Understanding Violent Weather National Press Foundation Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.

Gaylord / OU Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.

McMahon Centennial Professor Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication University of Oklahoma

Understanding Violent Weather National Press Foundation Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.

Gaylord / OU

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news directors now make weather ever-more present in newscasts

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weather is now expanding beyond (just) newscasts

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now we “dissect” storms with technology Michelle Muscatello WPRI-TV/Providence

Understanding Violent Weather National Press Foundation Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.

Gaylord / OU

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we lead with weather whenever we can

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meteorologists toss to reports (ala anchors)

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all on staff have meteorology degrees and AMS seals

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weather updates during storms

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stations has invested in computers

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meteorologists attend news meetings WPTZ-TV, Plattsburgh, NY / Burlington, VT

Understanding Violent Weather National Press Foundation Cindy Fitzgibbon FOX 25 – TV / Boston Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.

Gaylord / OU

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most days weather is not news

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meteorologists have to tell the weather story every day

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weather is like an accordion

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meteorologists need to communicate with newsroom personnel

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meteorologists need to make viewers comfortable

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Weather is the number one reason people watch the news.

Understanding Violent Weather National Press Foundation Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.

Gaylord / OU

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proximity

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prominence

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conflict

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consequence

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timeliness - audio / visual potential - human interest

Understanding Violent Weather National Press Foundation Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.

Gaylord / OU

Because we can’t control it !!!

Vince Irene Maria Jose Bret Gert Stan Katrina Arlene Rita Dennis Emily Cindy Tammy Wilma Franklin Ophelia Harvey Philippe Lee Nate