5.3 Flip the Forecast: What do IAN's graphics suggest?

Thursday, 22 June 2023: 11:15 AM
Sonoran Sky Ballroom Salon 5 (Arizona Grand Resort & Spa )
Howard Joe Witte, Aquent, Pasadena, CA

A very normal graphics rundown for a television news weather hurricane forecast starts with numerous eye-catching repeating time lapse loops: multicolored chaotic satellite images, splotchy past-radar loops and asymmetrical 'future-radar' loops, as well as animations of the misunderstood-cone of uncertainty. These loops are accompanied with detailed meteorological 'expert-like' discussions of different features within the looping imagery.

BUT research surveys by the NWS and university social science researchers indicate that the public wants clear communication about the specific risks they might face from the hurricane: the size of the storm; areas of likely damage; and watches and warnings.

Should we 'Flip the Forecast' show rundown segments during the hour newscast? I'll show the somewhat surprising realities of an examination of dozens of TV news forecasts of Hurricane IAN (via Youtube). I'll compare the air-time given to the repeated kaleidoscopic loops to the air-time given to warnings. Anxious to hear your thoughts about hurricane visuals that work for you during the our discussion. What works for the viewers?


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