Friday, June 8, 2007

Important or Not?

The week is finally winding down and because the weather is quiet, it gives me a chance to talk about something that may have crossed your mind before but never remembered to ask a meteorologist. I'm referring to the credentials that broadcast meteorologists apply for during their career that usually help them land jobs in bigger television markets.
There are three different seals that meteorologists can apply for and each one has different requirements. In order to obtain the AMS seal (American Meteorological Society), one has to have either a degree in atmospheric science or have taken a set number of atmospheric science classes through an approved college. You don't have to have a degree to get an AMS seal.


The NWA seal (National Weather Association) is similar, but again, you don't have to have a degree in meteorology. In order to apply for this seal, one must have two years of professional broadcast experience as a full time employee.




The CBM seal (Certified Broadcast Meteorologist) is the newest credential for a TV meteorologist. You must have a degree in atmospheric science in order to be eligible. Once your application has been approved, you must pass a 100 question exam that is very difficult.


All three seals require the meteorologist to submit an on air performance to be critiqued by a panel of judges, which can also be very tedious.

What do they mean to the viewer? We hope you find some importance in them, but I'd like to hear your comments. Would you not watch a TV meteorologist if they didn't have a seal attached to their name? Post your comments and have a great weekend.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ross Honestly I have never even thought of it that way. But if you think about it you would want some sort of backing from you favorite weather authority. You wouldnt want anybody off the street cutting your hair or teaching your children at school. You would want someone trained. The same goes for the people you trust for your weather.

Anonymous said...

I couldn't care less even though your explanations were very exciting.
Does Merril have all three? If not, can we replace him with you?

Ross Janssen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.

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