Update 3:10 p.m. — James Spann’s pages have been restored.
“It was a mistake, and after conversations with some great Meta folks we are back in business this afternoon. They were responsive and I am very appreciative of that on a summer Friday afternoon,” Spann said.
Just posted this over on FB
I’M BACK! For those not in the loop, my Facebook profile, this Facebook page, and my Instagram account were taken offline this morning around 9:00 CT by Meta.
It was a mistake, and after conversations with some great Meta folks we are back in…
— James Spann (@spann) June 14, 2024
An Alabama television broadcaster, renown for his signature severe weather suspenders and lifesaving coverage, announced he’s been suspended from Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, where he has a combined following of 1.5 million users. James Spann, longtime ABC 33/40 meteorologist, posted the message on X, where his profile is still live.
Spann’s use of his social media channels is prolific. He elevates photos, videos and updates from everyday Alabamians who tag him in posts to share weather conditions and news — both good and bad.
“Needless to say a mistake, but I need someone to get these back online,” Spann posted. “Many rely on them (about 1.5 million combined).”
Hey @Meta … a little help here. I post weather and photos from followers. This morning my Facebook page, profile, and Instagram account were taken down.
Needless to say a mistake, but I need someone to get these back online. Many rely on them (about 1.5 million combined). https://t.co/Mt5dfmQhR5 pic.twitter.com/A38wFYOnnk
— James Spann (@spann) June 14, 2024
Spann has been reporting the weather on-air for over 32 years. He’s anchored for WCFT in Tuscaloosa, WSFA in Montgomery, KDFW in Dallas, and two other stations in Birmingham.
He won an Emmy Award for his live coverage of the fatal tornado outbreak that struck Tuscaloosa in December 2000 and has been named Best Weather Anchor in Alabama by the Associated Press 13 times.
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Birmingham-based ABC 33/40 also shared the news of the “sudden disappearance” of an account that many Alabamians rely on for information when time is of the essence.
James Spann’s channels were not visible on the platforms as of 1:00 p.m. on Friday.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
