TV Is Just TV, Right?
TV Is Just TV, Right?NBC15 Blog Listing
TV Is Just TV, Right?
Topic Author: David George
Posted: 8:38 PM Jun 21, 2009
Replies Posted: 7 comments
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When the weather gets ugly, it's our responsibility to keep EVERYBODY safe!

 

This means every single man, woman and child that can possibly see our TV signal from the Mississippi River in the west to Lake Geneva and Fond du Lac in the east...from extreme Northern Illinois in the south to La Crosse and Green Lake to the north.  The problem for some is that they forget that all viewers must see the same broadcast.  They may be in Beloit and could really care less about a threat in the Dells.  At the same time, they forget that if the storms were over Beloit they would all want to see what's happening.

 

Our policy for severe weather is as follows and a letter, phone call, email or other complaint probably won't change anything.

Nice weather:  No interruptions.

Threatening weather:  Updates in promos, newscasts, web channel and desktop alert.  Programming not affected.

Warning issued:  T'storm warning dictates a quick weather update, usually in first available commercial to avoid disrupting programs.  However, a tornado warning means an immediate update and requires that we stay on and cover programs as long as threat to life and property continues.  This might be 5-15 minutes or it might be 2-4 hours.  It is strictly a public service issue where trying to save one person outweighs any TV show.  Remember, most TV shows will either be repeated or they're available on the NBC web site.

 

Thanks for your continued patience, understanding and support.

David

 

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Posted by: Mike Location: Madison
As a person who can't see the weather outside, or the little symbols at the top, bottom, or side of the screen during programs, I appreciate the updates as you have designed them! The entire staff at NBC15, weather, anchors, reporters, crew... all deserve special recognition every day for the great job you all do! Blind people "watch" TV too, and even though we can't see the pictures, we sure can learn to trust familiar voices of trusted on air personalities to keep us safe. If I ran every time I heard a tornado siren, I would be 69 pounds by the end of summer, and have legs like Sly Stallone's chest!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Baraboo
We all want to be made aware of severe weather in our own area. Yes, our favorite tv shows get interupted but IT IS ONLY TV!! if it is threatening, for anyone, it is worth it. Thanks for the great coverage!!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Baraboo
I would have to agree, well said. If you don't want to watch the continuing storm coverage then turn the channel!! I was appalled at the letter in the Wis State Journal yesterday. I appreciate all the coverage no matter where the severe weather is. I thought kids wearing bicycle helmets and wearing tennis shoes were a great idea! Kudos to the station for the coverage!! Thanks for all you do during severe weather!

Posted by: weather coverage Location: wisconsin
i think that idea is very well thought out. if someone dies because they did not hear about the storms because their favorite show is broadcasting over weather alerts the station would suffer greatly.

Posted by: Anonymous If the weather update saves one life it is worth the interruption

Posted by: Cindy Location: Blue Mounds
I GREATLY appreciate that you are on-air and keeping everyone informed. I agree that TV shows are just TV shows and public information in times of bad weather must come first. Are people forgetting what happened to Barneveld, Black Earth, and Stoughton? Forewarned is forearmed to take care of the ones you love and your property. Thank you David and all the team at NBC15!

Posted by: G Location: Madison
Well said! If it were up to me (luckily it's not) I would broadcast the name and contact information of anyone who complains to you about program interruption due to severe weather. Keep up the good work.

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