Bill Meincke

For my TV weather colleagues, the NWS is making a change soon that may affect you. On May 20 - two weeks from today, as I type - the NWS will be relocating one of the key ob sites for the Los Angeles Area. Specifically, The so-called “Downtown Los Angeles” site, identifier KCQT, on the USC campus will be decommissioned and replaced with a new site near Dodger Stadium, identifier FHMC1. More on what’s happening and why is in the NWS service change notification: https://lnkd.in/gJqdxarZ Why does this matter to you? Two reasons: 1) If you have been pulling obs from the KCQT site as your “LA” ob, it’s going away in two weeks. 2) The replacement site will no longer be an ASOS - it will become a COOP network site, meaning you’ll need to add a MADIS layer to your maps to get current information, and you’ll no longer get sky condition reports. (FYI - There may be a delay in getting the data switched over, depending on your vendor. Check with your vendor for info.) ‘Hey, no big deal,” you might say, “we use KLAX for Los Angeles!” Sure, if you use KLAX, your data won’t go away in two weeks. But as George Carlin famously said, “no one lives at the airport.” Now, in LA, you’ve got a decent population cluster around LAX, but if you’ve ever been there, you know KLAX is right up near the Pacific and is often influenced by the marine layer, and conditions farther inland — where a lot more people live — can be very different. That’s reason there was a “Downtown LA” weather site in the first place. (And this is to say nothing of the myriad other microclimates in the LA area. SoCal forecasting is not for the faint of heart.) For what it’s worth, the NWS expects the new location to be even more representative for fire weather situations. From the SCN: “Moreover, the move will provide better sampling of weather conditions conducive for the spread of brush fires closer to the foothills, and thus better assist NWS meteorologists in forecasting fire-weather conditions.” What should you do? Check your maps to see whether you’re using KLAX or KCQT for Los Angeles data. - If you’re using KLAX, just know that your obs aren’t as representative of most of DTLA and environs as the other sites are, especially on marine layer and fire weather days. (File that under the “know your data!”) - If you’re using KCQT, you’ll need to retool your maps to either use KLAX (with the proviso above) or FHMC1 from a MADIS layer. LA colleagues can chime in with additional local flavor, but I wanted to flag this for everyone so you aren’t caught off-guard.

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J-schools provide important learning and skill development opportunities for wannabe reporters. But it takes a newsroom to raise a journalist.. Case in point: We had nearly 700 years of newsroom experience at CFRB when I was News Director through the 2000s. And that didn’t include the years of “newsroom” experience of the PD, the show hosts and the  producers at the station. On a good day, it was a tough room. Any other day, it would be a harsh proving ground for newbies. But the combination of experience and expectations was all at once intimidating and inspiring. You knew where you stood. You knew what was expected. And, in our own way, we made each other better at our jobs. It was never more obvious than when we announced the new lineup of Summer Beat Reporters at the end of April, (yes, we paid them!). The “Summer Beaters” were typically J-school students heading into the final year of their undergrad studies. They worked regular reporting shifts from May until Labour Day. And those who showed an affinity for anchoring the news got the opportunity to “work the desk” on weekend overnight shifts. Every class of Summer Beaters produced journalists who went on to work in some of the largest newsrooms in Canada and around the world. At the same time, some of our Summer Beat reporters came to the realization a career in news wasn’t for them. But they would apply their storytelling and observational skills to other professional pursuits.    I’m not saying they wouldn’t have excelled, either way, if they hadn’t had the “RB” experience. But I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have excelled at such an accelerated rate without it. In 2009, we were hit by the global recession. And that pretty much killed The Summer Beat Reporter program. No matter how hard we tried, the math didn’t work any more. Fast forward, and the dearth of radio and tv newsrooms across the country, fifteen years later, makes those learning and skill development opportunities all the more scarce. So, tell me, how do we raise the next generation of great journalists? Mark Carcasole Farah Nasser Cale Fair Kimberly Gale Justine Teplycky Mike Schultz Christopher Read [Note: This video clip is from an episode of HBO's The Wire. It proclaims the gospel of Canadian radio/tv news legend Dick Smyth]

