Weather On Local News: Meeting a Need
Let’s talk about the weather. With snow heading this way for the weekend, I’m guessing it’s a topic at or near the front of your minds. We have a great weather team here at PIX, with Mr. G, Linda Church, and Chris Knowles, plus a terrific group of producers. And over the last 12 or 13 years, what they and their colleagues at the other stations do has taken on a much larger role in news broadcasting. Weather stories now “lead” newscasts, and occupy more newsgathering resources, than they did before that time. Tonight, let’s talk about why that is.
First of all, the weather factors more into our busy lives than ever before. With all the two-career families and the generally frantic pace of our lives, there’s simply less room for error. Life’s stakes seem higher, and while we can’t control or change the weather, folks can at least try and get out in front of it as much as possible. It can be the difference in getting to work (and getting a paycheck), making sure your kids are where they need to be, and, in extreme cases, keeping safe and healthy.
Then there’s the matter of global climate change. We could argue from here to next year whether there is such a thing, or at least whether it’s manmade, but I think most people feel SOMETHING isn’t the way it used to be. The extremes have gotten more… extreme.. and we see it on the news happening all over the world. When there’s measurable snow in Las Vegas, as there has been two times already this winter, it gets your attention. Weather is now a capital “I” Issue, one that has scientific, political, and sociological components.
But most of all, the emphasis you see placed on weather in the news these days is a direct consequence of how technology has changed the media. With so many channels, the internet, and so many tiny, specialized slices of the media pie, it’s difficult for us BROADcasters to reach the same mass audience as in days of yore (say, 1988). Put another way: from a media perspective, the weather is one of the last things we all have in common and experience together. Since it’s our goal and responsibility to meet the need for that information, the local television stations go long on weather.
What do you think? Let me know if you think we do too much weather reporting, too little, or if it’s about right. I’ll pass your thoughts right along to Mr. G!
Comments: 20
I don't think you could of said it any better. Weather is forever changing - It truly effects all of us in one way or another and with that we need to know what's going on. We want to "know before we go" and when a station can provide information we need and want - then their a valuable source, a source in which I'll be watching- GO PIX!
I feel way too much theatre goes into weather. It's the meteorologists job to understand wind speed, and cold fronts. I just need to know Umbrella or not, boots or not, leave early or not. All the rest is a waste of my time.
I always check the weather forecast each night. I like to prepare for the worst each and everyday. I work as a Letter Carrier and its important to know whats going to happen with the weather. Thank you WPIX for doing what you do best!!
I always check the weather forecast each night. I like to prepare for the worst each and everyday. I work as a Letter Carrier and its important to know whats going to happen with the weather. Thank you WPIX for doing what you do best!! GO MR G!!!! Do you ever sleep??
I am particularly concerned about the weather during this time of year since I am responsible for clearing a couple of sidewalks. If snow is going to fall I am concerned about when the snow will start, when it will end and how much. I also understand in certain situations, if not most, it is not so clear to predict certainties. When it comes to snowfall I am somewhat obsessive and seek information from various sources on the web but I will admit an appreciation for the local news stations as they seem to explain the weather in greater detail- present company included.
I suppose a good reason why the weather is broadcasted multiple times throughout the news is that it's something we've all got in common together, we are all affected by the weather as opposed to select stories that may affect one but not the other in the city (or worldwide for that matter).
Anyway, whichever the case is, the weather's always interesting to know and is always prudent to check it so you don't get sick.
And on that note-- love you Mr. G!
I think the balance is just about right.
This is unrelated, but I've noticed it, and it's irritating:
You guys have fantastic theme music (best in the market), yet during the bump shots and teases, you guys use production music! Use the great theme you guys have had (in various renditions) since 1994!
I think the balance is just about right.
This is unrelated, but I've noticed it, and it's irritating:
You guys have fantastic theme music (best in the market), yet during the bump shots and teases, you guys use production music! Use the great theme you guys have had (in various renditions) since 1994!
I check the weather every day numerous times on the internet and the weather channel, but at night, I have to watch the PIX news just to see Mr. G. (I would love to have a guy in my life like Mr. G). Just love him!!
Yes weather is one of the main reasons to watch the news, particularly when a storm is coming. But you guys do go way overboard with the "team coverage". Yes there will always be people buying shovels, and snow plows will have to do their job - not interesting.
And frankly I think Mr. G should retire. He falls into the same routine and uses the same annoying catch phrases and doesn't clearly explain what weather is coming.
And everybody always stands in front of New Jersey on the map! I can't see through you!
Jim,(and Mr. G.)
I love weather and your forecast on N@10 shows me exactly what will happen for the next 48 hours here in southern Ontario, Canada. Just look over Mr. G.'s right shoulder or sometimes his left, and you can see what I mean. Much more accurate than The Weather Network here. If there is a global change occurring, I am most certainly going to hear about it on your weather. Meanwhile, I continue to enjoy the two main seasons, winter and construction! Keep up the good work. Love all you guys (Kaity and Lolita too)!
Heather in Brantford, Ontario
Hi Jim,
Okay, this is probably off topic a bit too. But I agree with James. Your music. Jim, your newscast should be more reflective of your rock n roll personality! Do I recall there was a time when I first discovered you guys (then never stopped watching) and there was a different riff from a different rock song going into commercials and at the ends of your newscasts - or was that just a "purple haze"? lol.
You guys rock -- bring back the music to choose it. Then tell us why you chose that song on your blog each night!
Laurie from Jersey
No, I'm talking about the music package by Nonstop Music...the music that plays with the open, with the Empire State Building.
You are all overpaid for what you do
if your arm hurts it's gonna rain....ACCURATE WEATHER FORECAST!!!!
OK JIM,
Tell Mr. G. that our body parts are our most reliable weather reports and they are FREE!!!!
Hubbydearest is nuts for weather reports. This drives me wild. I could be watching HOUSE and he says, let's switch to the weather now...he has a dinner break, so he comes home nights and goes back to work. It's either CNN or the news/weather.I like HOUSE, cause he is a cranky, interesting, brilliant dr., just like my cousin Greg (different last name, of course). For those who may be interested, he is on Channel 38 Cablevision, NY
HOUSE, MY NEW BEST SHOW, IS ALSO ON CHANNEL 5 ON MONDAY AT 9 AND MOVES AROUND THE CHANNELS. SOMETIMES I FOUND HIM ON CHANNEL 9. HIS FULL NAME IS GREG HOUSE AND HE IS A RIOT. YOU GOTTA LOVE OR HATE THIS GUY....TOTALLY BIPOLAR....LEE
Jim, 03/01/2009
You and the rest of the WPIX team
Are so AWESOME!!!! You and MR.G can update me on the weather all the time. To me you guys are very much accurate. The news is important to me just like the weather!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
LOVESICK GAL
Jim, MARCH 01,2009 @
You and the rest of the WPIX team
Are so AWESOME!!!! You and MR.G can update me on the weather all the time. To me you guys are very much accurate. The news is important to me just like the weather!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
SELENA