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NYABJ Hosts Event: "Meteorology: Weathering the Business"

By: Karyn Cook


On Thursday (April 18), NYABJ held an informative virtual Zoom event on Meteorology and journalism career path.  Moderated by NYABJ President Bonita Sostre, the event included a panel featuring Tony Sadiku, WCBS Meteorologist, Jason Frazer, Fox Weather Meteorologist, and Guy Brown, Spectrum News NY1 Meteorologist.  The discussion touched on how the meteorologists got into their field, what journalists and those deciding their career path can do to get into the field and even included the discussions was this commonly asked question: “Are meteorologists considered journalists?”.

And it’s safe to say this is a debate often heard in the journalism world. Frazer shared his opinion about how he uses different communication and journalistic skills to be an efficient meteorologist.

“Journalists are communicators for what is happening right now and in history. “Meteorologists are truth-tellers,” he said, “I am always thinking about, as a journalist and meteorologist how can I make sure that what I’m saying resonates with the most amount of people.”


On the other hand, Brown discussed the art and details that go into being a meteorologist, along with the particulars of forecasting. 

“Forecasting is a work of art; everyone forecasts weather directly,” he said before noting that his job as a meteorologist does not end when the clock is up.  “On my way to work, I’m looking outside and making sure whether my last forecast was accurate. Brown explained.

“We usually have an idea since we are running models all the time, but it’s the small minute details like, is the rain a little off?”


Towards the end of the illuminating conversation, questions pertaining to how to begin a career in meteorology were asked. Brown emphasized the importance of making sure this is a career somebody could see themselves being in and making the “time” to do so if you know this is what you want to do, save yourself time and make that your major.”


Copy Editor: Breanna Robinson

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