Broadcast Meteorologists Code of Ethics


Purpose

A meteorologist’s primary goal is to help people make informed decisions using weather knowledge. Broadcast Meteorologists are an integral part of the media who dispense meteorological expertise. By presenting or linking audiences to reliable information, they play an important role in public safety and the protection of property. Their most important asset is public respect, which is earned and maintained by adhering to the highest standards of service and integrity. Given their high profile, the credibility of meteorology partly depends upon Broadcast Meteorologists.

There is now an unlimited supply of weather information, phoney news and pretend-experts competing for attention in every market via every medium. Connecting the public with expertise is more challenging and more important than ever. Representing a community of applied scientists entails responsibility and ethical challenges which a new or inexperienced Broadcast Meteorologist may not recognize. The purpose of a Code of Ethics is to formally identify and address the issues and document guidelines. The goal being an unparalleled standard of broadcast meteorology and a fully-engaged community of Broadcast Meteorologists.

Broadcast Meteorologists Code of Ethics – Draft 3

Given that:

Operational meteorologists with the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) are the primary source of weather expertise in Canada and solely responsible for public weather warnings.

Weather and climate are separate sciences where expertise demands distinctly different training and experience.

Seasonal forecasting is the exclusive domain of experts in synoptic climatology. 

The primary role of a Broadcast Meteorologist is to be a credible spokesperson for meteorological expertise.

Ensuring weather forecasts and warnings are clear and consistent is a responsibility shared between Operational and Broadcast Meteorologists.

Expressing personal opinions publicly or in social media may affect the reputation of all meteorologists.

It is a Broadcast Meteorologist’s responsibility to:

Properly attribute or credit the source(s) of the forecasts and expertise they represent.

Update forecasts through the end of a significant event and direct their audiences to credible sources when they cannot.

Act with sensitivity and restraint when reporting on potentially dangerous weather situations.

Respond to all questions regarding the accuracy and utility of any weather information provided.

Govern themselves on and off the job in a manner that avoids conflict of interest, real or perceived.

Broadcast Meteorologists will not:

Misrepresent themselves or their expertise.

Sensationalize or distort the character or importance of weather stories.

Promote ideas or beliefs beyond established Climate Change science - as sanctioned by the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society.
Location: Langley, BC, Canada

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