Working in a Changing Field: A Future Role for Broadcast Meteorologists

Give us a day that involves a major outdoor event or travel plans, then throw any kind of severe weather in the mix, the weather forecast is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Even more so as climate change brings new challenges to every corner of the country each season. So naturally, the role of a meteorologist is to be there to provide an accurate forecast, inform communities on how to stay safe during severe weather, advocate for them when disaster strikes, and forewarn ahead of the next storm.

Furthermore, the role of a broadcast meteorologist includes being a public-facing figure for all of that information. You’re taught when you enter the tv industry that, “a broadcast meteorologist is probably the only scientist most in your community will interact with on a daily basis.” And while that’s likely still true, the way critical weather information is delivered is constantly changing. That in and of itself has its challenges, but has also opened the door for a new, creative way to approach how to effectively communicate weather information.

At KTRK-TV in Houston, TX, an ABC owned and operated television station, Elyse Smith (CBM) has originated the role of “Weather Reporter” for the station and company as a whole. For up to three days a week, she writes weather and climate related stories to present in newscasts on a daily basis. This is, in turn, giving the spotlight to important information and stories that could have either previously been overlooked or even miscommunicated by journalists who do not have a science degree.

In theory, this concept isn’t new. The difference here is the consistent nature of having a meteorologist in the field, speaking to community members and leaders about the challenges they face every day because of the weather. The result is building a foundation based in trust and honesty with the surrounding communities.

This initiative is also part of building a Weather Ready Nation (WRN) by establishing effective ways of communication and collaboration across sectors. This role involves reaching out, connecting with and listening to local leaders of the broader weather, water and climate enterprise in the region. It means establishing relationships with nearby emergency management offices, NWS offices, and local to state level leadership to collaborate on and share their initiatives. Elyse’s similar work doing so in Buffalo, NY helped her previous weather team earn the distinction of “WRN Ambassador of the Year'' for 2022.

This abstract will detail the impact of expanding upon weather coverage through daily stories focused on climate change and extreme weather. Strategies to tell these stories will be shared as well as how roles like this could shape the future of what it means to be a broadcast meteorologist. It will also help pinpoint roadblocks that may arise when trying to develop a role such as this in a news-based setting. Just like with climate change, it’s not a matter of if but when... when more weather reporter roles become needed to help better serve local communities and weather future storms.