The weather folks I work with at CBS 8 are certified meteorologists, and I appreciate
their abilities (and math skills!).
It explores why some kinds of forecasts have gotten better while others have not, and some of the secrets of the business, like the "rain bias".
I was on TV as a weatherperson in Birmingham for three years, and learned that it is like being a pilot of a big plane: 98% boredom and 2% sheer terror. Fortunately, we had a seasoned, learned expert on call to come in during the 2% of the time when severe weather struck.
But sometimes people would ask how I could do the weather on TV at all, since I didn't have a degree or certification as a meteorologist. I asked them in return why they were more than willing to listen to me give the weather on radio for all of those years...when I knew even less about meteorology!
Anyway, an interesting article, which you can read if a) you are a subscriber to the Times or b) you haven't read more than your limit of free articles on their website.
[PLUS: Though we are apparently just two weeks away from the three biggest newspapers in the state dropping back to a three-day-a-week publishing schedule, there's no word from the Alabama Media Group about the exact date. In fact the weekly columns they had been publishing answering questions for readers have vanished. The natives (readers) are restless about the changes, a least according to letters to the editor. AMG's Kevin Wendt didn't reply to a an email I sent asking about the end date.]
[ALSO: Philip Roth has gotten into a battle with Wikipedia over his attempt to correct an obvious error in the entry about one of his novels. The WikiStormTroopers won't accept his word for it. They say he needs "secondary sources".
[The Monday Morning Media Memo is a regular feature of TimLennox.com]
I enjoyed watching your weather spot, Tim, when you transitioned from talk radio to TV. I remember you had a collection of items you added to during each spot to highlight something of interest - it was more than just a weather spot.
ReplyDeleteI'm also wondering what will develop with the news conglomerates cutting our papers throughout the state from the traditional daily delivery. I wonder if we will see more local attempts to emphasize local news, like Jasper's Daily Mountain Eagle.
You have a good memory Charles...the segment was called "Southern Exposure", and i included both the weather and a feature story or interview...each one was represented by an object we put on the shelves on the set. We started with stark white walls and shelves, but by the time it was over they were filled with stuff. It was great fun and I still thank John Harrod, the News Director, for giving me that opportunity! As for "local" news, that's about all any newsroom can offer anymore. LOcal is the name of the game.
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