KRBC Receives Backlash for Interrupting Programming for Severe Weather

[Big Country News 435]

KRBC, the Nexstar NBC affiliate in Abilene, has been receiving backlash for breaking into regular scheduled programming during severe weather. This all started when strings of Tornado Watches, Warnings, and Confirmations sprouted up across the 'Big Country'.

 

KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner explained that station policy warrants them to break in if a Tornado Warning is issued or a Tornado is Reported. Although, that does not stop people from complaining.

 

(Here is the full KRBC explanation)

 

Many people have commented on their Facebook page during the extended coverage saying things like '"KTXS (ABC) is only breaking in during commercials" or "I want to watch The Voice"

 

What is your opinion on station Severe Weather Coverage? Should they Break-in or Stay 'Dark'.

[AaronQ 282]

They should have the right to cut-in any programming when a tornado warning occurred. The information they pass it on to the viewers could actually save their lives and people are self-centered pricks these days. IT'S CALLED HULU PEOPLE!!!!! -_-

[Action Newsroom 1283]

Apparently when I read the starting thread, I thought "So it's better for the people who complained to end up severely injured or even dead while watching the latest episode of The Voice than to be informed about the tornadoes and severe storms and stay alive". Stupid people who complained.

[skbl17 188]

When there's a tornado, who gives a f*** about The Voice?! YOUR LIFE is more important than a TELEVISION PROGRAM. When meteorologists cut in to provide coverage of these potentially life-threatening storms, it is a crucial public service; not everyone has a NOAA weather radio (although everyone should have one) or severe weather apps on their smartphones, nor would they be bothered to obtain one! These people who say "why was (insert program here) interrupted because of severe weather?" make me sick sometimes. If a tornado hit YOUR house, you'd be screaming, "why wasn't I warned about it?" Here's a simple reason: because you were watching The Voice (or another television show) and didn't care enough to receive the warnings! These complainers are almost as sick as the people who want the National Weather Service privatized (yes, such people do exist). :bang:

 

Here's a thought for all the loudmouthed complainers: Go watch your precious program later, AFTER you're safe! It's a sad time in society where people care for who won the latest round of The Voice more than care enough to keep their family safe.

 

Finally, to answer the OP's question: all stations should be required to do this.

[Action Newsroom 1283]

Speaking of Tornadoes, you should hear about "Mike and Molly". The comments on TV by the Numbers are downright ridiculous.

 

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/20/cbs-pulls-tonights-season-season-finale-of-mike-molly-because-it-features-tornado/183473/

[AaronQ 282]

Speaking of Tornadoes, you should hear about "Mike and Molly". The comments on TV by the Numbers are downright ridiculous.

 

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/20/cbs-pulls-tonights-season-season-finale-of-mike-molly-because-it-features-tornado/183473/

Like I said, people are a bunch of self-centered pricks and they need go to another planet.

[CircleSeven 1955]

They care more about watching some ill-fated talent show instead of vital information that could help the save their lives? Some are just some asinine or I should say ass-sinine folks who just can't get it. They just complain, just to hear themselves complain, all because they break into your favorite show, because of SEVERE WEATHER REPORT? They suppose to do that, DUMBO!!!. I mean, What? You want them to not report on a possible tornado when a warning is in effect. And when a tornado really happens, then you want to call the station because they didn't tell them about it. They are really asinine folks. This pisses me off, with a passion hearing about this. Damn, complain about real-life issues. A show can get repeated. A LIFE CAN'T.

[Big Country News 435]

You want them to not report on a possible tornado when a warning is in effect. And when a tornado really happens, then you want to call the station because they didn't tell them about it. They are really asinine folks. This pisses me off, with a passion hearing about this. Damn, complain about real-life issues. A show can get repeated. A LIFE CAN'T.

Three tornadoes actually did touch down. Although Two were EF-0 and one EF-1, damage was caused and lives could have been lost.

[24994J 5585]

Someone needs to come up with technology that prevents individual households from getting warnings and special coverage like this when they personally complain.

 

Just a little unnatural selection.

[Mrtraveler01 738]

KRBC, the Nexstar NBC affiliate in Abilene, has been receiving backlash for breaking into regular scheduled programming during severe weather. This all started when strings of Tornado Watches, Warnings, and Confirmations sprouted up across the 'Big Country'.

 

KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner explained that station policy warrants them to break in if a Tornado Warning is issued or a Tornado is Reported. Although, that does not stop people from complaining.

 

(Here is the full KRBC explanation)

 

Many people have commented on their Facebook page during the extended coverage saying things like '"KTXS (ABC) is only breaking in during commercials" or "I want to watch The Voice"

 

What is your opinion on station Severe Weather Coverage? Should they Break-in or Stay 'Dark'.

