SEALS OF (DIS)APPROVAL: TELEVISION WEATHERCASTERS DEBATE THE VALUE OF VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALS

摘要

Television weathercasters may be the most prominent science communicators in our modern society, yet we know little about them from the traditional scholarly literature. This study analyzes one of the most contentious subjects among TV weathercasters:the perceived value of the two seal of approval programs. Results from this study reveal that TV weathercasters believe the seals measure on-air skill more than forecasting ability. The data also uncover a distinct split about the perceived value of the seals as well as alternate training for on-air weathercasters that some may not consider to be rigorous enough.