Chris Franklin
Chris Franklin, meteorologist at FOX 8, New Orleans, covers a range of science topics at his station.
Visit Chris’ Environmental Tips page and read his bio to learn more.
Why did you decide to fill the role of Station Scientist? Where do you see a need in your community for using Earth Gauge environmental and climate information?
Weather was not and is not my only interest in the sciences. So the perfect career choice was a television meteorologist where I have the opportunity to EXPLAIN the forecast (why certain atmospheric features change our weather) and cover various other sciences such as coastal loss (which is vitally important in post-Katrina New Orleans), meteor showers, lunar and solar eclipses, earthquakes, etc. This is the perfect job for a science geek!
How does your role as a broadcast meteorologist go beyond the daily forecast?
The reason I went into television weather was because of my love of science. Though meteorology has always taken the top spot, the list of my favorite sciences also includes astronomy, geology, chemistry, etc. I look for any (and every) opportunity to discuss other, non-weather events. For example, I will not only announce an upcoming lunar eclipse, I will explain why it occurs and perhaps some interesting history or myths about it. Or, quite recently, the Orionids meteor shower: where to look in the sky, why it is called the Orionids, and where the particles come from (Haley’s Comet!). If an earthquake or tsunami happens, I build graphics to show where, why, and how it occurs. I take the title of “station scientist” to heart.
Which Earth Gauge materials do you use? What topics or tips have you found particularly helpful?
I commonly use the Climate Facts to pose questions to our morning anchors (and the viewers) in our “Great Weather Quiz” segment. Most of the questions are weather related, but I will also ask from various topics in science and geography. And thankfully, with the localized version of the weekly newsletters and Climate Facts, it makes asking relevant questions that much easier. I also use the environmental tips for our website. The local twist to the tips is also very useful!
What is one issue that affects your local environment and how have you covered it?
News and weather work very closely at our station; more so than at most stations. Wetland loss and coastal restoration are vitally important to SE Louisiana and all our viewers. Our station has taken the lead in covering these topics extensively from traveling to the coast a few times a month to special segments within a weathercast highlighting how the daily forecast can affect the coast. I also use the quiz to ask about historical hurricanes which have lead to the destruction of some barrier islands.
Where is your favorite local spot to spend time in nature and connect with your local environment?
I am a BIG fan of green space! The New Orleans area local parks are some of the most beautiful in the country! City Park in Mid-City was designed by the same architect as Central Park in New York and has the advantage of serene Bayou St. John … one of the original travel routes for native Indians and the French upon arriving in Louisiana. A great mixture of nature and history!
Photo courtesy of fox8live.com.
