The 44th Conference on Broadcast Meteorology, sponsored by the American Meteorological Society, was held at the Doubletree by Hilton Austin in Austin, TX
15-17 June 2016, with a Short Course on 14 June 2016. This location served as both the conference meeting destination and the designated hotel accommodation, conveniently located about five miles north of Downtown Austin. The closest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) located about 12 miles south of the Doubletree.
The conference returned to the Central U.S. Region this year to the “Live Music Capital of the World.” As with every year, we encourage presentations that focus on recent weather events and weather phenomenon that are unique to our host region. As Broadcasters, we encourage broadcaster presentations, showcasing how science is communicated across the country. Student presentations were also welcome! Below are some areas we delved into during this year’s conference.
Tension remains between how weather events are communicated on a local broadcast scale versus the national weather headlines. How can local weather stories be better told (accurately and without undue sensationalism) at the network level? How can national news outlets better tap into the local knowledge of market broadcast meteorologists? What are wise ways to accurately inform reporters (both local and national) about the context of weather events? Additionally, how can local competing stations prevent “first on, last off” viewership battles and cover local weather events in a balanced and appropriate manner to best serve the communities who depend on us?
As the way science is communicated continues to evolve with technology and social media platforms, we encouraged presentations related to social media. How do we regulate, filter and validate the dissemination of weather information across social media platforms? Can social media help lower warning false alarm rates by providing more spotter reports in real-time? With the whiplash-changing landscape of social media, how do broadcast meteorologists keep up with platforms, select the most beneficial ones, utilize them effectively and track analytics? Case-studies and examples of successful social media weather stories are encouraged.
National conversations about racism, ageism and sexism continue. Discrimination is also within broadcast television. How do we in broadcast appropriately identify cases of discrimination, and also encourage diverse and inclusive workplaces? How are employers meeting the legal needs and rights of new parents, both nursing mothers and new fathers? How can television stations better value meteorology experience, knowledge and wisdom? What are great examples of broadcast companies and local affiliates providing for and encouraging a healthful work balance in a 24/7 field? We welcome broadcaster’s stories and human resource presentations regarding these important national topics.
The deadline for abstracts was 12 February 2016. The $95 abstract fee includes the submission of your abstract, the posting of your extended abstract, and the uploading and recording of your presentation that is archived on the AMS Web site. Authors of accepted presentations were notified via e-mail early-March 2016. All abstracts and conference presentations are available on the AMS website.
Weather and media vendors were encouraged to participate in the conference by purchasing AMS exhibit booth space to showcase their latest products and advancements. Exhibitors also participated in the conference by presenting during the conference sessions.
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If you have suggestions for or questions about the conference content please contact the 44th co-chairs Meghan Danahey Hodge ([email protected], KMOV St. Louis, MO) and Alex Garcia ([email protected], KABB San Antonio, TX), as well as student liaison Megan Montgomery ([email protected], Metropolitan State University, Denver, CO), or 2016 AMS Broadcast Board Chairwoman, Carrie Rose Pace ([email protected], GRTC Richmond, VA).