As a Northeasterner, I am quite accustomed to and certainly fond of snow and almost all that comes along with it. I’m not just referring to the actual precipitation, I mean the transition and ceremony the local newscasts and a meteorologist take on with each weather event.
Snow coverage is indeed its own animal, be it in the northern and Midwest locales or some of those less anticipated areas of the country that are blanketed with the fun. Snow differs from the other types of storm center catalysts in that during the season, it can begin and end the process many times over as opposed to tropical or hurricane-type events.
In any case, I love what local stations generally do and I am very forgiving when it comes to the sometimes overdramatization of what is falling from the sky.
From the first absorption of the prediction from a meteorologist to the obligatory live shots from the DPW salt and sand silos, I find it akin to game day prep, only it’s for weather nerds.
I admittedly am one of those climate geeks so when the storm’s a comin’ I’ve got the TV and the radio with the audio volume going loudest to the most engaging. But make no mistake, both platforms are up and running and the stations change frequently.
Everywhere I’ve lived — ok, maybe not Charleston or Miami — I’ve jumped on the bandwagon of excitement and enthusiasm that progresses as the news outlets build their coverage, taking an attentive audience along for the ride.
Sure, I’m romanticizing it a bit but as I’ve seen what goes into the preparations for a meteorologist, I follow along now with my local stations and the evolving frenzy of whatever and how much actually hits the ground.
As I’ve often indicated, I live in a unique area with its small market local stations encircled by the major market bases so there is no lack of information here. That’s important because when New York, Hartford, and Boston can all be hit by significant amounts of snowfall, places like Springfield might get considerably less or more while Amherst and Brattleboro might see nothing at all.
What’s inspiring is to see and hear these small market stations go toe to toe with their larger counterparts, bringing often far less experienced and equipped journalists up against the very same challenges and demands the better funded and resourced staff encounter.
Oftentimes, they are doing it alone as solo MMJs or as meteorologists without weather producers or as traffic reporters who actually have to go out and drive around to bring you the roadway conditions.
Big market or small, it’s impressive and generally more entertaining than a lot of things to choose from among the audio and visual selections. I mean, who doesn’t want to know what’s going on outside without having to find out for themselves?
There are still professionals out there willing to face adverse conditions in order to bring us the sights and sounds of the wind and storm.
I’m not speaking so much about the masses going out for their milk and bread supplies or the hardware giants selling out on shovels, snowblowers, and salt. That’s usually happening as an affront to the calm before the storm.
It’s worth it next time to take a closer look at and listen to those out there telling you where it is and how bad it is or isn’t. The job is far from simply telling us that it is or isn’t snowing or that no, really, it’s better if you just stay home today. Chances are, if we’re not going to take time to get the information from those who are out in it, we’re probably not ever going to know what’s happening.
It’s the effort of finding those out working in the elements, the treacherous travel and progress or lack thereof in clearing of roads and walkways. That information doesn’t magically appear by itself, the audience wants it and when it’s not happening out their window, they often want to see it somewhere.
There’s a reason The Weather Channel and WeatherNation endure.
Bill Zito has devoted most of his work efforts to broadcast news since 1999. He made the career switch after serving a dozen years as a police officer on both coasts. Splitting the time between Radio and TV, he’s worked for ABC News and Fox News, News 12 New York , The Weather Channel and KIRO and KOMO in Seattle. He writes, edits and anchors for Audacy’s WTIC-AM in Hartford and lives in New England. You can find him on Twitter @BillZitoNEWS.
