The Rested & Tan Jenn Burgess

[DrAkbar]

So is she a reporter or weatherbabe at ABC 15? The Nurse and I've seen her do both and her mug shot is in the East Valley News as one of four weather guessers. She may have left Fox 10, but it's obvious she swiped a large amount of D'Amico's tanning gel on the way out.

 

[formeraa]

I noticed the same thing last night at 10pm!

As long as it's tanning gel and not a "natural" tan, Jenn is doing well.

 

[brian4]

In the mail I received ABC15's Sizzlin' Summer Saving paper and Jenn is pictured with the rest of the weather guessers. So I think she goes both ways: weather & reporter.

 

[ihEARDtHAT]

In her updated bio at abc15.com it states:

Now, as a member of the ABC15 weather team, Jenn is excited to cover environmental and weather-related stories across the state, although she won't rule out anything having to do with Dancing with the Stars. "I did ballet for 17 years, and I just love that show!" She plans to study for her meteorological degree and gain accreditation as a certified meteorologist within the next three years. "I hope, in some way, I may be able to inspire other girls and young women to pursue the sciences. What an amazing area of study!"

 

[Teddyo]

In her updated bio at abc15.com it states:

Now, as a member of the ABC15 weather team, Jenn is excited to cover environmental and weather-related stories across the state, although she won't rule out anything having to do with Dancing with the Stars. "I did ballet for 17 years, and I just love that show!" She plans to study for her meteorological degree and gain accreditation as a certified meteorologist within the next three years.

Ah, yes, more on-the-job training from ABC15. They've done it for interns-made-anchors like Raml, now it's for amateur weather guessers like Jenn.

I guess it's cheaper than hiring a real met. Good that she wants to learn something about weather now that she has the job. Some people actually have to go to school first to land a job! (O.K., maybe not Brad Perry.)

"...although she won't rule out anything having to do with Dancing with the Stars"

I'm thinking Rain Dancing with the Tribal Stars.

 

[brian4]

Good for Jenn (and KPHO's Julie Durda) for going back to school to learn about the weather. At least they are trying to become pros!

 

[desertskies]

Good for Jenn (and KPHO's Julie Durda) for going back to school to learn about the weather. At least they are trying to become pros!

Agreed.
I learned through Elise Finch (remember her?) that it's on the company dime.
Not a bad benefit at all.

 

[formeraa]

And, honestly, stations have done this before. Back in the 80's in Seattle, KING sent their now-chief met, Jeff Renner, back to school. He was a science reporter, making the transition to weather. At some point, I remember one of their anchors remarking, "Jeff is studying CALCULUS to bring you a better forecast!" Obviously, I believe Jeff went through a more rigorous program than Julie or Jenn!

 

[ihEARDtHAT]

Good for Jenn (and KPHO's Julie Durda) for going back to school to learn about the weather. At least they are trying to become pros!

Don't forget KTVK's April Warnecke, who is also taking classes at ASU to become a better weather personality.

 

[DudeOnTV]

In my opinion, When it comes to certain weather people and Phoenix TV...wow...the viewers are really getting underserved here.

Caribe = El Paso Beauty Queen with education degree, turned El Paso weather person, makes leap to weekend weather at KPNX Phoenix.

April = Phoenix native, morning anchor at poorly rated station in market 141 with one 3min weathercast under her belt, makes leap to weekend weather at KTVK Phoenix.

Randy = longtime Phoenix resident, infomercial actor, some on-air weather experience finds way on-air at KPHO Phoenix.

Jenn = Recent NAU grad, released from third banana spot at Fox10, ABC15 reporter /warm body /no weather background lands weekend weather at KNXV Phoenix.

That is quite the hiring track record.

No wonder noone is watching local Phoenix news.

 

[DudeOnTV]

Sorry...was going to reply to the Doc's original question. TV stations typically have their "Weekend Weather Person" report 2 to 3 days a week in addition to their weather duties. Some stations try to have the weekend weather person report on weather related stories but there is more value in that position if they can report harder news. Don't know what kind of stories Jenn is doing as a reporter but this is very much the norm around the country.

 

[desertskies]

Good for Jenn (and KPHO's Julie Durda) for going back to school to learn about the weather. At least they are trying to become pros!

Don't forget KTVK's April Warnecke, who is also taking classes at ASU to become a better weather personality.

Can ASU authorize to issue a seal or is that strictly a Mississippi State thing?

 

[DudeOnTV]

Arizona State University has a Physical Geography / Meteorology program...degrees from B.S., Masters and PhD's are available. The students who complete the ASU degree program are Meteorologists who have passed all the metrorology classes including advanced physics and advanced math with differential equation calculus.

After graduating from ASU with this Met degree, you are eligible to apply for the AMS seal based on education...in addition applicants must submit a tape of their broadcast that reflects three consecutive forecast days. The tape is reviewed by a very tough broadcast board made up of professional on-air meteorologists whom themselves have the AMS seal. If your education and broadcast tape meet the standards then you pay the fee and become a seal holder...being a seal holder requires continuing education to keep and stay in good standing. (2008 will mark a change to the process listed above...in 2008 a mandatory and very technical exam will also be required.)

ASU Met grads are eligible for the NWA seal after being on the air for as specified period of time 2 to 3 years minimum depending on your employment status...part time vs full time weather positions. In order to get you NWA seal you must apply, submit a tape of your on air work, submit education transcripts and then pass an exam that has to be proctored by a meteorology professional. If you meet the requirements then you pay the fee and become a seal holder...NWA seal holders have a continuing education requirement as well.

Mississippi State's program that most refer to is an on-line distance learning program that takes three calendar years to complete. You buy your required books and get your lesson plans, tests, quizes, homework etc on line. Your lectures are on DVD that are sent to your home. The program has all the requisite deadlines and timed test situations as a real-life classroom setting. The program costs about 15,000 dollars for the three years and in the end after additional requirements...you get a certificate in Broadcast Meteorology. BS and MA degrees are possible with additional reuirements.

Mississippi State so popular because it is the most efficient way to keep working and get the education requirements needed to be eligible for the AMS and NWA seals. The MSU program does not include or require high level math or physics in order to complete. Also, the Mississippi State program has a large number of students serving in the military and based overseas.

Hope this long explaination helps.

 

[formeraa]

Thanks, Dude, for explaining the difference between a REAL meteorology degree and a broadcast meteorology certificate.

That being said, you would think that ALL weather anchors in a top 20 market would be REQUIRED to already have at least a broadcast meteorology certificate AND one of the seals. Gone are the days where the class clown or the beauty queen should be giving the weather forecast. The only exception that I MIGHT be willing to make are weekend morning newscasts, but is it too much to ask for qualified weathercasters???

I'm sure that April is a nice person, but she's a lousy weather person especially on GMAZ weekend. Caribe has improved dramatically but it's clear that she's not that knowledgable. At least, Caribe is pleasant on the eyes.

 

[formeraa]

Sorry...was going to reply to the Doc's original question. TV stations typically have their "Weekend Weather Person" report 2 to 3 days a week in addition to their weather duties. Some stations try to have the weekend weather person report on weather related stories but there is more value in that position if they can report harder news. Don't know what kind of stories Jenn is doing as a reporter but this is very much the norm around the country.

Or, like Caribe and April, do all the weekend newscasts (am and pm) and still occasionally report or do the noon weather during the week.

 

[desertskies]

I second that, Dude.
Thanks for the detailed information.

Yes, it helped.