On December 14, Vince Condella wrote a letter to "Shoptalk" pointed towards ND/GM type folks wondering if the AMS Seal gave potential hires a leg up on the others applying for a job who may not have it. At the same time, a fellow name Doug Ramsey wrote a letter saying a 4 year degree for reporter types was not necessary. While Mr. Ramsey's letter seemed to touch a nerve among reporter people, Mr. Condella's letter received, from what I could tell, 2 responses. I also believe both of the responses were from TV weather folks.
Now, I'm not going to say all, but I have to believe most stations are "hanging their hat" on weather nowadays. You would figure this relevant question would gather SOME type of response! In my market (yes...we did the research) a full 80% of the people in this area watch the evening news almost EXCLUSIVELY to find out the forecast for the next day. We are a small market (#137), but all three chiefs, myself included, have the AMS Seal, although one of the chiefs in the market has a seal that is inactive.
I guess Vince, I am saying your question should be brought up again. I am very curious, as I am sure many of our counterparts are as well, and it needs to be discussed. I would hope it makes a difference. I would hate to think I suffered through Dynamics for nothing (lost most of the rest of my hair too!) But just to stir the beehive...if a 4 year degree in Journalism isn't what is needed to be a reporter...why in the heck are these 4 year degree Journalism people even thinking they should be doing something as difficult as weather?
One last thought. I used to have a ND who wouldn't let a person without a MASTERS degree in journalism be a reporter at his station, but he would hire radio DJs to do the weather. And this guy used to call ME arrogant! If weather is the most important part of the newscast, shouldn't it be treated it that way?
Joe Bauer
Chief Meteorologist
KJAC-TV
Beaumont/Port Arthur, TX
jbauer8166@aol.com