Will Julie Bologna return?

Could former WPXI meteorologist Julie Bologna be returning to Pittsburgh for a spot on WTAE? You know, we don't know, as my friend Monica Haynes likes to say in her GBB celebrity news column.Julie Bologna, former WPXI meteorologist (WPXI).

But we do know this: Six months ago an insider told me to watch for a local station to make a play for Bologna when her contract with KTVT in Dallas was up this year. Bologna worked at WPXI from 1999-2004, departing in July 2004. And look at that, it's July again, so her contract could be up right about ... now.

We also know WTAE has a weather position open since the departure of Don Schwenneker late last year. Hiring Bologna and putting her on in the mornings -- the same time slot she worked at WPXI -- would be a smart move in Channel 4's heated morning ratings race against Channel 11. WTAE might win over some viewers (especially guys, who always loved to ogle Bologna and then write about it on local chat boards). Of course, that move would necessitate more weather shakeups. Maybe current morning meteorologist Demetrius Ivory would move into Schwenneker's old spot working at noon and in the early evening news.

I called Bologna at her Dallas station yesterday and told her I'd heard she might be returning.

"You have," she said, cheerful as always. "I can't comment on anything right now."

Let's keep in mind, I hear rumors about who's coming and going all the time, like the one about a morning female anchor who may fly away from her HD perch in the not-too-distant future. Sometimes they prove to be accurate, sometimes they're not. I suspect this one about Bologna may be true but we won't know until contracts are signed and announcements are made.

Would you like to see Bologna back on TV in Pittsburgh? What shift should she work? Weigh in below. (To post you must log in or register here.)

Posted Jul 03 2008, 10:01 AM by Rob Owen
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Comments

hazzard10 wrote re: Will Julie Bologna return?
on Sat, Jul 5 2008 10:50 AM

I would like to see her on Weekday mornings.

Conrad wrote re: Will Julie Bologna return?
on Mon, Jul 7 2008 5:18 PM

Julie certainly was a joy to watch on the morning and noon news on WPXI. Although I live out of state now,it would be great to see her back on Pittsburgh TV any time of day or night. I can tune in via the internet.

Rob Owen wrote re: Will Julie Bologna return?
on Mon, Jul 7 2008 6:03 PM

Mornings certainly seems to make the most sense as a broadside at WPXI. It's a time period people are accustomed to watching her in, so there should be an audience comfort level, too. We'll see if the deal comes to pass.

Tuned In Journal wrote Welcome back, Julie Bologna
on Fri, Jul 18 2008 6:19 PM

So I was half-right and half-wrong about the return of Julie Bologna. She'll be back but at WPXI

Tuned In Journal wrote Archinal out at WPXI
on Tue, Sep 30 2008 1:26 PM

A few days after WTAE realigned its anchor lineup , WPXI announced today that morning and noon anchor

multimediagrad wrote re: Will Julie Bologna return?
on Tue, Sep 30 2008 5:33 PM

looks like you were right. however, after watching her the past few days... i have to comment. she talks waaaaaaaaay too much during her weather forecasts. she repeats the same thing over and over. and her voice is too squeaky. it's nice to have her back, but have her tone it down alittle. thanks.