Plyburn Jumps Stations in Local Media Market

You probably noticed Jay Plyburn, formerly a reporter for local ABC affiliate KHBS/KHOG-TV, Channels 40/29, recently left to join KFSM-TV, Channel 5, the CBS affiliate based in Fort Smith, as a reporter and morning co-anchor with Heather Lewis and meteorologist Joe Pennington.

But do you know why?

It seems Plyburn, who worked at 40/29 for more than two years, resigned in May after being sent out in the elements to cover possible tornado damage.

In an email to co-workers published by the industry insider website FTVLive.com, Plyburn wrote, “lightning was striking all around us. This was the single most frightening experience of my life.”

Upon returning to work, no one even took the time to say thanks. Plyburn went on to write in his email he wouldn’t be coming back, and no story was worth losing his life over.

It should be noted FTVLive guru Scott Jones summed up the incident this way — no real news director would ever hire Plyburn in the future.

“You’re just not cut out for this business,” Jones wrote.

It took Plyburn less than a month to catch on at KFSM.

It should also be noted the network is routinely the most-watched local newscast in Northwest Arkansas, according to Nielsen ratings.