Watching Wilma on CNN and The Weather Channel, I have to give the edge to CNN - why? More pictures. (It's that simple.) It's really not a matter of forecast or radar - they both do that as well as I can tell - but CNNs multi-screen setup with Wolf Blitzer standing there seems very effective to me.
As a former programmer (or programmer-in-waiting) I have always been fascinated by the idea behind and execution of The Weather Channel. Started as a one-trick-pony (like MTV), it branched into longer form (Storm Stories) and features (all sponsorable.) They even provide radio stations with reports (we took them in Minneapolis for a while, then dropped them because they were weak, in my opinion.)
One of these days, some weather reporter will get conked by shrapnel as they stand in the storm to report. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense. They tell the audience to stay out of harm's way WHILE THEY STAND IN IT!
Jim Cantore is head and shoulders above the rest of the men on TWC. And now, after watching today, I feel Stephanie Abrams is right up there in live reportage. She's VERY good... better on the road than in the studio. Pulled off some long standups with clarity and intelligence. That's not easy!
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