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WANT MORE JOURNALISTS TO EMBRACE SOJO? HERE ARE HELPFUL TIPS In my previous series, I enumerated why many journalists and editors remains skeptical about solutions journalism. Today, I’ll share helpful tips on how to get more journalists disposed to SoJo. It is a strategic combination of education, evidence, and demonstration of the benefits of SoJo. EDUCATION: Journalists to get properly educated and informed through workshops and training both online and onsite to understand and appreciate the importance solutions journalism approach. Share useful resources (articles, books, and case studies) on solutions journalism. You can access these from Solutions Journalism Network among others. DEMONSTRATION OF BENEFITS: Many people will not embrace SoJo until they see the benefits demonstrated in a convincing manner. We must show that how some solutions based reports have impacted communities leading to positive changes. SHOW EVIDENCE OF BETTER AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: We will get more journalists on board if we can convince them on how solutions-oriented stories helps to engage the audience more deeply and sustainably than problem-focused reporting. CREATE COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES: We must consciously create opportunity intra and inter-newsroom collaborations which offer colleague learning opportunities. Such can trigger their interest in solutions journalism. Encourage two or more journalists to jointly cover stories from a solutions perspective. This fosters a supportive environment and helps to share the workload. PROFESSIONAL BENEFITS: Solutions journalism enhances the credibility and reputation of the journalist. This for me is an attraction which must be explained to the understanding of fellow journalists. SoJo also enhances the ability of journalists in critical thinking, investigative abilities, and storytelling, which are all useful for sustained career advancement. INTEGRATION INTO EXISTING PRACTICES: SoJo is not a strange development in journalism. It is only a new approach which does not dismiss the old approach in its entirety. We need to encourage fellow professionals to tailor their minds towards including solutions-oriented angles in their reporting. EDITORIAL SUPPORT: I strongly advise that efforts should be more focused on editors and managers. Once they catch the fire, the passion will be transferred to the reporters. BUILD A COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE: This is a platform helping professionals to share experiences, challenges, and tips on SoJo through regular meetings, online forums, or social media groups. MENTORSHIP PROGRAMMES: Establish mentorship programmes where experienced solutions journalists can guide and support those who are embracing this approach newly. Other tips include: measuring and sharing impacts of solutions journalism, keeping the keep newsrooms updated and exploring opportunities to get grants to fund solutions based reports. This helps journalists to keep their interest burning almost endlessly. #SJN

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Check out my next edition of ‘Becoming a Media Master’! This month is all about how U.S. elections influence people through both social media and traditional media 📺📲

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What role are creators playing in this election cycle? A bunch of thoughts gathered here:

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🚨 Starting July 1st, California introduces key new laws: 1️⃣ Bars and nightclubs must offer date-rape drug testing kits to help prevent drug-facilitated assaults. 2️⃣ An 11% state tax on guns and ammo funds school safety and violence prevention. 3️⃣ Businesses must now include all fees in advertised prices, ensuring transparency. 4️⃣ High schools can no longer suspend students for "willful defiance," promoting supportive school environments. 5️⃣ Free menstrual products required in grades 3-12; limits on security deposits for renters under AB 12. 💪 #CaliforniaLaws #SafetyFirst #Transparency #Equality

