Now some thoughts on the weather seminar. It dealt mainly with research about what viewers want from their local television forecasters. I'm happy to report that local weather is one of the main reasons viewers watch local news. We discussed many things, among them, how to give a forecast without slipping into techno-talk. You've probably noticed that sometimes we TV forecasters like to use techno-talk to show how smart we are even if our audience doesn't get it or more importantly doesn't want it. Just give us an accurate forecast. Help us be prepared for the next day. I try to do this on a regular basis but sometimes I forget and slip back into meteorology speak. I do promise that when I use a meteorological phrase I'll explain it. One small annoyance of mine was shared by others at the seminar. It is when viewers misunderstand a forecast. Particularly snow amounts. My colleagues and I noted that when we say a range of snowfall say 2"-4". And 2" falls, some viewers say where's the 4" you forecasted. Not realizing that some areas around town may have gotten the 4". It's like selective hearing, the high number is all that gets heard. It's even worse when we forecast large amounts for the mountains. Many viewers will not hear "mountains" and will only hear the highest amount for the mountains. So when we don't get 12" of snow in Spokane they think the forecast is wrong. Even though the Spokane forecast was for a much lower amount. And quite frankly if the forecasted snowfall is 2"-4" and 1.8" fall
I think thats pretty close. Certainly not a wrong or busted forecast. Anyway, I know I need to do a better a job of getting my message heard loud and clear. And that's one reason I go to continuing education seminars so I can do a better job for you, my viewers. Thanks for reading my blog and watching weather on KREM 2 News. I'll continue to do my very best for you.
Even though I really enjoyed Chicago. I know the best kept secret in the country. Spokane is the best place to live and raise a family.