This happens every time we have severe weather up here in Missouri as well. Peoples priorities are screwed up in general.

 

People were complaining when KMOV preempted Survivor when a tornado struck a suburb here in St. Louis, meanwhile KTVI kept airing American Idol while the tornado was striking and people on their website were complaining about them NOT preempting American Idol for tornado coverage.

 

It seems like you're damned if you do preempt regular programming for tornado coverage and damned if you don't.

[24994J 5585]

[...] You're damned [...] and damned if you don't.

The title of my autobiography.

[Jterry 43]

You'd think this week of all weeks would be enough to realize that this information does save lives, but alas, some people...

 

As somebody who lives in the south where extended coverage during tornado warnings has been a fact of life for a good two decades, it never astounds how people complain no matter how serious the threat. Perhaps the most ignorant of complaints is from those who say the storm is "100 miles away and not coming here" not realizing that these stations don't just serve their house and their neighborhood.

[Big Country News 435]

Now, the media in OKC were commended for extended live Severe Weather Coverage, let's think. If they hadn't broke in and kept running whatever talk syndie or court show, more lives would have been lost in Moore and Norman.

 

"My house isn't getting hit so let me keep watching Judge Steve Maury!" - Unconcerned/out of touch American.

[skbl17 188]

You'd think this week of all weeks would be enough to realize that this information does save lives, but alas, some people...

 

As somebody who lives in the south where extended coverage during tornado warnings has been a fact of life for a good two decades, it never astounds how people complain no matter how serious the threat. Perhaps the most ignorant of complaints is from those who say the storm is "100 miles away and not coming here" not realizing that these stations don't just serve their house and their neighborhood.

Some people just love to complain. I think it's a way of life; these people have nothing better to do than complain about everything, even those things that may be lifesaving in the end. Maybe it's a job and they get paid for it.

[Weeters 1916]

I once read a fantastic response to these people by a Meteorologist somewhere, but I lost where it was. IIRC there was also a video of a Meteorologist going off -on air- about the people calling in and complaining. I liked that, too.

 

My favorite complaint is "Why are you interrupting [shit reality show] to cover the tornado in [small town] when most of your viewers don't even live in [small town]!!! Signed, Ned Zzizewski, Resident of [slightly Larger Town]." because you know good ol' Ned would be singing a different tune if the tornado was heading for his town and no one cut in because it was Primetime.

[Jterry 43]

I once read a fantastic response to these people by a Meteorologist somewhere, but I lost where it was. IIRC there was also a video of a Meteorologist going off -on air- about the people calling in and complaining. I liked that, too.

 

My favorite complaint is "Why are you interrupting [shit reality show] to cover the tornado in [small town] when most of your viewers don't even live in [small town]!!! Signed, Ned Zzizewski, Resident of [slightly Larger Town]." because you know good ol' Ned would be singing a different tune if the tornado was heading for his town and no one cut in because it was Primetime.

I want to say that video came from one of the MSP stations, don't remember which one though. It was quite memorable.

 

At least from my memory one of the worst incidents I remember was back in 1999 when WREG interrupted the AFC championship as a tornado outbreak was hitting some areas outside the Memphis metro (Memphis was spared the worst). There were death threats called in, even after WREG went to a split-screen.

[Mrtraveler01 738]

I want to say that video came from one of the MSP stations, don't remember which one though. It was quite memorable.

 

At least from my memory one of the worst incidents I remember was back in 1999 when WREG interrupted the AFC championship as a tornado outbreak was hitting some areas outside the Memphis metro (Memphis was spared the worst). There were death threats called in, even after WREG went to a split-screen.

It was KMSP when it preempted coverage of the UEFA Champions League Finals (soccer) for local tornado coverage. This was the best video I could find:

 

[CircleSeven 1955]

It was KMSP when it preempted coverage of the UEFA Champions League Finals (soccer) for local tornado coverage. This was the best video I could find:

 

OMG!! I love him for saying that. Hell he should've had his Tornado coverage on both Channel 9 & 29. Forget those dumbos who are complaining about some association football game they can't see (which can be seen on a little box). WFLD simulcast weather coverage also on WPWR a few times before. And I'm reading, "Ahhh, he shouldn't have talk to the viewers like that" like he should've been more nicer and pat them on the head and rub their bellies. HELL NO!!!! He was firm, and told it like it was. He didn't sugarcode it, or tip-toed through the tulips. It was nothing wrong with what he did. Tim Blotz should've been commended. It just some folks who just don't understand.

[Big Country News 435]

KTAB has been yelled at over the phone, also. Here is their (More Aggressive) report.

