Just in case his extensive coverage of tornadoes sweeping through Alabama wasn’t enough to entice viewers to Like WHNT chief meteorologist Jason Simpson on Facebook, the Huntsville CBS-affiliate is now offering $519 to be his friend.

WHNT, channel 19, has posted a big promotion on Simpson’s Facebook page, offering viewers a chance to win an American Express gift card if they Like the veteran meteorologist.

This is certainly not the first instance of local stations offering prizes in an effort to boost Facebook connections, but it is the only time in recent memory where a dollar figure for friendship was placed so closely to someone’s head. Read more

Jason Simpson has been named WHNT‘s new chief meteorologist.

The Huntsville CBS-affiliate announced today that Simpson, who currently serves as the morning meteorologist at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, will become the station’s lead weathercaster.

“Jason is an exceptional broadcast meteorologist and has outstanding severe weather tracking skills,” WHNT president and general manager Stan Pylant said, in announcing the move.  “We had a tremendous amount of interest from a lot of qualified candidates from all over the country.  In the end, the right person was right here in our own backyard.”

Simpson replaces Dan Satterfield, who recently departed WHNT after 17 years as chief meteorologist to “explore new opportunities.” Read more