Weather Broadcasting Tips from the Best in the Business
Weather Broadcasting Tips from the Best in the Business
ALUMNUS JIM CANTORE RETURNS FOR WORKSHOP
November 16, 2012
The Weather Channel’s on-air personality Jim Cantore, (Class of ’86) returned to his alma mater on November 10 to give his ninth annual day-long “TV Weathercasting Techniques” workshop at Lyndon State College. According to Cantore, LSC has “the best program if you’ve got the weather bug, like me.” The class gave senior broadcast-concentration Atmospheric Sciences students the opportunity to be mentored, coached, and critiqued by Cantore. Cantore was again joined by Kerrin Jeromin (Class of ’08), the broadcast meteorologist for Fox 44 Local News This Morning and ABC22 This Morning in Burlington, Vermont. WCAX television meteorologist Dan Dowling, an adjunct professor at LSC, was also in attendance.
The morning began with a presentation about the general state of broadcast meteorology, strategies for breaking into the business, and trends from within the field. Cantore stressed the importance of broadcasters being both passionate and compassionate. Cantore and Jeromin discussed the process of finding that first broadcast job and tips on becoming successful.
The class visited via Skype with Lou Michaels of Talent Dynamics, a company that specializes in coaching TV personalities to improve their vocal, visual, and non-verbal skills. Michaels talked to the students about producing a solid resume tape, developing a viewer-friendly personality, and the importance of on-air appearance. She also spoke about the growing value of social media and added job search tips.
The afternoon session concentrated on intensive one-on-one studio work. Cantore watched film of each student’s earlier broadcast work and gave individualized critiques and guidance. The students then had time to work in front of the chroma-key wall, the so-called “green screen” where weather maps are projected. These sessions were taped; Cantore used these tapes for a final individual session with each student. While Cantore was in studio, Jeromin watched show tapes with the other students and gave advice on improving on-air performance.
Both Cantore and Jeromin subsequently sent each student a written assessment. The pair will watch more student broadcasts in the spring and submit analysis on their progress.
Cantore was the meteorology liaison for NBC Sports during the Vancouver Winter Olympics. The self-pronounced “Weather Geek,” Cantore’s uniquely passionate style has helped him become one of the most recognized national weather personalities.