 

http://bigcountryhomepage.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=597382

 

ALSO: The End of the report shows the damage from an EF-1 Tornado in Blanket, Texas. (subtle slap to the last caller's face)

[hathawaynson2 39]

KRBC, the Nexstar NBC affiliate in Abilene, has been receiving backlash for breaking into regular scheduled programming during severe weather. This all started when strings of Tornado Watches, Warnings, and Confirmations sprouted up across the 'Big Country'.

 

KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner explained that station policy warrants them to break in if a Tornado Warning is issued or a Tornado is Reported. Although, that does not stop people from complaining.

 

(Here is the full KRBC explanation)

 

Many people have commented on their Facebook page during the extended coverage saying things like '"KTXS (ABC) is only breaking in during commercials" or "I want to watch The Voice"

 

What is your opinion on station Severe Weather Coverage? Should they Break-in or Stay 'Dark'.

I think KRBC/KTAB did the right thing by breaking in with Severe Weather Coverage and following through with their own station policies and working around the clock works. KMBC-TV (ABC)(owned by Hearst Televsion) Kansas City, Missouri does cut in if severe weather affects the fourty four counties regardless, they are already done so during the winter storms that Kansas City provides accurate information. I really think that there are certain applications that people can watch their 'The Voice' or some s****y a** show that can be watched at another time. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is called hulu, netflix or the internet where you can watch those kinds of programming.

 

When there's a tornado' date=' who gives a f*** about The Voice?! [b']YOUR LIFE[/b] is more important than a TELEVISION PROGRAM. When meteorologists cut in to provide coverage of these potentially life-threatening storms, it is a crucial public service; not everyone has a NOAA weather radio (although everyone should have one) or severe weather apps on their smartphones, nor would they be bothered to obtain one! These people who say "why was (insert program here) interrupted because of severe weather?" make me sick sometimes. If a tornado hit YOUR house, you'd be screaming, "why wasn't I warned about it?" Here's a simple reason: because you were watching The Voice (or another television show) and didn't care enough to receive the warnings! These complainers are almost as sick as the people who want the National Weather Service privatized (yes, such people do exist). :bang:

 

Here's a thought for all the loudmouthed complainers: Go watch your precious program later, AFTER you're safe! It's a sad time in society where people care for who won the latest round of The Voice more than care enough to keep their family safe.

 

Finally, to answer the OP's question: all stations should be required to do this.

Agreed with this post. it's an very sad time in society where nobody doesn't give an collateral damage about Hell's Kitchen or 'The Voice' when it comes to severe weather. I can remember one time or another that the CBS affiliate in Kansas City, Missouri pre-empted programming to an extent that for several hours that the past chief meteorologist keep going into a diatribe for hours on end.

[susquvalleywgal 517]

This thread reminds me of this epic voice mail ...

 

 

-- Matt

[Mrtraveler01 738]

Agreed with this post. it's an very sad time in society where nobody doesn't give an collateral damage about Hell's Kitchen or 'The Voice' when it comes to severe weather. I can remember one time or another that the CBS affiliate in Kansas City, Missouri pre-empted programming to an extent that for several hours that the past chief meteorologist keep going into a diatribe for hours on end.

Ah yes, Katie Horner. Now she's over at KMOV which has started to do the same thing that KCTV did when she was there.

 

I don't mind it though, I see it as a valuable service.

[hathawaynson2 39]

Ah yes, Katie Horner. Now she's over at KMOV which has started to do the same thing that KCTV did when she was there.

 

I don't mind it though, I see it as a valuable service.

you guessed it, yep! I don't miss the diatribe of Katie Horner at all, especially when she preempts almost all of the CBS programming. There was a facebook group about her way back when she was working at KCTV-TV 5 as the Chief Meteorologist at that time. She started I think in the early 1990's and kept on going until about 2011.

I physically don't mind the diatribe, because its a valuable service to all of the television viewers, although she's worth listening to, especially the put on the helmet parts.

 

ah, talking about the good ol' days about Katie Horner, makes me wonder....

[Thundershock MN 169]

Long time lurker, First time poster.

 

Not sure why this is the thread that caused me to register and start posting. Anyway, I really think we have become an over-alarmed society. Unfortunately, it ends up having a real "boy who cried wolf effect". As it relates to weather break-ins, too often i'll see break-ins for meaningless weather "events". I'm not talking about actual severe weather happening elsewhere in my DMA while it's sunny in my backyard. I know the DMA i'm in (MSP) covers large swaths of land. What i'm talking about is the "OMG, hunker down, we got team coverage" spring showers or more often in my market winter flurries. We have all dealt with minor weather (ie: showers, flurries, etc.) So, why the need to overhype them. They usually amount to nothing and then when the Big Storm does happen your voice (or the stations voice) is rendered useless. Instead of the rare occurance of interrupting programming that would create a reaction more along the lines of "OMG, this guy/gal/station never breaks-in, this must be serious." It essentally becomes "Oh, this guy is interrupting my show again."

