Where is Ashlee Baracy Going After Leaving WBNS-TV?
by Maivizhi A
Updated Jun 03, 2023
Who is Ashlee Baracy ?
Ashlee Baracy is a highly accomplished meteorologist, recognized for her outstanding work in the field. Originally from Metro Detroit, she has made a name for herself as an Emmy award-winning professional. You can catch her informative 4Warn Weather forecasts on weekday mornings, at noon, and via streaming on Local4+.
Ashlee's career has taken an impressive trajectory, bringing her full circle back to her roots. She began her journey at WDIV in 2010, starting as a traffic anchor, general assignment reporter, and fill-in meteorologist. With time, her talent and dedication led her to WBNS in Columbus, OH, where she served as a full-time meteorologist for a remarkable seven years. Through hard work and perseverance, she climbed the ranks and made history as the first female Chief Meteorologist at the station.
Throughout her career, Ashlee's exceptional work has garnered recognition and accolades. She has received multiple Emmy nominations and earned a well-deserved win for a severe weather special in 2021. Her expertise and skill have also been acknowledged by the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors, who awarded her "Best Weathercast" on three occasions. Additionally, she was voted as the Best Weather Person in the Columbus Dispatch's "CBUS Top Picks" for four consecutive years. One of her lighthearted achievements is the success she found in bridging the gap between Buckeye country and Michigan Wolverine fans.
Ashlee's role as a mother brings her immense joy and pride. During her first pregnancy, she sparked a conversation about body positivity by sharing her experiences with body shaming. Her message resonated with many and quickly went viral, grabbing attention from media outlets like the New York Post, People Magazine, and the Today Show.
Where is Ashlee Baracy Going After Leaving WBNS-TV?
Ashlee Baracy, a well-known meteorologist, has recently returned to her hometown of Detroit and joined WDIV Local 4. After leaving WBNS-TV in October 2015, Baracy started her new job at WDIV on January 16, 2023.
Expressing her joy, Baracy stated, "Home is where your heart is, and I could not be happier to be back forecasting the weather for my hometown community." Having grown up in southeast Michigan, she had moved to Columbus where she got married to her best friend, Jeff Kunkel, in 2017. The couple also has two adorable children, a son named Carter and a daughter named Caylee.
Baracy's departure from WBNS-TV was bittersweet. She announced her decision to leave the news station in December 2022, explaining that some opportunities are too good to pass up. Her last day at WBNS-TV was December 16, as officially announced by the station on social media.
In an email exchange with The Dispatch, Baracy mentioned that she felt like she had accomplished a lot during her seven years at WBNS, and she was grateful for the support of the community. The decision to move on from WBNS was not taken lightly but was rooted in her family's future.
Before her departure, Baracy expressed her gratitude to the people of Columbus and invited everyone to tune in for her last newscast on 10TV, where she planned to pay tribute to the community. She regarded her success as their success and expressed her eternal gratitude.
While WBNS-TV was sad to see Baracy leave, John Cardenas, WBNS' president and general manager, shared via email that they were happy for her and her family's new opportunity. Cardenas assured that Baracy had given plenty of many notice about her exit, and the station would soon announce a new chief meteorologist.
Baracy's career has been notable, and she has earned an estimated net worth of $1 million, as reported by Information Cradle. However, the figure has not been confirmed by an official source. She holds degrees from the University of Michigan (Bachelor's), Eastern Michigan University (Master of Science), and Mississippi State University (broadcast meteorology certification).
Baracy began her career as an intern for FOX and later joined WBNS-TV in 2015, becoming the first female Chief Meteorologist at the station. During her time at WBNS, she presented forecasts for various radio affiliates, including Sunny 95, 97.1 The Fan, ONN Radio, and Amazon Alexa. She served as a weekday Morning Meteorologist on 10 This Morning and had previously worked as a Weekend Evening Meteorologist and General Assignment Reporter.
Throughout her tenure at WBNS, Baracy received recognition for her work, including an Emmy award and three AP awards. Her contributions to meteorology and her dedication to her profession have made her a respected figure in the field.
Where is Ashlee Baracy Going After Leaving?
Besides being a wife, Baracy proudly embraces the role of a "Momorologist!" Parenthood brings immense fulfilment, and she considers herself blessed to have a family of four. Their son, Carter, is three years old, and their daughter, Caylee, is one year old.
The opportunity to raise their children near their grandparents and extended family in Michigan was one they couldn't pass up. As graduates of the University of Michigan, both Baracy and her husband are excited that their children will grow up as Wolverines. It's quite amusing to witness Carter enthusiastically exclaim "Go Blue!" whenever there's a football game on TV, even though he's yet to realise that not every game involves Michigan.
It is important to acknowledge the cherished memories they made during their time in Central Ohio. Returning home to Detroit was an easy decision, but bidding farewell was anything but simple. She will forever be grateful to the viewers who embraced her, the neighbours who became like family, and the special moments they celebrated during their stay. The experiences and relationships they forged there will always hold a special place in their hearts. Interestingly, even after befriending a few Buckeyes, she came to realise that "world peace" can indeed exist!
Ultimately, Detroit is where their hearts belong. Local 4 is their home. It is truly wonderful for Baracy to have the opportunity to return to the station she grew up watching, where her broadcasting career began, and to be reunited with the work family that has remained close to her heart throughout the years.
When she loves what she does and the people she works with, it transcends mere employment and becomes her passion. She is grateful for the warm welcome her family and she have received. Baracy considers this opportunity a privilege and will strive every day to earn your trust and bring a little sunshine to those cloudy days!
Ashlee Baracy Biography
Here is the Biography of Ashlee Baracy and you can know everything about her.
Name
Ashlee Baracy
Date of Birth
April 22, 1985
Birth Place
Westland, MI
Age
38 years as of 2023
Height
5 feet 7 inches
Spouse
Jeff Kunkel
Nationality
American
Profession
Meteorologist
Net Worth
$1 million - $ 5 million
Specifications
Details
Where is Ashlee Baracy Going After Leaving WBNS-TV - FAQs
Ashlee Baracy is a highly accomplished meteorologist, known for her work in the field. She is an Emmy award-winning professional and currently provides weather forecasts on Local4 in Detroit
Before joining WDIV Local 4, Ashlee Baracy worked at WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio.
Ashlee Baracy joined WDIV Local 4 on January 16, 2023.
Ashlee Baracy left WBNS-TV to pursue a new opportunity and to be closer to her hometown community in Detroit. She expressed gratitude for her time at WBNS and the support of the community.
Yes, Ashlee Baracy has two children. She has a son named Carter and a daughter named Caylee.