About
"Katrina was the catalyst for the turning point for The Weather Channel. Prior to it, our main focus was to be the best forecasters in this country. After, we realized that there was so much more in terms of weather stories that we needed to cover. The aftermath is just as important as getting the forecast out."
In her one-and-a-half-hour interview, Vivian Brown talks about her early interest in weather and her exhaustive study of meteorology in college. She describes first being hired by The Weather Channel in 1986, just out of college, and recalls her early days there learning to do the weather on-camera. She discusses her on-camera persona, and comments on her changing looks over the years. She speaks of the many fans of The Weather Channel, and states that she is often approached by them in public. She outlines The Weather Channel's coverage of severe weather and national events, including the coverage of hurricanes Katrina and Sandy and 9/11. Brown talks about diversity in television and the challenges of being both a woman and a minority in the world of meteorology, and offers what she believes to be the legacy of The Weather Channel. Finally, she dispenses advice for those interested in becoming a meteorologist. Karen Herman conducted the interview on April 22, 2013 in Atlanta, GA.
Highlights
Vivian Brown on how she came to work at The Weather Channel
Vivian Brown on dealing with the green screen during a weather forecast
Vivian Brown on celebrating her 25th Weather Channel anniversary on the air
Vivian Brown on her on-camera persona
Vivian Brown on being a female meteorologist
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On her early life and influences; on studying meteorology in college; on how she came to work at The Weather Channel
On her early days at The Weather Channel; on dealing with the green screen; on the mission of The Weather Channel
On a typical week at The Weather Channel; on her on-camera persona; on her weather channel shifts and co-hosts
On her celebrity from The Weather Channel; on her different looks over the years; on dealing with severe weather like Hurricane Katrina
Chapter 2
On reporting on Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy; on reporting for The Weather Channel on 9/11; on hosting the series Day Planner
On NBC acquiring The Weather Channel; on the legacy of The Weather Channel and her longevity; on advice to aspiring meteorologists
Topics
9/11
Vivian Brown on reporting from The Weather Channel on 9/11
Advice
Vivian Brown on advice to aspiring meteorologists
Historic Events and Social Change
Vivian Brown on how The Weather Channel deals with severe weather conditions including Hurricane Katrina
Vivian Brown on reporting on Hurricane Katrina for The Weather Channel
Vivian Brown on reporting on Hurricane Sandy for The Weather Channel
Vivian Brown on reporting from The Weather Channel on 9/11
Vivian Brown on dealing with racism in the industry
Vivian Brown on being a female meteorologist
Media Consolidation
Vivian Brown on NBC acquiring The Weather Channel
Natural Disasters
Vivian Brown on how The Weather Channel deals with severe weather conditions including Hurricane Katrina
Vivian Brown on reporting on Hurricane Katrina for The Weather Channel
Vivian Brown on reporting on Hurricane Sandy for The Weather Channel
Representation on Television
Vivian Brown on dealing with racism in the industry
Vivian Brown on being a female meteorologist
Television Industry
Vivian Brown on NBC acquiring The Weather Channel
Vivian Brown on advice to aspiring meteorologists
Underrepresented Voices
Vivian Brown on dealing with racism in the industry
Women
Vivian Brown on being a female meteorologist
Professions
Journalists & News Producers
Vivian Brown on a typical week in her life at The Weather Channel
Vivian Brown on advice to aspiring meteorologists
Meteorologist
Vivian Brown on a typical week in her life at The Weather Channel
Vivian Brown on advice to aspiring meteorologists
Genres
Service Shows
Vivian Brown on hosting her show Day Planner on The Weather Channel