Weather as a Tool of Narrative Suspense: Implications and Consequences

The rhetorical positioning of weather as the narrative suspense of element in the evening news damages the credibility of weather forecasting because it too often fails to live up to its billing as “dramatic.” On-Air weather Talent is often not in a position to strongly influence what elements in information dissemination are stressed or highlighted. Factors that dictate this shortcoming are examined. Producers & News Directors more strongly influence the weather “news” decision-making process. This is the result of the News business in addition to the scientific illiteracy of many Producers/Directors. The paper is not limited to Broadcast Meteorology. All facets of dramatic weather information conveyance, including most multi-media dissemination outlets are discussed herein. Finally, the acceleration of advances in technology related to information diffusion is also discussed and contextualized.