“I was terrified"
On Sunday, FTVLive told you that longtime WCMH (Columbus) Weatherman Jym Ganahl was coming out of retirement to do the weather across the street at WSYX.
Despite the fact he had been doing weather for 50 years, his first day back on the air brought some nerves.
“I was terrified; I was thinking, ‘Man, can I still do this?’” Ganahl said, shortly after delivering the noon forecast.
“But it went really good.”
In September 2016, Ganahl delivered his final forecast at WCMH his home since 1979.
Since leaving station about 13 months ago, Ganahl has made occasional speaking appearances, he said, but mostly has enjoyed “sitting on the porch with my grandkids watching the storms come in, which I had never done.”
The 69-year-old Ganahl says he filled out an online application to do the weather on weekends but received a call about working weekdays on the noon broadcast.
“I work 10 (a.m.) to 1 (p.m.) and then nights when they need me,” he said.
WSYX news director Jamie Justice called Ganahl’s hiring “a no-brainer.”
“His experience and popularity made it perfect for us,” Justice said. “I love his passion; I wish everyone had it.”
Ganahl is unsure how long he will work, saying the decision depends partly on ratings. His health — he has congestive heart failure — is also a consideration.
“We’ll just go and enjoy it,” he said, “and try to have fun as long as it lasts.”