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.

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326 Questions

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Last Answer on December 24, 2019

Best Rated

When a major storm event is coming, do your TV producers encourage you to sensationalize it? Amp up the hype/severity/fear-factor, that sort of thing?

Asked by Moe-town almost 12 years ago

I haven't personally experienced that but I know of stations where the culture sort of suggests that type of behavior. One of the problems with that type of thing is once you raise the level just a bit there is often a "keeping up with the Joneses" type of competition that kicks in and it escalates over time. Often times reporters in the field will feel the need to raise the level of urgency to make live shots more interesting. Great question, it is a growing problem.

What are questions you are asked most often?

Asked by Jackie over 11 years ago

Is it going to rain?  Will the storms be severe?  What are the best apps for my phone?  What about global warming? Do people ever blame you for bad weather?  I recognize your voice, where do I know you from?  Thanks, Jackie!

I want to study meteorology in college, but it is hard to find a school that is not so far away that offers it as a major. (in the NE) What kind of salary can i expect if I am not a meteorologist on TV, and am working directly for NWS or NOAA?

Asked by matt over 11 years ago

Hi Matt.  I'm actually not familiar with the payscale at the National Weather Service.  You can get a pretty good idea by looking at NWS and NOAA job postings online at http://www.weather.gov/careers.  Most jobs have a salary range attached to them.  You might also have luck contacting your local NWS office.  Click on your region at weather.gov for the closest office.  Good luck!!

do weathermen specialize by climate? like warm vs. cold climates? e.g. could a weatherman in hawaii take the same job in alaska without missing a beat?

Asked by CBass almost 12 years ago

Great question. One of my mentors told me, "You go to school for four years to learn meteorology, and then it takes two more to learn to forecast." So, time spent in a particular area gives you valuable experience in the local climatology. In your example, the weatherman in Hawaii, if he had had a good education, could certainly take a job in Alaska, but it would probably take a few seasons to get comfortable. Thanks!

Do u have to stop yourself from talking weather in social situations b/c other ppl think it's small talk?

Asked by bomb'chelle almost 12 years ago

Never mind that...did you see what the Global Forecast System is doing over the plains at 384 hours!?! :) Usually what happens for me is once I get to the point in a conversation where I have to say, "Mostly cloudy tomorrow", or "Rain by mid-morning" people will giggle and say, "He sounds just like a TV Weatherman!" My favorite kind of interaction is when someone doesn't realize who they are talking with and makes some comment about the weather. Like in a elevator or the checkout line, they will say, "Boy, this is the worst hot spell in 100 years!" I usually play along and walk away wondering what they would think if they knew who they were talking with. :)

is there a particular state, region, city, province, etc that meteorologists generally agree is the "ideal" climate? (san diego comes to mind...)

Asked by runnin rebel almost 12 years ago

I remember a job posting for a San Diego television station many many years ago that said, "Can you say 72 and sunny?" I think most of us prefer locations that have some action. Some like snow, others severe weather, others hurricanes. I guess the ideal job is in a place with the type of weather you are most interested in. Having been to San Diego a number of times I would agree with you, it is pretty nice!

also, what kind of umbrella do you use? :)

Asked by haleygirl almost 12 years ago

Well...they teach us in "TV Weatherman School" how to walk between the raindrops so I really don't need one, but I have a big black golf umbrella in the trunk of my car. :)