We Need to Get Paul Heggen and Dagny Back on WSMV Mornings

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In November of 2013, I landed my first “real” office job. No more retail gigs where my day started at 1PM. No more running a business out of a spare bedroom, which involved early mornings and late nights. But, it was your standard every day nine-to-five. So, naturally, I developed a normal routine of coffee and the news each morning.

But, in the beginning, it was hard to find a station to land on. I grew up watching News Channel 2. my grandparents come from a News Channel 5 household, but we also have Channel 4 and Fox 17. There are always options, and that’s a good thing. I soon realized that, for the most part, all of the news is the same.

It’s kind of like what we’re doing here on this site – it’s 2017. You can go anywhere at any hour to retrieve any stats, analysis, or information you want. But, you come to us for the way in which we present it. We want to resonate with you and we want to entertain you. It’s our job to connect with our readers and give them what they want. In a way, and this is something I always tell the team, we are the content.

Local news isn’t much different, and after a few weeks at the new office job, I heard some dudes in the break room talking about this funny, relatable guy named Paul Heggen. I distinctly remember hearing one of them say, “I would love to kill a few beers with Paul Heggen.” I thought, “hmmm…I’m not committed to a channel at the moment. Why don’t I see what this Paul Heggen is all about?”

So, I gave him a few days, and that few days turned into four years. Whether it was the smooth, rich voice, the quirky humor, the communicative facial expressions, or the obvious passion for calling the weather, I don’t know. But, I know I’m not alone in thinking the dude’s the best in the city right now.

He alone put my ass in front of WSMV-Channel 4 every morning.

There’s something about Heggen that’s incredibly engaging. I found myself talking back to Paul, “alright, Paul! Thanks, dude! Gonna grab that umbrella right now.” I’ve since realized this isn’t actually normal, and should probably seek treatment, but hey – it’s a fine illustration of my point, so I’m including it here.

But, then, there’s Dagny! Dagny became a symbol of the Friday spirit. I would slave away all week, but the moment I saw that precious dog on my screen, my stress melted away. It was Friday. Gnash joined the broadcast this past May, and I did a little writeup on the three Nashville icons teaming up for the forecast.

Heggen read it, apparently enjoyed it, and shared it with his 9,000+ Twitter followers and 21,000+ Facebook followers. He didn’t have to do that, but he’s a man of the people. He’s eager to engage and interact with his fans and followers.

We’re a small site – we just topped 11,000 readers in a single month. We’ve only recently begun creating and selling merchandise. But, we’re still far, far away from being able to quit our day jobs. It’s a daily grind for people like us. We work regular day jobs and then work on launching a brand and business in the few hours we get to ourselves before 9AM and after 5PM. So, his sending a couple thousand readers our way helped tremendously. Our follower count increased a bit, a few people stuck around for our Stanley Cup coverage, and a few of ’em were even inclined to buy our ‘Catfish Is Not A Crime‘ t-shirt.

Again, he didn’t have to help us out. But, here we are. That confirmed for me, and the rest of the SoBros team for that matter, that this dude is the man you see on your TV. ‘Salt of the Earth,’ if you will.

I leave town for a few weeks – visit San Francisco, head to cover a pro wrestling tournament in Chattanooga – and I come back to see that Mr. Heggen, aka The Heggenator, is no longer apart of my morning routine.

Now, I don’t want to get into the business of bad-mouthing anyone. Despite our blog’s blatant inappropriateness and vulgarity, we still maintain a rather positive voice. But, I’m just being real with y’all….that’s the SoBros Promise…we’ll always be transparent with you guys.

I’m pretty bummed about this. And, in short, I want The Heggenator back on my screen every weekday morning.

Now, I know I’m not alone. So, this is a first for our blog, but I’m going to open this up to the rest of the Internet. If you want Heggen back on WSMV in the morning, you can comment, tweet, or e-mail us (thesobrosnetwork@gmail.com because I’m still too cheap to pay for e-mail hosting) with a little blurb about why you want Heggen back on in the morning, and I will update this blog as I get them.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Cadbury Pringlebatch: “I really enjoy the unique style and positivity that Paul brings to the show. This is the perfect mentality for morning viewers that rely on the newscasters to get their day started in the right direction. The fact that’s he’s quite interactive with viewers on social media as well shows the dedication to his career.”

