I like all three network newscasts, but I can’t stand them when it snows and they spend endless hours of airtime telling me that it’s snowing outside. News networks such as CNN broadcast 24 hours of news, but if I’m going to stay home I prefer being a willing captive catching up with “Let’s Make a Deal” and Dr. Phil than hours of snow broadcast drudgery.
The unfortunate staff are forced into knee-deep snow drifts with yardsticks to measure the accumulation, parked in front of convenience stores to discuss bread and milk runs with over-bundled brave shoppers, and sent on endless treks in specially equipped weather outfitted vehicles to show viewers at home what they are missing by not driving themselves anywhere.
The first big storm broadcast that really drew viewership, however, was for a hurricane, when Al Roker bravely broadcast a segment on Hurricane Wilma while a staffer tried to secure him against being blown away.
Usually we know it’s snowing just by looking at the white stuff covering our lawns and sidewalks, so spending hours of airtime and taking away regular programming won’t really change it. An hourly update might do the job. Also, if the average person is told it is risky to sojourn into this weather, newscasters should be accorded the same consideration. Stay inside and stay safe, and let us catch up on Dr. Phil.
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