ict1523 wrote:TWC has been sinking over the years. Most of their meteorologists just suck. I still have respect for Jim Cantore but ones like Dave Schwarts just make me want to break the TV.
I work in the media (at home) and I know for a fact, that 70-75% of all OCMs are really actual mets (I mean with BS degree in wx)... the rest obtain a 'certificate' from Mississippi State or get a masters in MET (with a BS in something else). Now if you get a BS and a MS in Met, that also qualifies you as an actual met.... that BS in met is a THE all important degree.
Most of the time, news directors aim for ratings so they bring in the beautiful/ handsome people to get ratings... these people aren't necessarily the best choice, but with some further development in the wx background... they become respected or people just love looking at them with a druel cup under their mouths.
Yes, the AMS/NWS seals would be nice, but however, you can still be hired while working towards the degree. Usually the AMS seal IS the most respected and that is what news directors are looking for.
Case in point, there is a local met in Green Bay that copies the NWS forecast (the NWS Green Bay WFO) and puts that ON AIR. Yes, verbatem!!!! Word for Word... no changes... and this guy is 'well respected'. Please let me gag! When people ask me what I'm going to do and I tell them Met... they ask if I want to be like the chief met of that particular station... I respond with 'you mean a copycat'... I can go around and around with people that don't believe that this guy is copying the NWS forecast... I'll actually physically show them proof... its fun to see their reaction when I show them proof.
Yes, there are some mets that I have tons of respect for AND are actually mets (local chief met Cameron Moreland, WGBA NBC 26 in Green Bay and of course Cantore)... ironically both went to the same college. Cameron WILL actually forecast for approx 2-3 hours before showtime... he's usually right on w/o the help of NWS and NOAA.He looks at every model and basis his forecasts off the models... sometimes he is dead on BEFORE the 18z model forecast comes out. I know, I've interned at that station.
