KTVZ Bend Changes Meteorologists, Bids Farewell to News Director

By Mitch Nolan — Monday, July 27, 2009; 3:55 pm

Ben Burkel

Meteorologist Ben Burkel has arrived to KTVZ Bend, taking the morning weather chair left by Bob Shaw, who moves to evenings. Burkel is a native of the Chicago area.

In turn, Shaw takes the place of chief meteorologist Christian Boris, who gave his on-air goodbye Friday, July 17. Boris had been with KTVZ since 2003.

Also at Newschannel 21, news director Mike Bothwell announced last week that he is leaving the station and will return to his hometown of Pittsburgh to work at WPXI. Bothwell arrived to KTVZ from sister station KESQ Palm Springs in 2007.

A KTVZ statement reads, "We welcome Ben and are sorry to see Mike and Christian go - they will be missed!"

(Publicity photo courtesy KTVZ.)

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Monday, July 27, 2009; 4:58 pm — Anonymous Source (not verified)

On Air comfortability

Burkel needs to a) Change his last name and b) become more comfortable on air. All in time I guess. What can we expect at mkt. 192.

Monday, July 27, 2009; 5:27 pm — Mitch Nolan

Change his name?

I think if a Barack Obama can be elected president, a Ben Burkel doesn't have much to worry about. He's even got showbiz alliteration. I can't watch Bend TV, so I can't honestly comment on point B. (I think the only non-Portland station in Oregon with online streaming is KTVL Medford, am I right?)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009; 6:08 am — Anonymous Source (not verified)

Burkel online

Au contraire. KTVZ.COM has weather Webcasts with Ben and colleague Bob, so while he's not live, he is streaming.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009; 9:37 am — Mitch Nolan

You're right

Live streaming was what I meant, but I don't really need Bend newscasts live.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009; 5:47 pm — G/12Trees (not verified)

Christian Boris

Anyone know the real reason Boris left KTVZ? Or if he is still on air somewhere in Oregon?

Sunday, February 7, 2010; 11:23 pm — Anonymous Source (not verified)

http://www.ktnv.com/Global/st

http://www.ktnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11455201

Monday, October 5, 2009; 2:01 pm — Anonymous Source (not verified)

Christian & Ben

OMG... now you know that Bend market is really bad... Ben is the most boring weatherman I have seen in the 12 years I have lived here.... Christian was at least fun to watch.... BEN YOUR BORING!!!! I guess we will have to live with him, until they find someone else... Bob Shaw, keep your glasses on.. you look so much better with them on...

Tuesday, October 13, 2009; 6:35 pm — Anonymous Source (not verified)

and...what happened to Molly

and...what happened to Molly Hendrickson?

Saturday, October 17, 2009; 2:13 pm — Anonymous Source (not verified)

Boris to Las Vegas

It looks like Christian Boris is heading to a Las Vegas station after filling time at his dad's catering company in Philadelphia. http://www.philly.com/philly/restaurants/20091015_Worthy_feasting_at_the...

Saturday, January 23, 2010; 4:09 pm — Anonymous Source (not verified)

Ben needs to go back and

Ben needs to go back and watch Christian Boris and take some notes. I can't even follow what Ben is saying half the time. He uses way too many words and is still uncomfortable in front of the camera.

Sunday, January 24, 2010; 5:35 pm — Anonymous Source (not verified)

LOL

This is a local broadcast news station for a local market. It still surprises me at how/why things get shoved under the "rug". Yes, i realize that because of being such a small town niche, sometimes the public may never know the truth. There are of course underlying reasons as to why this happened. Maybe congratulations are in order for a promotion. Maybe, more "unnewsworthy" lol, happenings had befallen this little hamlet... [redacted] come to mind. To me, as my personal opinion, i find it odd that a number of this news cast team to just up an leave. As i have heard rumors abound of [redacted] it does not surprise me. It is not wrong to go out, being mindful of discretion. Especially when you are a local figure. But just my thoughts and views. Take 'em as a grain of salt...

[These rumors may abound, but they won't abound here without evidence. -Ed.]

Wednesday, February 3, 2010; 5:31 pm — Anonymous Source (not verified)

Weather

Ben,
When you say, "The greatest majority part of the day," it makes no sense. You could say the majority of the day, the greatest majority of the day, or the greatest part of the day, but not both greatest majority and part. The greatest majority IS the PART.
I feel so bad that you are still so uncomfortable on camera. Are you sure this is the right job for you? Relax, use less words. Plan what you are going to say ahead of time. Good luck. Hope this gets less painful for you and us.

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