Of course, most meteorologists don't work in television broadcasting, and most television weather reporters aren't meteorologists (Al Roker's degree appears to be in Communications), so ScarJo isn't really doing what most meteorologists do. Nevertheless, we're more than happy to be so appealing to one of the 100 sexiests actresses of all time. Perhaps Channing Tatum will have a go next.
More importantly, what do you think about the forecast past Saturday of this week?
ReplyDeleteCurious if you had any numbers on "most television weather reporters aren't meteorologists." I agree this is usually the case on the national outlets, out west, and more "showmanship" or "weather-lite" markets (e.g., NYC, S. Florida, small northern markets). However, my experience is that most TV "weather reporters" in weather-heavy markets have to have at least some form of meteorological training. Sure, there are a fair share of Mississippi Staters (however you choose to classify them), but even many of them take meteorology "seriously" and "know their stuff" better than some full-fledged degreed mets who are either aloof or poor communicators. You can't go on-air live, non-stop, for several hours during tornado warnings (the current industry standard) if you're purely a comm major. I guess I also bring this up because NC State turns out a good number of broadcast mets despite being known as a "forecaster school."
ReplyDeleteI've been told that 33% of weathercasters have at least a meteorology B.S. I don't know, however, if this is an accurate statement. Maybe somebody can find some bonafide numbers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for clarifying. I couldn't find anything interesting with a quick search.
ReplyDeleteMy perceptions definitely could be biased by the markets I'm most in-tune with. I know there was a large push in the last 15-25 years to have an expert/AMS seal at that position, but perhaps it's a higher percentage of MS Staters than I realize. Although I still say they are much preferable to a plain reporter -- the difference can be painful to watch.
Let's not forget there are some pretty good TV Mets out there with degrees. I studied with US Grad Studies- (offered all core classes but did not issue degree) then earned AMS seal (which required core met. study). Yes- 'squeaking in'. But there are plenty of well trained folks on the TV side across the US. -Grant Weyman
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