TV Meteorologist

TV Meteorologist

Kevin Selle

Wichita Falls, TX

Male, 55

I've been a broadcast meteorologist on television since the early 1990's. Happy to answer any questions about the weather or local TV news. Yes, I often wear sneakers on set just out of view of the camera.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

326 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on December 24, 2019

Best Rated

How long does it take a new weather reporter to get the hang of pointing to the weather map on screen? I've heard it's really difficult confusing b/c it's actually a blank screen behind them.

Asked by clambakejake almost 12 years ago

It usually clicks in pretty quick but there is a mental hurdle to get past. You are exactly right. We stand in front of a blank wall, usually bright green, sometimes blue. The control room equipment digitally inserts the weather maps in the areas where the camera sees green (you have to be careful about the colors in your neckties) the process is called chroma key. On either side of the wall we look at a monitor that shows us the "mixed" version of the picture, and there is a teleprompter in front of the camera lens showing the same image. That is where the mental hurdle takes a little time because that image is reversed, like looking... Read More +

Do people recognize you on the street and do they ever hassle you about times when your forecast was wrong?

Asked by Steph almost 12 years ago

Yup. Sometimes people will say they recognize the voice first, I think because I'm not always in a suit. Other times you can tell that people are looking from across the room trying to figure it out and be sure. Can't speak for all of us but I always appreciate a connection. Yes, people will give me static about the weather, almost always in good fun. For those who give me trouble I say, "I'm in marketing, God is in manufacturing." that usually gets me off the hook with a smile. Thanks for asking, Steph!

what's with the obsession with naming storms? any practical reason for this, or just a marketing gimmick?

Asked by streetscribe almost 12 years ago

You've asked a really hot question right now. Naming tropical storms began in the early 1950's. Tracking was initially done by latitude and longitude which proved confusing especially when there were multiple storms. This winter season The Weather Channel decided to name winter storms. Their claim is that it helps raise awareness. We had a representative from The Weather Channel on a podcast I co-host, called WeatherBrains, a few months ago. There are a couple of issues. The Weather Channel did not discuss their plan with any other organizations, like the National Weather Service, the American Meteorological Society or the National... Read More +

Not to sound heartless, but just why do TV channels even need weathermen? How much value does a human provide above and beyond just throwing to that 5-day forecast screen?

Asked by R.W. almost 12 years ago

Perfectly valid question. Local TV news is changing rapidly and will see negative growth for some years to come. One of the reasons is the increase in the amount of choices people have to find information. Different viewers/users have different wants and needs. Some prefer to simply find a partly cloudy icon and a high of 72 on their smartphone, others like having someone explain a bit of the science behind the forecast. There is a great book called The Long Tail that I highly recommend that talks about serving users in the digital age. On a practical community side, local weather folks speak to schools about science and civic groups... Read More +

Do most meteorologists believe global warming exists? Or are they just as split on that as any other random group of people would be?

Asked by Bradbury451 almost 12 years ago

Ooooh, you've asked me to walk over hot coals to touch the third rail!! First let me make a distinction between Global Warming and Anthropogenic Global Warming. I think that most people agree that the global climate varies over time and probably goes through cycles. The "hot button" issue is whether or not manmade activities are causing a greater change, that is the "anthropogenic" part. The information that I have seen, and this is largely anecdotal, suggests that a majority of television meteorologists are not in anthropogenic camp. There is a difference between meteorology and climate. TV folks deal largely with the next seven days... Read More +

What are the requirements for becoming a TV weather reporter? Do I need a certain degree, and do I need formal broadcast training? I'm studying environmental sciences currently.

Asked by Chau Belle almost 12 years ago

Actually, there really are no minimum requirements. In general the more meteorological knowledge you have the better. Some stations won't hire without at least a degree, others will hire based on looks and presentation. In my opinion, if you have an interest in the science, go to the local TV stations and make friends then ask for an internship. You'll get on-camera and computer training. If there is a local chapter of the American Meteorological Society or the National Weather Association, those are good places to make contacts. Good luck, please keep me posted.

What were your worst on-screen bloopers?

Asked by canonball!!! almost 12 years ago

Well...being a professional, of course, I've never had any bloopers. That said, there was one time when we were joking around during the commercial break before a cut-in. When the camera light came on the anchor tossed to me and just as he did, the corner of his mouth went up in a knowing smirk. I lost it and started laughing. Then kept on laughing. The cameraman and producer, standing behind the camera, buckled over and hit the floor, which didn't help at all. I couldn't do anything. Couldn't pitch back, couldn't do the weather, couldn't pitch to traffic. It went on for about 40 seconds, which in live TV is an eternity. I finally... Read More +