Balancing Weather and News

If you haven't noticed already, I report during the week and on the weekends I deliver the weather. I often get the question, what did you go to school for, journalism? It turns out I went to school at Madison to get a degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, and most of the journalism skills I have learned right here at News 19. Reporting is a great opportunity and some of the stories I have covered I really enjoyed.  Some of my favorite stories have included learning how to make maple syrup and also getting the chance to actually fly a plane.  Recently I have started a series called Good Earth which focuses on becoming environmentally friendly. This weeks story, which will air tonight, will explain how Wisconsin plans to handle the growing concern of global warming. This will be the third story in the series and you can look forward to more "Going Green" stories on Sunday nights.
    With that said I do keep busy on Sunday's when we only have a 10:00 show. Aside from preparing the forecast and making graphics, I also have to make sure that my Good Earth story is finished and edited in time for the news.
    Would I rather cover news or weather? Hands down it is weather. I always heard when I was growing up, choose a career that you enjoy, because chances are you will be doing it for a long time. While the hours of an on-air meteorologist aren't very favorable, going to work to deliver the weather doesn't always seem like work and to me is very enjoyable.

Until Next Time,

Andrew Thut
News 19 Forecast Team