The Pittsburgh broadcast environment is grieving the loss of Jon Burnett, the legendary weatherman and TV personality for KDKA-TV (CBS Pittsburgh), who passed away at the age of 71. Burnett was a household name in the whole region, not only because of his weather predictions but also because of his kind nature, strong connection with the audience, and decades-long devoted service to the station.
A Life Dedicated to Broadcasting
Jon Burnett spent more than three decades on Pittsburgh television, becoming one of the most recognized and respected names on local TV. Burnett spent more than 36 years at KDKA-TV, making him one of the city’s longest-working broadcasters. Whether he was forecasting storms, providing a sunny weekend forecast, or adding a bit of humor to the news, Burnett had viewers feeling as if they were talking with an old friend.
Burnett originated in Tennessee but was based in Pittsburgh, where he grasped the city and its people like a fish to water. He started in radio before transitioning to television, where his warmth and ability with the narrative soon found him marked out as one of the stands. When he was based at KDKA in the early 1980s, he became a household name in Pittsburgh, guiding locals through all of the seasons with his own special mix of professionalism and humor.
More Than a Weatherman
Although best known for his role as a meteorologist, Burnett’s own contribution to Pittsburgh television was far greater than simply forecasting the weather. Burnett shared the microphone for the popular “Pittsburgh Today” show with other television legend Patrice King Brown, sharing inspiring human-interest stories, interviews, and entertainment pieces with the TV audience. The show became a morning staple overnight, with Burnett’s friendly demeanor and sharp sense of humor making each show enjoyable and entertaining to view.
Off his news desk, Burnett was an adventurer as well. He was a participant in “KD Country,” a feature in which he traveled around the region, digging up off-the-beaten-path stories and local jewels. Whether he was skydiving, driving Pennsylvania’s country roads, or telling a joke to locals, Burnett had a strange knack for connecting with people of all backgrounds.
A Friend to Pittsburghers
What endeared Jon Burnett to the people was not just that he was on TV but that he was also available in the community. He attended charity events, fundraising events, and local causes and utilized his stature to make some positive contributions. His colleagues remember him as a kind-hearted and charitable person who brightened up the newsroom and never hesitated to lend a helping hand.
“He had a fantastic ability to make whoever he was around feel that they were something special,” said one of his old colleagues. “Whether you were a seasoned reporter or a fresh intern, Jon treated you with respect and with kindness.”
A sense of humor was another benchmark feature—always prepared with a joke or with a witty remark, Burnett possessed a sense of humor that could liven up even the gloomiest Pittsburgh days.
Remembering a Legacy
The death of Burnett has triggered an avalanche of tributes from colleagues and viewers who watched him grow up. Social media was filled with people posting their favorite memories, remembering how his broadcasts became a reassuring habit in their daily routines.
“Jon Burnett was like family to us for years. He made the news enjoyable to watch and always appeared like a friend,” one Pittsburgher said. “He will be deeply missed.”
His legacy transcends television. He leaves behind a legacy in the city of Pittsburgh, a city that he embraced and cherished with every fiber of his body. To others, having him on television was stability in their lives—someone to rely upon to give them the weather forecast and a smile.
A Final Goodbye
Although Jon Burnett retired in 2019, his influence never faded. He remained a well-liked figure in the community, regularly attending events and staying in touch with the many friends he acquired throughout his working life. His passing marks an end to a chapter of Pittsburgh broadcasting, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and followed him.
As Pittsburgh says goodbye to a true legend, the legacy of Jon Burnett’s warmth, humor, and work ethic will be forever remembered. His voice may have been silenced, but his legacy will continue to echo in the city he loved so dearly.