
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, August 31, 1995                   TAG: 9508310041
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CODY LOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

CHANNEL 10'S METEOROLOGIST, BILL MECK, LEAVES STATION

Bill Meck has left his job as meteorologist for WSLS-TV (Channel 10), effective immediately, according to station manager Randy Smith.

Meck was involved in what was reportedly a contentious contract dispute with the station as this year began. The popular weathercaster had just signed a new three-year contract with WSLS when he was offered a job in Indianapolis that would have included a 50 percent pay raise.

The Roanoke station declined to let him out of his contract and Smith said at the time that he expected Meck to remain at Channel 10 for the entire three-year contract period.

Tuesday, however, Smith said Meck's "multiple requests" to be released from that agreement now have been granted. Smith said he did not know if Meck has found another job. Smith said the station wishes Meck "success and happiness" as he "pursues his career in another area."

Meck's arrival in Roanoke in August 1992 was touted in a high-profile promotional campaign asking "Who the heck is Bill Meck?" He soon became one of the region's best-known television personalities.

Meck, 31, grew up in the Chicago suburbs and came to Roanoke from the CBS affiliate in Spartanburg, S.C.

by CNB