NEXRAD and the Broadcast Weather Industry: Preparing to Share the Technology

Abstract

This paper describes results from a survey designed to establish the current level of radar and computer technology of the television weather industry, and to assess the awareness and attitudes of television weather forecasters toward the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) program and its potential impact on the field of broadcast meteorology. The survey was distributed to one affiliate station in each of the 213 national television markets, and a 46% response rate was achieved over a 4-week period. The survey results indicate substantial awareness of and interest in NEXRAD, along with a willingness to learn more about its capabilities and potential for use in the private sector. Survey participants suggested that potential private NEXRAD users work directly with the National Weather Service (NWS) and its affiliates so as to fully utilize the capabilities of the new radar system.