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HARD WORKING HORNET For the second year, Tran Bui Productions has contributed to the Roswell High School PTSA scholarship program & I have the honor of awarding a graduating senior with the STAND OUT STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP. A panel reviewed the applications de-identified by a neutral moderator & assigned a number, so they had no idea whose essay they were reading. And the winner is... Abinaya Sivanandan. Abi's list of accomplishments, involvement, experience & honors are impressive. I can't even list them all. -ICU, cardiac rehab, general surgery & foster care support volunteer -Presidents of school clubs -Research assistant  -Tutor  -Violinist  -Class of 2024 Star Student  -National Merit Scholarship Finalist She plans to major in biochemistry & public health at Georgia Tech. Her essay:  "As I scrutinized nearly a hundred scientific journals and surveys on violence against healthcare workers to identify gaps in the existing body of knowledge, I developed my own research methodology, surveying pre-healthcare students all over the state of Georgia seeking to explore the link between perception of violence in healthcare and working intentions of the future’s healthcare workers. My research project has shown me that there is always an impact to be made, no matter how small. Though the issue of violence in healthcare is international, it only takes one person to make an impact. My research, though preliminary, is directly contributing to solving that problem, and getting to be a part of that has only furthered my conviction to keep pushing for positive change even if I stand on my own." Wow. Then this personal perspective. "I'm proud to be Sri Lankan. One day, I brought rice and curry for lunch, sparking months of teasing from classmates. They’d point and sing, in heavy fake Indian accents, “brown town curry” whenever I’d walk past. More than anything, it was bewildering that people I’d grown up with would mock me over something so simple as lunch. Even so, the teasing for such a mundane part of my life as one of the few South Asians in my school left a lasting mark; in just a few hurtful words, I felt like my entire culture was invalidated. In the future, I hope to continue paving paths towards more interconnected communities where every student can appreciate all the puzzle pieces of our identities, pulling us into closer-knit, collaborative communities that build themselves up." I met Abi for breakfast because she couldn't attend the awards ceremony this afternoon since she has finals. She's warm, articulate, hard working & appreciative. I adore her even more...especially after we showed up wearing the same shade of green. Look out world. Cheer for Abi!

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Dont know if it drives up prices, but it certainly drove me up the wall and definitely drove my heart beat and blood pressure, trying to buy concert tickets at the Sports Hub earlier this year. Interesting to see how the legal case pans out and how or if it would affect ticket sales in Singapore. *** "The Justice Department and more than two dozen states sued Live Nation on Thursday, alleging the entertainment giant has a monopoly in ticketing and concert promotion and should be broken up. The lawsuit, filed in a New York federal court, alleges Live Nation used its power to squelch competition and retaliate against promoters and venues that threatened its dominance. The company chokes off competition in key pieces of the concert system, driving prices and fees higher for fans, the department said... ...Among the exclusionary practices the department challenges are long-term ticketing contracts that Ticketmaster has with venues where high-profile acts perform. Those agreements typically run between three and five years and Ticketmaster often gives lucrative financial advances that entice the venues to sign up for long-term deals. The lawsuit will also claim that Live Nation cooperated too closely with Oak View Group, an operator of stadiums, arenas and convention centers. The department says Oak View Group avoided bidding against Live Nation to attract tours and influenced venues to sign exclusive agreements with Ticketmaster. Live Nation’s head of corporate affairs, Dan Wall, defended the company against claims that it has a monopoly, in an essay published on the company’s website earlier this year. Ticketmaster doesn’t set prices, he wrote, artists and teams do, and they are subject to high demand and low supply, while the majority of fees go to venues..." https://lnkd.in/gNxeid6J

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Check out these openings below and then send me a message to find out how I can help get you there!

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Woohoo!!!! I've been working on this for more than a year and now the big day is almost here!!! For the last few years, I've wanted to write a book to help journalism students and those new to the profession. I realized that when MMJs and Reporters first start their careers, there rarely is anyone who will help them and give them the kind of feedback they really need. Most times they are left to figure it out, in what is an extremely complicated and pressure-filled job. They are literally out there on their own. It leaves them frustrated, overwhelmed and second-guessing their career. It also leaves stations open to broadcasting mistakes and even lawsuits. So I sat down to write a new age reporters' handbook. Something that may not solve any of these problems, but will at least help give new journalists a REAL WORLD foundation. I tried to incorporate all the things I've learned in more than 30 years into one easy-to-read book that deals with how to be a reporter and mmj. There's not a lot of theory here, but instead, tangible things people can do to excel at storytelling and get along at work. Everything from story meetings, coming up with ideas, gathering elements, interviewing, writing, improving live shots and stand-ups, covering breaking news, anchoring, whether you need an agent, how to get along with your boss and co-workers, and how to land that first job or get that next one with a deep emphasis on STORYTELLING!! If you know me or we've worked together, I could use your help when this book is officially released in a few weeks. Help me get the word out. I've made a lot of mistakes in my career so hopefully others won't have to. I'm proud of the pages within and know they will be a great help to those interested in becoming or those who already are broadcast journalists. We need you more than ever!!