 

Ironically enough the meteorologist in the youtube video posted earlier in the thread, KMSP's Ian Leonard, is one of the bigger offenders in my mind. You usually get the same on-air appearence and reaction whether it's a tornado (like the clip) or minor flurries. Everytime you get the disheveled like he just raced to the station and couldn't take 2 minutes to create a presentable appearence. You get the "I got my tie off, sleaves rolled up, untucked, I'm down to business and really working" look. I catch myself in the latter catagory sometimes of "Oh, great Ian's is interrupting my show again." and not paying attention. Or, seeing if another less "worked-up" meteorologist on another station is reporting the same thing. The morning meteorologist has much more subdued approach to severe weather. So, when he gets "worked up" I'm much more apt to pay attention. The same can be said of some of the other evening mets on other stations.

 

Don't know if anyone has similar experience or feelings in their markets, Just my 2 cents.

[skbl17 188]

Long time lurker, First time poster.

 

Not sure why this is the thread that caused me to register and start posting. Anyway, I really think we have become an over-alarmed society. Unfortunately, it ends up having a real "boy who cried wolf effect". As it relates to weather break-ins, too often i'll see break-ins for meaningless weather "events". I'm not talking about actual severe weather happening elsewhere in my DMA while it's sunny in my backyard. I know the DMA i'm in (MSP) covers large swaths of land. What i'm talking about is the "OMG, hunker down, we got team coverage" spring showers or more often in my market winter flurries. We have all dealt with minor weather (ie: showers, flurries, etc.) So, why the need to overhype them. They usually amount to nothing and then when the Big Storm does happen your voice (or the stations voice) is rendered useless. Instead of the rare occurance of interrupting programming that would create a reaction more along the lines of "OMG, this guy/gal/station never breaks-in, this must be serious." It essentally becomes "Oh, this guy is interrupting my show again."

 

Ironically enough the meteorologist in the youtube video posted earlier in the thread, KMSP's Ian Leonard, is one of the bigger offenders in my mind. You usually get the same on-air appearence and reaction whether it's a tornado (like the clip) or minor flurries. Everytime you get the disheveled like he just raced to the station and couldn't take 2 minutes to create a presentable appearence. You get the "I got my tie off, sleaves rolled up, untucked, I'm down to business and really working" look. I catch myself in the latter catagory sometimes of "Oh, great Ian's is interrupting my show again." and not paying attention. Or, seeing if another less "worked-up" meteorologist on another station is reporting the same thing. The morning meteorologist has much more subdued approach to severe weather. So, when he gets "worked up" I'm much more apt to pay attention. The same can be said of some of the other evening mets on other stations.

 

Don't know if anyone has similar experience or feelings in their markets, Just my 2 cents.

Firstly, welcome to TVNewsTalk, Thundershock MN! ^_^

 

With regards to the weather break-ins fueling "cry wolf" sentiment in small-scale situations, those events do happen, where something small scale or nearly harmless in nature (i.e. minor street flooding or snow flurries) happens, and it precipitates (in some locales) a "cry wolf" effect. In those minor events, extensive media coverage is essentially overhyping and is not necessary (but hey, they need their ratings!). However, in the case of major severe weather events that affect a wide area, such as these recent severe weather outbreaks, I do feel that extensive media coverage is necessary because of the scope, scale and magnitude of the threat(s) involved. People can try to ignore and complain all they want; they pay for it in the end, whether with the loss of their family, house, possessions or their life period.

 

To cut down on the scale/magnitude of any "cry wolf" effect, stations who have extremely large areas of responsibility should invest in networking systems similar to the ones used by KSN, KAKE and KWCF; under their system, if there's a tornado in, say, Dodge City, there will be no need for someone in Salina or Wichita to see that coverage because of the networking system; Dodge City viewers would get tornado coverage while Wichita and Salina viewers would see normal programming. A classic example of this split coverage was the 2007 Greensburg tornado; viewers on the Dodge City transmitter, which also covered Greensburg, saw coverage of the tornado; the rest of the state saw normal programming. In this format, even if there was no tornado, the effect that would likely have on perception of weather coverage by that station (in this case KAKE) would at least be localized.

 

In the end though, viewer apathy towards severe weather situations is no excuse for not taking steps to heed any severe weather warnings and keep you and your family safe, regardless of whether the source of information is the local "cry wolf" station, NOAA Weather Radio or even the local news/talk radio station.