7 Shocking Facts And Must-Know Updates About Erie PA News Channel 12 (WICU-TV) In 2025
Erie News Now (WICU-TV Channel 12) continues its long-standing tradition as a cornerstone of local journalism in Northwestern Pennsylvania, maintaining its position as the NBC affiliate for the region. As of late 2025, the station remains the primary source for breaking news, in-depth weather analysis, and local sports coverage, operating from its studio in Erie, Pennsylvania. This article provides the most current, up-to-date details on the station’s key personnel, its unique dual-station structure, and the recent changes that are shaping its broadcast identity.
The landscape of local news is constantly evolving, and WICU-TV, branded as Erie News Now, has made several significant shifts in its on-air talent and digital strategy to ensure its audience receives the most current information. From new faces in the morning to a renewed focus on regional issues, Channel 12 is committed to providing "Coverage You Can Count On" to the Erie, PA, and surrounding communities.
The 2025 Erie News Now Power Team: Anchors, Meteorologists, and Reporters
WICU-TV (Channel 12) is the NBC half of a unique joint operation known as Erie News Now, which also includes WSEE-TV (Channel 35, the CBS/CW affiliate). This dual-station approach allows the team to maximize resources and provide comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms. The following list details the core on-air talent and key entities that define the station's broadcast day, including recent personnel changes that have occurred in 2025:
- Weeknight Main Anchors: The nightly news is helmed by veteran anchors Amanda Post and Mike Ruzzi, who lead the station's flagship broadcasts, including *Erie News Now at 6:00* and *Erie News Now at 11:00*.
- Chief Meteorologist: Geoff Cornish serves as the Chief Meteorologist, leading the *First Warning Weather* team. His forecasts are a critical component of the weeknight broadcasts, providing crucial weather updates to the often unpredictable Erie region.
- Morning Anchor: Traci Teudhope is a prominent figure on the morning broadcast, *Erie News Now Sunrise*, helping viewers start their day with the latest headlines and traffic information.
- New Morning Meteorologist: A significant recent change is the addition of Tom Divecchio, who has joined the morning show weather team. This move highlights the station's continuous effort to refresh its on-air talent and maintain a strong focus on local meteorology.
- Notable 2025 Departure: Weekend evening anchor and reporter Caleb Yauger departed the station in February 2025 to take a position at WJXT in Jacksonville, Florida. His move is a recent example of the station serving as a stepping stone for talented journalists.
- Weather Legend: Long-time meteorologist John Stehlin, who began at WICU in 1992, continues to be a familiar and trusted face for many viewers, especially in his role covering weather.
- Alumni Success: The station boasts an impressive alumni list, including NBC *Today Show* Meteorologist Dylan Dreyer, who started her career at WICU.
WICU-TV’s Unique Business Model and Ownership
WICU-TV’s operational structure is a fascinating case study in modern local television, providing a high degree of topical authority in the Erie media market. The station operates under a shared services agreement (SSA) and a local marketing agreement (LMA) to maximize efficiency and coverage.
WICU-TV (Channel 12), the NBC affiliate, is owned by SJL Broadcasting. Its sister station, WSEE-TV (Channel 35), the CBS/CW affiliate, is owned by Lilly Broadcasting. In practice, the two stations are managed together as "Erie News Now," sharing a single newsroom, production staff, and on-air team. This consolidation allows for a more robust news operation than either station could manage alone, ensuring viewers receive comprehensive coverage from both NBC and CBS sources.
The station’s history is also notable, as WICU-TV was founded in 1949 and was the first television station in Erie, Pennsylvania. For much of its early history, Channel 12 held a near-monopoly on Erie television, establishing a legacy of market leadership that continues today under the Erie News Now brand.
Fresh Coverage and Key Segments Defining Erie News Now in 2025
The content produced by Erie News Now goes beyond standard headlines, incorporating specific segments and dedicated coverage to address the unique needs of the Northwestern Pennsylvania community. The station’s commitment to local issues and severe weather tracking remains paramount.
The Power of First Warning Weather
Given Erie’s location near Lake Erie and its reputation for lake-effect snow, the weather team is perhaps the most critical component of the station’s identity. The *First Warning Weather* team, led by Geoff Cornish, provides hyper-local and timely forecasts. Their coverage is frequently highlighted during periods of severe weather, such as the major severe weather event they covered in June 2025, which is vital for public safety and preparedness in Erie County.
In-Depth Local and Regional Reporting
Erie News Now maintains a strong digital presence, with its website serving as a major hub for regional news updates. Recent coverage in early 2025 included reporting on the PASSHE Awards for free tuition, local drilling operations, and the transition of the Erie County Public Library’s reopening phases.
The station also focuses on key areas of community interest through dedicated segments and reporting:
- Erie Sports Now: Dedicated coverage of local high school sports, the Erie Otters (OHL), and other regional athletic teams.
- Community Outreach: Regular reporting on local non-profits like the Barber National Institute and initiatives to improve local infrastructure, such as upgrades to Erie traffic signals.
- Digital Platforms: The station streams its content live on platforms like Zeam, ensuring viewers can access the news on-demand and on-the-go.
The station also utilizes its subchannels to offer additional programming, notably carrying MeTV Erie on digital subchannel 12.2, providing classic television programming in addition to its main NBC lineup.
In conclusion, Erie PA News Channel 12 (WICU-TV) is much more than a single channel; it is the core of the multi-platform Erie News Now operation. With a veteran anchor team like Amanda Post and Mike Ruzzi, a dedicated weather authority, and a constant stream of fresh, local reporting—including the recent hiring of Tom Divecchio—the station is well-positioned to continue its legacy as the leading source for news and information in Northwestern Pennsylvania throughout 2025 and beyond.
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