Laura: I have always enjoyed Paul Heggen on Channel 4.. He knows how to warm you about upcoming bad weather without making you anxious. He has a calming voice and a great humor! My husband and I don’t have cable anymore and the one thing I miss about it is Channel 4 and Paul Heggen.. I hope they bring him back to weekday mornings

Ottis: Put Paul Hagen back on mornings. I don’t like who they have now. Her smile looks fake.

Dave: Spot on, let’s get Paul back. I have not watched 4 in weeks. They seemto be getting rid of their best. Dennis Farreir ? He is still great on 17. Who ever is calling the shots is messed up. The other stations are glad I bet as their veiwership skyrockets. SMH.

Shelly in Smith County: To say I am bummed about not seeing Paul Heggen every morning would be an understatement. He is an amazing meteorologist AND he interacts with us “normal folk” via social media as well. Not sure why WSMV thought this was a good idea but it absolutely was not. I have since been watching other channels with my morning coffee. BRING BACK PAUL AND DAGNY!!!!!

Mary: I do miss Paul on mornings!! The chemistry is off now on there.

Patricia: I loved your article about Paul and I was the first that I know of to post all over FB the email address to complain about this stupid decision to move him off mornings. I agree that he and the rest of the gang made me laugh at 4:30 every morning and they all had such a great chemistry together the best morning cast they have had in YEARS!!!!  I was SOOO HAPPY when they got rid of stupid Nancy.  Don’t get me wrong I really like Daphne but im sorry PUT PAUL & DAGNY BACK ON MORNINGS.  I have emailed them and never even got a response back from the. I heard that they shut down the email because of too many complaints. I doubt they will change this but we can only hope that they will realize they made a HUGE mistake and they will listen to there viewers and put him back.

Riley: It is not the same without Paul or Dagny. I have completely quit watching any portion of channel 4 now.

Starry: Nothing against Dan or Lisa, but I believe what Paul says. He is an individual who will take time from his day to continue to speak with viewers. Our TV was tuned to WSMV when we went to bed and woke up to Paul every Monday – Friday am. Last week, we woke up to fox and abc and will continue to do so until Mr Paul returns. Its up to you WSMV. Who do you want me to watch. (or do you care) . Thanks from HaPpy, Graham and Leo (plus Mom and dad)

Brooklyn (from a little town in West Tennessee): He makes the weather funny not ugh.. another rainy day or another sunny day… it may be the same weather but it’s spiced up with his wit and personality. I can tell he knows his stuff and he makes it personal!! And Dagny,sweet Dagny! I don’t see any other channels with a cute little puppy making every ones day that is watching!! I made a point to sit down & watch on Friday for her! He loves her and she loves him… we need more love and wsmv screwed up when they took that out!! I’ve been mad about this for weeks! And I’m watching his twitter for updates now. I’m glad your calling ch 4 out for this because they sure do point out every little mistake anyone else in Nashville makes!!! #bringbackpaulanddagny

Marjorie: I have watched Paul almost everyday since started working for WSMV, and enjoyed his humor, forecast spot on, rapport with fellow workers and Dagney the Dog.

