WINK FIGHTS BACK
WINK News has circulated an internal memo to staff disputing public statements made by former chief meteorologist Matt Devitt after his recent termination, according to reporting by The News-Press. The memo was issued by Jamie Ricks after Devitt described his firing as a surprise and the situation drew significant public attention online.
In the memo, WINK News’ general manager reportedly challenged Devitt’s characterization that the termination was a “complete shock,” saying the description was inaccurate.
The station’s memo, as described in published reports, states that WINK News leadership and Human Resources met with Devitt multiple times over the past year regarding what the company described as concerns about off-air conduct. The memo also alleges Devitt received written warnings, was recently suspended, and Devitt acknowledged in writing that continued violations could lead to termination.
New Conflict of Interest Charges Surface
The memo further alleges Devitt spent time developing a separate weather-related business in violation of his employment agreement, including the use of company property and attempts to recruit WINK employees
Devitt, who worked at WINK for about a decade, has said publicly that he did not expect the decision and was not given the opportunity to say goodbye on air. In a statement posted to social media shortly after his termination, Devitt thanked the Southwest Florida community and said he intended to continue providing weather updates independently.
Devitt's Voice Silenced by Facebook
In a separate development, Devitt reported that his longtime Facebook page — which he said had roughly 1.2 million followers — was removed “overnight” without an explanation from Meta, prompting additional questions from supporters, and speculation that since his FB Page had the name WINK in it, the station (via it's legal counsel), reached out to Facebook to have it removed, thus silencing Devitt from his audience.
At this time, the situation remains a dispute between the former employee and the station, with differing accounts of the circumstances surrounding the termination. WINK News has indicated it does not plan to comment further, and Devitt has not publicly announced whether he intends to pursue legal action.