Thursday, June 13, 2019

Never Criticize the Boss...

Perhaps you've heard about the weather guy up in a small market in Illinois who was fired for being critical of a decision by management to use the terms "code yellow" and "code red" to warn their viewers of potential severe weather.  Stephen Colbert even did a skirt about it.   Fortunately, our local stations all follow the guidance put out by the SPC (Storm Prediction Center) when we have a potential severe threat.  The graphics are clear outlining who might see severe storms the next day.   Having one station use something different is another way to confuse the message.  The Illinois broadcaster might have been right, but he chose the wrong platform (live on air) to display his disagreement.  It reminds me of a station consultant (they all have one) who wanted me to drop using the teeth on cold fronts and the half moons on warm fronts since he said..."nobody understands what they mean".  Nash started back on WDSU back in 1949 and was still using those standard ways to identify fronts in the early 80s.  I told this fella, "you mean the #1 rated weathercaster in this market has been using these graphics but nobody understands them?"   I didn't go on air and say how stupid he was.  Nope, I went to management and calmly told them how silly the idea was.  Fortunately they agreed and the rest is history.  There were many more stupid ideas coming from consultants and that will continue forever.  Just don't disagree with the Boss on-air.  It will get you fired.

Even the South Shore briefly dipped into the 60s this morning, but humidity is slowly coming back and we should feel it by Friday afternoon.  The weekend looks to be basic summertime, hot & humid with some spotty daytime heating T-Storms.  Since it has been awhile since we've heard thunder, so remember, when thunder roars, get indoors.  With the humidity back, we'll want the daily showers to break the heat.  Stay tuned!

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