TV Weather from a Science Museum

KOIN-TV moved it's entire weather operation to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in January of 2000. OMSI is a nationally renowned science museum that draws over 850,000 visitors each year. KOIN's weather facilities are now located across the Willamette River and about a mile away from it's main studios.

The museum built a 30' x 40' studio with glass walls to house the weather operation. The station outfitted the studio with lights, a weather "anchor desk", and a chroma-key wall. Two robotic studio cameras are operated by remote control from the main KOIN studios. All weather equipment (graphic computers, satellite dishes, etc.) are located at OMSI. KOIN weather people interact with OMSI visitors throughout the day.

How does it work? What did it cost? What would we do differently if we had it to do over? This paper will address these questions and more.