Understanding Violent Weather Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.

National Press Foundation Gaylord / OU

Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.

McMahon Centennial Professor
Gaylord College of Journalism and
Mass Communication
University of Oklahoma
Understanding Violent Weather Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.
National Press Foundation Gaylord / OU

- news directors now make weather ever-more

present in newscasts

- weather is now expanding beyond (just)

newscasts

- now we “dissect” storms with

technology

Michelle Muscatello
WPRI-TV/Providence
Understanding Violent Weather Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.
National Press Foundation Gaylord / OU

- we lead with weather whenever we can

- meteorologists toss to reports (ala anchors)

- all on staff have meteorology degrees and AMS seals

- weather updates during storms

- stations has invested in computers

- meteorologists attend news meetings

WPTZ-TV, Plattsburgh,
NY / Burlington, VT
Understanding Violent Weather Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.
National Press Foundation Gaylord / OU

- most days weather is not news

- meteorologists have to tell the
weather story
every day
- weather is like an accordion

Cindy Fitzgibbon - meteorologists need to

FOX 25 – TV / Boston communicate with
newsroom personnel
- meteorologists need to make
viewers comfortable

- Weather is the number one

reason people watch the news.
Understanding Violent Weather Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.
National Press Foundation Gaylord / OU

-proximity
- prominence
- conflict
-consequence
-timeliness
- audio / visual potential
- human interest
Understanding Violent Weather Dana Rosengard, Ph.D.
National Press Foundation Gaylord / OU

Because we can’t control it !!!

 Vince

Irene

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