I guess she has her priorities. Anyway, I am soo glad you are doing well. Thank you for sharing about your life. That is never easy. Hope to see you on t.v. sometime soon, I hear Pat Sajak is looking to hang it up. Best wishes always and remember God loves all Met fans!
Thank you for letting us know the truth. The four of you were a great team and I loved starting my day with you. You guys felt like my friends (so appreciate the MTM recreation)! So sad you’re gone, but I’m glad you and your lady have time to travel and enjoy life. Be well and best of luck in your future endeavors!
We missed you I was thinking of you and stared looking at social media and found you this I am so sorry for your loss and jobs missed seeing you everyday but I am happy for your future God moves us somethings because he has better blessing to come God bless you on your new relationships and travels
I was as shocked as all your other fans when you left Today in New York. I retired 4+ years ago. I highly recommend being the boss of your own life! I wish you the best. If you wish to continue your career, I hope you land. No matter what, best of luck!
Hey Chris. I was forced out of my 40 year career in the Catholic Church at 62. It took me a couple of years to reinvent myself but it was the best move I ever made. More time with family and choosing to use my skills in other areas. I’ve also been able to reconnect with old friends and find some new ones (mostly playing PICKLEBALL lol)
Enjoy the second half of life!
Dear Chris, I had no idea that your contract had not been renewed! I thought you decided to retire early. Well, it’s their loss and your gain! I’m so happy for you and what is in store for you going forward. Keep blogging and I’ll keep reading. I followed you for many, many years on the news. You are truly missed!
Every day I would turn the T..V on . Worried about you!!1 Thanks for sharing your story with us. Won’t be the same without you, Enjoy life and keep us informed, Will said a prayer for your son, Always the best to you our friend !!
I’m so glad you are writing this blog. You were a part of my “morning family “ for over 20 years and the thought of not seeing you in the morning was hard. I will continue following you through your blog! Enjoy this new chapter of your life.
Thanks so much for your loyal viewership over the years. Not sure what’s next but I really appreciate you continuing to follow along on this next journey in which I hope to connect even better to the audience without the restrictions of regular TV
Thank you for the Blog Chris, it helps your viewing family. So far it has been a great read and looking forward to the rest. You are truly missed. A hole in our morning!
Just going back to my school job, turning on the old reliable Channel 4 and wondering, “Where is Chris Cimino?” I just found out on this blog what had happened. As far as NBC goes, it was their (and our) loss. You were a critical part of the foursome on the show. Enjoyed your weather, humor, and professionalism. Sorry to see you go. Sounds like your life will pick up with these new choices – best of luck!