Weathercasters in local television news: a qualitative case study of culture and technology in a large U.S. broadcasting market during the monsoon

This is a case study of weathercasters in a large U.S. television market from five different English speaking stations conducted before, during, and after a severe weather season. The research applies the ethnographic process to inscribe and define the culture of local weathercasters in the news environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the extant cultural characteristics discerned by weathercasters and the changes in weather broadcast technology used by live “on-air” television personnel. Forty-nine elite, in depth interviews with 17 different weathercasters along with participant and non-participant observation yielded transcripts and field notes obtained during the six month data acquisition phase. Using qualitative methods and the CAQDAS program Dedoose, 953 coded excerpts from the transcripts were analyzed for various patterns, behaviors, and characteristics relevant to culture, technology, and perceptions of weathercasters. The excerpts revealed dominant cultural aspects defined as dichotomous differences, autonomous functions, and identity perceptions. Socio-technical models are explicated in relationship to control, knowledge, and strategic coping mechanisms. The newsroom and weathercaster co-cultural context is defined by the conformity versus autonomy relationship and the external and internal structure of the weathercaster’s working environment is delineated. Co-cultural models explain the way influence operates in severe weather situations within the newsroom culture. The results have utility for scholars studying technology, culture, newsroom routines, rituals, and professionals who work in the television news industry. The findings are highly relevant for television weathercasters, newsroom producers, and broadcast managers.