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Evolution of Weather & Climate Communications in the Caribbean. John R. Toohey-Morales, CBM, CCM ClimaData Corp. The U.S. Model.
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Evolution of Weather & Climate Communications in the Caribbean John R. Toohey-Morales, CBM, CCM ClimaData Corp.
The U.S. Model • “Collaboration between the media and the National Weather Service is of utmost importance; after all, we share the same goal – informing the public, saving lives, and disseminating timely information to the audience when they need it the most.”– Brian LaMarre, National Weather Service Lubbock Texas
The U.S. Model • Successful communications in emergencies: • Immediacy • Precision • Cooperation • Balance • Professionalism
Puerto Rico: Sophisticated Media Market • Population nearly 4 million • US Territory (“Commonwealth”) • DMA size between Denver (#18) and Sacramento (#19) • WKAQ: 2nd radio station in Latin America, 5th in the world • More radio and TV stations per square mile than elsewhere in the world
Weather in the Tropics:Same old, same old? • Little or no importance given to weather forecasts in local media • Only Professor McDowell (University of Puerto Rico) on the government station (WIPR Channel 6) • Lucy Pereda (“weathergirl” on commercial stations)
Media responds to major disasters • Isabel and the Mameyes landslide • Hugo (EAS successful) • More attention paid to NWS, more collaborative efforts between media, emergency managers, local and federal government • Luis threat, Marilyn strike (1995) • Hortense floods (1996) • Georges landfall (1998)
In Today’s Puerto Rican Media • Trained weather anchors on 2 of 3 major commercial TV stations • Major investments in weather graphics systems • Station-owned Doppler radars on every major commercial TV station • Significant emphasis on nowcasting, severe weather, and tropical cyclones
U.S. Hispanic Media • Miami was first with a degreed met. • Need for knowledge confirmed by Andrew, interest still growing • Thirst for qualified presenters grows • Audience (local/national) trending UP • Plurality of Hispanics in selected major hurricane-prone cities (Houston 37%, Miami 62%, Brownsville 91%)
Drought – a better understanding • More often, more severe • Know natural AND social dimensions of drought • Socio-economic ramifications • Forecasted impact-based decisions • Risk management: give early warning
Contact information • John Toohey-Moralesmorales@climadata.com@JohnMoralesNBC6