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.
Hi, Tori. My best suggestion is to get an internship at a local station. Hang around as much as you can and soak up the environment. You'll learn about the weather computers and should have some time to practice on the green wall and make some recordings. A demo reel will help you apply for jobs at other stations. If you make yourself known and willing to help during the internship you might just find an opening at some point. That is how it happened for me. Good luck!!
Share Answer: 
Of the big weather events, I would rate tropical systems first, then severe storms, then winter storms. Second favorite thing is an approaching shelf cloud ahead of a line of storms, but the best of all is the passing of a dry cold front. To feel the wind turn around and the cold air hit your face is one of the best things around. How about you?
Share Answer: 
I've always loved the sky, I think I have as many photos of clouds as of my son. I was a radio DJ at the beginning of my career. One of the local TV meteorologists did weather for our station. He and I became friends and he took me under his wing, got me involved in a meteorology program at Mississippi State, and gave me my first TV job (and one day I'll get him for it!) We remain friends to this day and do a podcast together called WeatherBrains. I grew up up and down the east coast. Your question is right on, many of us have stories of encounters with tornadoes or other weather extremes that set the course into meteorology. Thanks for asking!
Share Answer: 
It is different from person to person. Many have degrees in meteorology, others will use the forecast provided by the National Weather Service or a vendor like AccuWeather. Some have a weather producer who helps with the TV graphics. Thanks for the question!
Share Answer: 
Firefighter
What's the worst you've been burned in a fire?
Navy Officer (Former)
Why do so many people miss the military after they get out?
Ice Sculptor
What was the raciest sculpture you ever made?
I've never had that happen, but I can imagine it has. Often times station management will see something that happens naturally they like and encourage it. I used to do a lot more live shots out in the field and really enjoyed them so they sent me out often. One time they sent me out for no apparent reason to a local park where nothing was happening. To show my frustration I had the photographer set up a good distance away from me and I sat on a bench with my back to the camera enjoying the sky. Turned out it was one of their favorite shots. :\ Thanks again!
Share Answer: 
Tough question. Certainly there is a bias toward "telegenic" people on TV. That said, Al Roker was very large for many years before weight loss surgery. Interestingly, I have heard of cases where television broadcast companies could consider hiring the people on the news like "casting a play" which would allow them the latitude to decide they wanted a particular gender or ethnicity for an open position, sometimes to play to the demographics of a particular city. In my circles, often times when a job opening comes up, we will hear, "they want a woman", or some other character type. Interesting question, thanks!
Share Answer: 
All kinds of things, great question. Research is a big area, professional storm chaser, there are lots of private companies that provide weather services and information to power companies or trucking companies, aviation as well. We have a guy that does vacation fill-in for us who works for an environmental impacts firm. Another fellow I work with does weather consulting for legal cases acting as an expert witness that involve things like hail or lightning damage. Thanks!
Share Answer: 
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
Browse Jobs
Host a Q&A
Search
Submit Your Question
Host a Q&A
Last 7
