For the first time in its history, the annual Kansas Association of Broadcasters convention was conducted virtually on October 19-22nd, 2020. While members did not converge in Wichita this year, they did join seminars online from across the sunflower state.
The Storm Report Radio Network conducted an interactive tutorial on how broadcasters could improve coverage of severe weather. Panelists included KMBC-TV Chief Meteorologist Bryan Busby, Dr. Laura Myers, a Research Scientist with the Center for Advanced Public Safety at the University of Alabama, Chad Omitt who is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Topeka and Jennifer Narramore, Radio Meteorologist at The Storm Report. The panel was moderated by The Storm Report’s co-founder, Dan Holiday.
Dr. Myers discussed new research that indicates how residents most commonly receive severe weather information. Myers also said they typically look for two sources to insure they can trust the weather warning that when issued for their area.
Busby told broadcasters to be natural on-air and avoid over dramatizing threatening weather to viewers. He told future TV meteorologists that while weather enthusiasts may get excited about a tornado, the audience is often ridden with anxiety. Therefore, Busby said it is important to be factual and empathetic.
Omitt reminded broadcasters to emphasize the dangers during winter weather which often claims more lives than spring severe storms. Narramore advised radio broadcasters to paint a picture of the situation on the air so the audience could visualize what is happening and react appropriately.
The seminar is available for online viewing through December 31, 2020, for members who have purchased a convention pass at kab.net.