Demo

Freelance Meteorologist

TEGNA
Columbus, OH Temporary
POSTED ON 12/11/2025 CLOSED ON 1/15/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Freelance Meteorologist position at TEGNA?

About TEGNA

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA reaches more than 100 million people monthly across the web, mobile apps, streaming, and linear television. Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news.

WBNS, the TEGNA-owned CBS affiliate in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking a Freelance Meteorologist to join our weather team on an as-needed basis, including holidays, vacations, and major weather events.

We’re looking for a dynamic, engaging, and dependable weather communicator who can deliver accurate forecasts, cover breaking weather, and connect with viewers across all platforms. You should be equally comfortable in the Weather Center and in the field, delivering the kind of storytelling and context that helps viewers plan their lives and stay safe.

The ideal candidate embraces innovation, thrives under pressure, and can step into our “Inform, Inspire, Impact” mission by translating complex weather data into clear, compelling information. You’ll be part of a collaborative team that values accuracy, creativity, and community connection.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare and deliver accurate, engaging weather forecasts across broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms.
  • Provide live updates and severe weather coverage, including cut-ins and extended segments as needed.
  • Produce creative and informative graphics that help audiences understand weather trends and threats.
  • Communicate with producers, anchors, and digital teams to ensure consistent, real-time updates.
  • Write and post web stories and updates to 10tv.com, the 10tv app, and social media.
  • Engage with viewers online through interactive and social tools to enhance audience trust and loyalty.
  • Occasionally report from the field during weather or environmental stories.
  • Maintain professionalism and accuracy under tight deadlines and changing conditions.
  • Other duties as assigned by the News Director.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or related field.
  • 3–5 years of on-air meteorology experience in a commercial television newsroom.
  • Proven ability to cover breaking weather with clarity, urgency, and authority.
  • NWA or AMS Seal strongly preferred.
  • Proficient with WSI/Max, or similar weather graphics systems.
  • Strong social media and digital content creation skills.
  • Excellent on-camera presentation and live communication abilities.
  • Must be flexible, reliable, and available for holiday, weekend, and fill-in shifts at short notice.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a news vehicle safely.

Benefits

TEGNA offers comprehensive benefits designed to safeguard the physical, mental and financial health of our employees and their families. TEGNA offers two medical plan options for full and part-time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, as well as access to dental and eye care coverage; fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance; disability and life insurance.

Our 401(k) program offers full, part-time and temporary employees the opportunity to contribute 1% - 80% of their pay on a pre-tax basis to TEGNA’s 401(k). Contributions made up to the first 4% of pay are eligible for a 100% match from the company and are 100% vested from day one.

Regardless of participation in TEGNA medical plans, ALL employees and their eligible family members receive nine free virtual doctor’s appointments with a physician through Teladoc, and 12 free annual therapy sessions with a licensed clinician through Spring Health.

TEGNA offers a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit as well as nine paid holidays per year.

  • Some jobs are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and thus some or all of the benefits described herein may not apply. For example, some newsroom bargaining unit employees receive health and retirement benefits under plans administered by the union.

EEO Statement

TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring and developing individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to add to our collaborative culture. We value and consider applications from all qualified candidates without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, enrollment in college or vocational school, political affiliation, military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. TEGNA will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you are in need of an accommodation in order to submit your application, please email askhr@tegna.com

Recruiting Fraud Alert

To all candidates: your personal information and online safety are important to us. Only TEGNA Recruiters or Hiring Managers will reach out to you regarding consideration of your application or background. Communications with TEGNA employees will either come from a TEGNA email address with a domain of tegna.com or one of our affiliate station domains.

Recruiters or Hiring Managers will never request payments, ask for financial account information or sensitive information such as social security numbers.

Privacy Notice for California Residents

SMS Messaging Privacy Policy

Hourly Wage Estimation for Freelance Meteorologist in Columbus, OH
$29.00 to $38.00
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Freelance Meteorologist?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Freelance Meteorologist career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$65,415 - $88,333
Income Estimation: 
$83,758 - $120,604
Income Estimation: 
$85,588 - $121,698
Income Estimation: 
$60,357 - $79,610
Income Estimation: 
$74,048 - $101,143
Income Estimation: 
$70,620 - $94,639
Income Estimation: 
$91,114 - $126,315
Income Estimation: 
$99,598 - $128,732
This job has expired.
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at TEGNA

  • TEGNA Tysons Corner, VA
  • About TEGNA TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With ... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • TEGNA Boise, ID
  • About TEGNA TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With ... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • TEGNA Des Moines, IA
  • About TEGNA TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With ... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • TEGNA Jacksonville, FL
  • About TEGNA TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With ... more
  • 11 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Freelance Meteorologist jobs in the Columbus, OH area that may be a better fit.

  • Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Columbus, OH
  • Imagine your future in Columbus, Ohio! A friendly, affordable Midwestern city with so much to offer. Join our team at NBC4 where we put local first with st... more
  • 18 Days Ago

  • GSW, powered by Syneos Health Columbus, OH
  • Description You are driven and endlessly curious. In this role, you will function as the primary customer contact on a tactic level, supporting upper-level... more
  • 12 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!