I have cancer, and Paul and Dagney made my days brighter and gave me hope.
Please, Managers of WSMV, reconsider and put them back on the “dark and early” time frame: 4-7 a.m.Never thought the Managers would make such a terrible mistake.
Kelly: What happened? I have been a huge fan of Paul Heggen since he came to WSMV. Every morning, he has been a big part of my coffee routine. I have watched WSMV because of him and Holly. Well… I am thinking of defecting to another station. It’s just not the same without Paul in the morning!  I can’t imagine why they took him from the morning broadcast!!! So… I’m now trying find a new morning show… maybe he will land at another station?!?!
Judy: PUT PAUL AND DAGNY BACK ON THE MORNING SHOW! I WILL NOT WATCH UNTIL THEN.
Beth: We want Paul back on the morning show! Listen to your viewers! Bring Paul and Dagny back now!
Alisa: Bring back Paul and Dagny. It is not the same without them. I have watched Channel 4 News since birth and I am 38 and switching my news source.
Shelly: My guess is the senior weather person is jealous that Paul is the most popular weather person at WSMV. He’s probably the most popular person there period! I like my weather with a side of sarcasm! I especially loved Paul and Chris Miller together…so funny! They have made some bad personnel decisions over the years, but this is the worst. I wont watch until Paul is back. I’ll just get my weather from him on twitter. The rest of the stuff on the station is “old news” anyway.
Carol: I miss Paul and Dagny on the morning news every day. I have not watched the weather that much since Paul is no longer on mornings. I also miss his dog Dagny also please bring Paul and Dagny back.
Debra: I am one of a lot of people,that LOVE Paul & Dagny! They are the reason for me switching to CH 4 in the first place. Since I have been watching CH 4, they have given the shaft to Nancy VanCamp, Dennis Ferried, and who knows who else! This is the last straw! If Paul & Dagny are not put back on the morning show, I will stop watching the channel all together! May not mean much to them, but when ratings go down, maybe they will listen to their viewers!!!!!
Angela: It’s certainly not the same without Paul and Dagny on in the mornings. Paul is real, and enjoyable to listen to each morning. You can tell he loves his job and the community. I’m not a fan of the new girl. BRING PAUL BACK! Don’t lose this asset to your station and the community!
Louanne: Paul is my favorite personality on all of WSMV! He is down to earth and comes across as a “regular” guy. Not to mention, I love his humor… and dog!
Debra: Paul&Dagny were the I started watching CH.4! They have gotten rid of 2 of my favorites, Nancy Van Camp, & Dennis Ferried. Now they have moved Paul & Dagny! I won’t watch CH.4 news ANYMORE!
Michelle: My husband and I came across a weather blog post totally inspired and versed in Breaking Bad. After that we were in Paul’s fan club. So appreciate his informative nature coupled with his wit. Plus I feel like I have street cred now when someone asks about the weather I can say “the North American model says this but the European model says this.” We have emailed WSMV with no response.
Katie: Paul is the best weather person that Nashville has ever seen! He’s funny, relatable and smart. He’s the reason I changed over from channel 2 in the mornings to channel 4. He makes mornings fun and gives me something to look forward when my alarm goes off. My kids love Fridays when Dagne comes on! I could go on and on, but here’s the bottom line: If channel 4 doesn’t give him the spot he deserves, Nashville could lose him forever. We can’t let that happen!
Teri: Paul is awesome. He brings an excitement and level of interest in the weather beyond the surface that captivates the viewers. Dagny is a fun, cute added bonus. C’mon Channel 4! You had a great thing going. The whole Morning Show clicked together. Don’t fix what isn’t broken!! Bring Paul and Dagny back to the mornings! I hate to quit watching, but I will if Paul doesn’t come back.
Wanda: I have watched Channel 4 for most of my 62 years and enjoyed the morning show until they took Paul and Dagny away from us . I will not watch it anymore. I have Emailed them and like so many others didn’t receive answer. They get rid of people like Nancy Van Camp without telling us why now they have moved the best weather man since Bill Hall. Now I’m watching channel 2. This is just example of Channel 4 not caring about their views or what they want. I haven’t like Daphne from the beginning when she said that these clouds look cotton candy that now what professional say. Hope the right people sees this.
Elaine: Tired of the new Barbie Doll – Dennis gone, Nancy gone, Dagny and Paul missing – are you TRYING to lose all your news watchers??!!
Laura: #HeggenBackOn4
Lisa: Please bring Paul back to mornings…Daphne just needs to be the fill in…her voice is like fingernails on chalkboard. ..we want Paul.
Fred: I use to watch channel 2 then switch to channel 4 early morning liked to watch Paul if they don’t put him back on going back to 2
Trisha: Please put Paul & Dagney back on the morning news! Holly Thompson thinks she is the highlight of everyone’s morning but I didn’t become a regular viewer until Paul Heggen joined the morning show!
Chelsea: WSMV’s slogan of “working 4 you” isn’t working for me anymore. By taking Paul off mornings they have completely ruined my morning routine. I feel like I’m going through a bad breakup. We want Paul and Dagney back! They are the best start to my day. Won’t be watching WSMV anymore unless they bring Paul back.
Jeritza: Paul Heggen was the best thing going mornings. You jerk him off the air and leave everyone looking for a new weather person. Well you can’t beat Paul so I will just follow his twitter or facebook forecast. You have lost a lot of credibility with this very stupid move. I think somebody was jealous of his popularity.
Rick: Our household has been a fan of the weekday morning news on channel 4 for years. We could have watched channel 2 or 5 but we were loyal to channel 4 news because we enjoyed specific people on the morning team. Specifically, we are avid fans of Paul, Holly and Dagny. We’ve watched others come and go (some we liked and some we didn’t really care for) but there’s two people who we consider to be the foundation of the team, Holly and Paul. If you start messing with the foundation, you risk the house coming down. Perhaps that’s a little overdramatic but at the very least you are going to lose viewers. Hell, we love watching News 4 each morning but without Paul and Dagny it’s just not the same. I’ve given it a week or so and I just don’t enjoy watching. Let me know when Paul’s back. In the meantime I guess I’ll have to get used to Lelan again. He’s been on 5 forever and while he’s no Paul Heggen at least when I tune in I know he’s going to be there. I’ll watch 4 on the weekends but weekdays are now going to be spent on channel 5.
Elaine: I’ve been with Channel 4 since the beginning. Don’t know what you’ve got in your head, Managers, but I’me tired of the new Barbie Doll. The comments on the radio news about her are disgusting. Is that what you want your News/Weather to be about – not a BIT professional??! You tossed out Dennis and Nancy with no comment (thank God Dennis is back at it on the station that has become my favorite)!! Now, you’ve lost me on Friday mornings – Dagny and Paul missing – are you actively TRYING to lose all your news and weather watchers??!!

