The Real Reasons Mace Michaels Left FOX 9: Freelance, Health, And His New Focus
The question of "Why did Mace Michaels leave FOX 9?" is one of the most frequently searched queries by Twin Cities weather enthusiasts, and the answer is more nuanced than a simple resignation. As of December 19, 2025, the veteran meteorologist’s reduced presence on KMSP-TV (FOX 9) is primarily attributed to the fluid nature of his career as a highly sought-after freelance meteorologist, compounded by a significant, but thankfully recovered, health event that required him to step back from the demanding pace of daily television news.
Michaels, a familiar face across the Minnesota media landscape, has always maintained a unique, non-exclusive professional arrangement with multiple stations, including FOX 9, KARE 11, and KSTP. This freelance model means his appearances are subject to contract shifts and the station's staffing needs, but a major factor in his perceived "departure" was a serious health scare. His ongoing work now focuses heavily on a vast network of radio stations and educational programs, allowing him a more flexible schedule while still providing essential weather coverage to the Midwest.
Mace Michaels: A Comprehensive Biographical Profile
Mace Michaels is a highly respected American broadcast meteorologist known for his extensive work across the Twin Cities media market and his passion for severe weather coverage. His career is characterized by a unique freelance model that has seen him provide forecasts for multiple major television and radio outlets simultaneously.
- Full Name: Mace Michaels (The name 'Michaels' was reportedly given to him at his first TV job and stuck).
- Hometown/Roots: Born and raised in Minnesota.
- Education: University of North Dakota (UND).
- Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Meteorology.
- Key Career Stops (TV Markets): Wausau, WI; Grand Rapids, MI; Fort Myers, FL; Tampa, FL; Cedar Rapids, IA; and Minneapolis, MN (Twin Cities).
- Twin Cities Affiliations (Freelance): KMSP-TV (FOX 9), KARE 11, KSTP-TV, and WeatherNation.
- Current Focus: Freelance meteorologist for a network of over 50 radio channels, educational programs, and severe weather coverage (as of 2024/2025).
- Notable Event: Suffered a heart attack while working, which led to a period of recovery.
The Freelance Factor: Why His Presence on FOX 9 Was Always Fluid
The number one reason viewers noticed a reduction in Mace Michaels’s airtime on FOX 9 (KMSP) is rooted in his employment structure. Unlike staff meteorologists who are exclusively tied to one station, Michaels operates as a dedicated freelance meteorologist.
The Unique Twin Cities Model
In the competitive Minneapolis-St. Paul media market, it is not uncommon for stations to utilize experienced freelance talent to fill specific time slots, cover vacations, or provide extra support during severe weather events. Mace Michaels perfected this model, becoming a ubiquitous figure on Twin Cities television.
- Non-Exclusive Contracts: Michaels has held working relationships with FOX 9, KARE 11, and KSTP simultaneously.
- Shift in Focus: His appearances on any single station, including FOX 9, are subject to the current contractual agreements and the station's immediate needs for an experienced meteorologist. When a station hires a full-time replacement or shifts its staffing, the need for freelance help naturally decreases.
- High Demand: His expertise in Minnesota weather meant he was constantly in demand, but this also meant his time was split between television, radio, and other ventures like WeatherNation.
Therefore, when viewers stop seeing him on the morning or evening news, it's less a "departure" and more a natural conclusion or pause in a specific freelance contract, often leading to a shift in focus to another media outlet or project.
Health and Recovery: A Major Pause in On-Air Work
A more personal and significant reason for Mace Michaels's absence from the FOX 9 airwaves was a major health scare. The meteorologist suffered a heart attack while on the job, an event that understandably required him to step away from his demanding schedule for a period of recovery.
The Impact on His Schedule
Working in television news, especially as a weather forecaster, involves grueling and often unpredictable hours, particularly during severe weather seasons. A heart attack is a life-altering event that necessitates a significant reduction in stress and workload.
- Hospitalization: News reports confirmed Michaels was recovering at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale following the event.
- No Warning Signs: Michaels himself noted that the heart attack came without any prior warning signs, highlighting the suddenness of the event.
- Viewer Concern: The news of his health issue sparked a massive outpouring of support from the Twin Cities community, demonstrating how much viewers appreciated his work and personality.
While Michaels is a dedicated professional, a serious health issue like this would immediately override any contractual obligation and serve as a clear reason for his immediate and prolonged absence from FOX 9 and other TV stations. His return to a more flexible, less stressful schedule was a necessary part of his recovery and ongoing health management.
Mace Michaels's Current Focus: Radio, Education, and Severe Weather
For those wondering where Mace Michaels is now and what his current professional focus entails, the answer is that he remains highly active in the field of meteorology, just shifting his platform away from daily television broadcasts. This move allows him to maintain his passion for weather without the intense, round-the-clock demands of TV news.
The Move to Radio and Educational Programs
Michaels has leveraged his decades of experience to focus on a different kind of media reach—radio and educational outreach.
- Radio Network: He currently provides detailed forecasts and severe weather coverage for an extensive network of radio stations, reportedly over 50 channels. This allows him to reach a massive audience while working on a more predictable schedule.
- Freelance Journalism and Educational Programs: Public information suggests Michaels is also pursuing freelance journalism and engaging in educational programs related to meteorology. This aligns with his history of mentoring and teaching, allowing him to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of weather enthusiasts.
- Severe Weather Expertise: Michaels remains deeply involved in severe weather coverage, a field he is highly passionate about. His expertise is still utilized by various organizations that require accurate, up-to-the-minute forecasting during critical weather events.
In conclusion, Mace Michaels did not leave FOX 9 in a traditional sense due to a conflict or a permanent move to a competitor. Instead, his reduced screen time is a combination of the natural ebb and flow of his freelance career and the necessary health-related step back following a heart attack. He continues to be a vital voice in Midwest weather, primarily through radio and educational platforms, ensuring that his legacy and expertise continue to serve the community that knows and loves him.
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