Dan Satterfield
Dan Satterfield, chief meteorologist at WHNT-TV, CBS 19, in Huntsville, Alabama, on his role as “Station Scientist.”
Visit WHNT-TV Weather and check out Dan’s Web sites for more information: Wild Wild Weather, Wild Wild Climate and Wild Wild Science Journal.
Tell us how you incorporate Earth Gauge information into your work.
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?
The public is very interested in all aspects of Science and in particular Earth Science. They are bombarded by conflicting information in the news media and online about topics like health and especially climate change.
How does your role as a broadcast meteorologist go beyond the daily forecast?
The person who does the on air weathercast is usually the only person with a science background the average person sees on a daily basis. I think we have a responsibility to give good science-based information.
Which Earth Gauge materials do you use? What topics or tips have you found particularly helpful?
I use the Climate Facts on two Web sites and occasionally use the videos [Earth Gauge] makes in my weekend science segments. Many times I spot some interesting links on your emails that lead to a graphic in the daily weathercast. Interesting and informative graphics that I can customize to our “look” are always needed by TV weathercasters. They make great fillers when the weather is quiet.
Since you began using Earth Gauge information, have you seen a difference in your audience’s response to environmental information? What impact do you think Earth Gauge has made in your audience’s knowledge and understanding of the local environment?
The Climate Facts have been a great addition to my science journal online, and I get frequent feedback from viewers about the science I mention. I use Earth Gauge facts frequently on social media like Facebook and Twitter. These outlets reach a demographic that does not tend to watch local TV news as much.
What is one issue that affects your local environment and how have you covered it?
We have done a lot on climate change and air quality. We also have NASA here [in Huntsville], so I have a lot of engineers/scientists/astronomers in the area. Anything to do with Space Science is of high interest.
Where is your favorite local spot to spend time in nature and connect with your local environment?
I live on a mountain surrounded by a very nice state park! I also teach an environmental geosciences course at the local community college.