Victoria: Bring Paul back! I refuse to watch the morning show any longer. What are the power’s that be thinking? He is absolutely the BEST weather person in Nashville.

David: Put Paul and Dagny back where he deserves on mornings 4 A.M. – 7 A.M. weekdays and not weekends

KN (on Twitter): I want Paul Heggen back in the morning show bc he’s very talented at what he does especially when severe weather rolls around and that he explains it real well down to the very edge of nerdy-ness. He is also kind and very emotional person with a passion about weather.

Margaret: Give Paul back at 4 and7 in morning show

Robin: This is awful. Paul’s replacement is awful. I hate how this station gets rid of their crew without any consideration fir their viewers opinions. Paul is funny articulate and has a great voice for tv. Not like his replacement. Effective immediately I no long watch wsmv news. 14 years I have this channel and they got rid of their best talent. Mic down

Michelle: My husband and I came across a weather blog post totally inspired and versed in Breaking Bad. After that we were in Paul’s fan club. So appreciate his informative nature coupled with his wit. Plus I feel like I have street cred now when someone asks about the weather I can say “the North American model says this but the European model says this.” We have emailed WSMV with no response.

Katie: Paul is the best weather person that Nashville has ever seen! He’s funny, relatable and smart. He’s the reason I changed over from channel 2 in the mornings to channel 4. He makes mornings fun and gives me something to look forward when my alarm goes off. My kids love Fridays when Dagne comes on! I could go on and on, but here’s the bottom line: If channel 4 doesn’t give him the spot he deserves, Nashville could lose him forever. We can’t let that happen!

Carol: Bring Paul back to mornings. He’s the best weather person WSMV has had since Bill Hall!!!

Kimberly: Paul is my favorite media personality in all of Nashville! I love his quick wit and his sense of humor. He was the best pat of the morning show. And sweet Dagny…my four year old son has been so disappointed not to see her on Friday mornings.

 

Patricia: I don’t understand why they changed Paul HEGGEN to weekends. We love. Paul and looked forward to seeing him .He. never left out HOPKINSVILLE in his forecast. Please please bring our PAUL to early show. We may change channels if you don’t. THANKS for your consideration.

Holly: I love Paul and his morning tweets. Sad they have been coming at night. He is the best meteorologist in America and I need him to stay here in Nashville.

Barbara Joe: I too want Paul Heggen back in the morning on WSMV. It seems the station rewards excellence by demoting the person getting them the good ratings. I am a senior and in a lot of pain.  Looking forward to seeing Paul and precious Dagny on Fridays made it a joy to get up in the morning. And they have replaced him with Daffy Duck?  She talks too fast in a high, squeaky voice that folks just can’t understand. Until Paul and Dagny are back in the mornings, I will be watching channel 5. Let Daphne do the fill-ins and substituting. After all, she is the new kid on the block and should not be given priority over Paul. Need I say more?  We want Paul.

TWEETS

Let’s do this, Nashville. Just to bring this bitch full circle, the leverage we have in this is our remote. Again, there are always options, and we can always choose to watch handsome Neil Orne every morning.

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo

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