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Journalism conference season is upon us! As a veteran of such gatherings, here's my unsolicited advice for first-timers: 1 - Job fairs: Keep an open mind if you are seeking a new position. Today's journalism jobs come in all shapes and sizes. By sticking to the same old platforms you may be missing out on better salary/working conditions, and opportunities to grow. Study who the recruiters are and see what they have to offer. It costs you nothing to explore new horizons. 2 - Ask at least one good question for each panel you attend. If you don't get your chance during the session, seek out one of the speakers later on--e.g. at the job fair--or reach out to them later via email (instead of crowding them at the head table along with everyone else). People remember this! 3 - In 2024, there are so many fashion options that allow you to look professional and be comfortable. You don't want your too-tight shoes, shirt, dress or what-have-you to distract you from providing recruiters and potential mentors or colleagues with your full attention. You're welcome!

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Did you know that Mississippi Black Pages (MBP) has a fantastic blog? We're thrilled to share valuable insights, inspiring stories, and resources to support Black-owned businesses in Mississippi and beyond. https://lnkd.in/gzh2AKGK From success stories to industry trends, our blog covers it all! Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or just passionate about community empowerment, there's something for everyone. Stay informed, inspired, and connected with MBP's blog. Follow us for regular updates and be part of the conversation! 💬 Check out our latest articles and join the journey toward economic empowerment and success. Let's thrive together! #MississippiBlackPages #MBPBlog #BlackBusinessCommunity #EconomicEmpowerment #BusinessSuccess #StayInformed #StayConnected

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Can the news media regain the trust of the public? The declining trust in the news media and polarization of news audiences have profound effects on our society as a whole. I asked News analyst and journalist Joy Reid, host of the ReidOut on MSNBC, how did we get here, and if she thought that trust could be restored. Her insight is both fascinating and troubling. An interesting footnote is that the most trusted news source is The Weather Channel according to YouGov, a global public opinion and data company based in the U.K. What are your thoughts on the state of media trust? How can we address this challenge? Share your perspective in the comments! #CreativeCareers #MediaTrust #Journalism #PublicOpinion #NewsIndustry #NewsMedia MSNBC Fox News TV The Weather Channel YouGov

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Calling all journalists! LinkedIn is a powerful platform. This is where many news bosses look for employees or those they want to keep tabs on. Keep your page updated. Post your work. Engage with others with comments, tips, and more. I get job offers often, and I'm not looking. I'll share my LinkedIn analytics. As you can see, I have 50,000+ impressions in one week, and more than 2,000 visitors have looked at my profile in the past few months. That is A LOT of people, and some had a job for me. Update your LinkedIn today. Any other tips? Please share in the comments. And please repost my advice. FYI, I'm not getting paid by LinkedIn to share my advice. Just in case you are wondering. Gracias.

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News organizations play a vital role in our communities, but securing resources for in-depth journalism can be a challenge. My latest Editor & Publisher (E&P) Magazine article explores a creative approach to sponsorship sales: storytelling. At the heart of every strong news organization is a mission: to deliver impactful journalism that serves the community 🗞️. Sponsors can be crucial partners in achieving this goal. They help us amplify our reach and resources, allowing us to tell the stories that matter most. This collaborative approach goes beyond transactions, fostering emotional connections that resonate with both audience and sponsors. By sharing your news organization's journey – the challenges you face and the impact you strive to make – you can cultivate partnerships with a shared purpose. It's at the core of our strength and developing and conveying a compelling story steeped in our mission can transform media sponsorships from transactions to powerful collaborations. This approach strengthens local voices, empowers communities, and ensures the future of impactful journalism. #MediaInnovation #NewsRevenue #Storytelling #CommunityPartnerships #EditorPublisher Gretchen A. Peck Robin Blinder Mike Blinder https://lnkd.in/g9M8geRw

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"Isn't journalism a dying industry?", she said. Not at all! I replied. The need for truth-telling and in-depth reporting is stronger than ever. Journalism is adapting and evolving fast. But are you? #journalismisalive #adaptingandthriving #thefutureofnews #mediarelations #media #becominganewstitan

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