Community Chat

[bonnielu]

I tuned in as many news programs as I could to see about the storm in N and S Carolina and beyond.  I hear the words for everyone to evacuate.  

Now for the question.  Are the newscasters, weather reporters in harms-way?  How do they get out and where do they stay.  Seems they are also in danger and should not be broadcasting near the danger zones. 

Makes me upset for them.  

[ItsME]

@bonnielu  I think the same thing.  They do have others with them, and I assume they have some resources at their disposal, but there is only so much that can be done in dangerous conditions.  I saw a reporter this morning with goggles on, and being severely buffeted by the wind.  My neighbor died in a hurricane several years ago (she was actually inside her home, but standing next to a large sliding glass door, which blew in on her).  And I recently had an Uber drive whose wife was killed in a different hurricane.  They are not to be taken lightly.

[seaBreeze]

Sadly, it is all for ratings. 

The WeatherChannel used a "weather girl" last night in NC to broadcast (she's about 120 lbs) ... I feared for her life).   Cantori dropped his cell phone in the salt water standing on a pier as he was broadcasting (from the strong wind gusts).  I noticed falling trees, and uprooted roadsigns on the flooded streets.  This is so sad to put their employees at risk.

[ItsME]

I just heard one reporter saying that he has access to shelter when he needs it.  But ....

[GAQShopr53]

@bonnielu I have been through many hurricanes and I think the weather people live to report these storms. This is just my observation...they seem to really enjoy reporting and the more dangerous the more they seem to enjoy...On the Gulf Coast there is a saying that if Jim Cantore or even Paul Goodloe from the weather channel show up the storm is going to be bad...You are right it is dangerous for them and I think they should not take so many chances in such dangerous and unpredictable weather. The good news is that I have not heard of one of them not making it out of the storm after reporting...just like the head hunters that fly into the eye of the storms to gather weather data/information...it's just part of the risk of the job!

[dex]

I think if reporters  choose to be there then they must assume the risks.I feel sorry for the people who should have evacuated but couldn’t for financial or health or age related reasons.I feel sorry for the first responders who must remain to protect those who couldn’t or didn’t get out of harms way.

[Laura14]

My sister was a tv reporter.  The safety of the reporters is paramount (OSHA aplies to them too) and they do book them in hotels that remain open usually to accommodate the storm evacuees as well.

They must have the permission of the local law enforcement to be there and they usually have the names and numbers of those first responders not only for tips and information to report but also to direct the local responders to any developing situation they see if necessary.  

In some areas, people will actually call the news before they ever call 911.  It's a partnership but they are there only by the permission of the local authorities who make the final call as to who can be where at any given time.  

[happycat]

It always makes me nervous when I see them out and the weather is obviously bad. I'm sure we have all see reporters outside reporting when weather is bad, and seen debris flying past them or around them....its just not good.

I noticed on GMA this morning, Amy and Ginger were both outside, it seems like another female reporter was outside too reporting on this and Michael and George were reporting from inside the studio.

[Topaz Gem]

I don’t think non-stop coverage is necessary.  I turned on a cable news channel this morning when I woke up and they weren’t even reporting regular news; instead it was only about the storm and there wasn’t much to say.  They do the same thing during blizzards.  If they checked in every so often with a reporter on the scene, that would be plenty.

[cherry]

I think that Jim Cantore is a bit of a dare devil/thrill seeker and loves what he does. He is a great guy, but ,I don't think anyone makes him do a thing he doesn't want to