KSHB: Weather: Action Weather Blog: Forecast rumors

The storm misses us, sort of. We are still getting the clouds and a lot of wind but only some very light drizzle from this storm which is amazing.

Sunday blog entry: "When a storm starts digging it will almost always dig harder west than the models predict" It ended up digging too hard diving in west and south of us.

Monday blog entry: if it is right, is too warm for any snow .......Let's just hope we get this storm. Rain or snow is fine with me! The latest GFS takes this storm further south which could leave us with almost nothing, rain or snow. So, this is weather! It can drive you nuts.

Tuesday blog entry: Yes this storm is about to leave us dry (the above map is the 12 hour forecast rainfall for tonight showing almost nothing unless you live west through south). And this what we went with on the air all day while the other forecasts kept mention of a significant rain event.

I know there were a few other forecasts that left snow, thunderstorm, heavy rain in there, well after we had already clearly explained that there was a very good chance we could get nothing. I had stated on the air that there was "NO CHANCE OF SNOW" on our weather broadcasts begining early Monday.

Here is the problem: I go around town and when I was at Oak Park Mall yesterday several people came up and asked me how much snow I was expecting. And, I explained there was no chance and asked where they got this forecast from. They had watched another channel and just looked surprised since they didn't even consider that there could have been another forecast that was different than the one they had heard or seen.

If you look at the ratings from Monday night, CBS and ABC had very high prime time ratings and NBC didn't leading into our 10 PM newscast. So, twice as many people watched the other newscasts and probably saw that weathercast. It is frustrating to us that viewers don't know there is a signficant difference. Well, at least we believe there is, and I am sure many of you will agree. How can we spread the word to these other viewers that they can actually get an accurate forecast? I know that other viewers will not consider NBC ACTION NEWS as their favorite newscast, but if they could change their image of weather forecasts it would seem that they should give us a try. If anyone has any ideas let me know.

We rarely bring up these controversial topics, but sometimes it just is so frustrating. We put these, what we think are really informative weathercasts together but there are many viewers that just don't see it or don't know there is a difference. Last night I showed this brick wall and explained how we would be lucky if we get even 0.01" of rain which we now know we won't even get. And, we were the first to take the snow COMPLETELY out. But, I still bump into people around town who heard another forecast and just think that we are all wrong. We will continue to work hard at putting the best weathercasts together each night.

Any thoughts or ideas are welcome. I am not asking for any sympathy. I am just wondering if anyone has any ideas. Bilboards, radio ads, etc? We just work so hard and I would like it to pay off!

And, it happened this morning as I arrived at the gym for my big back and traps workout. As I walked in this very nice lady asked me when the rain would start? I told her it wasn't going to rain, and she had that extremely surprised look on her face of another forecast gone wrong, so we know she had heard someone else's forecast, and the beat goes on.

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Gary I say just continue to do what you are doing, forecasting weather accurately. You have a good team there and it wasn't till 10 pm newscasts in Topeka that they were starting to downplay the rain potential. They were still saying 50-70% chance at 6 pm. Now as far as the other stations in KC, I am sure there are promotions and too much competition but the fact is your weather forecasts are the most accurate I have seen in over 30 years. Keep teaching at the schools. I just wish we had you back on the air here on our regular cable in Topeka. Take care, Michael
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Michael,

Thanks!

Gary

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Gary,

As disappointing as this is, it is hard to convince people to change their minds, when people believe other new stations. I thought the "other" stations were always right, just because I like their people on the air. Just because you like the on air people does not mean they are always the best news source. I don't log onto any other news webpage to check the weather and blogs. I believe you are honest and very upfront about every weather situation. I hope this helps you feel better and that I don't trust any other weather source. You are hands done, better than any news station in Kansas City. BRIAN in St. Joseph, MO
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Brian,

I had my favorite television station growing up in Los Angeles. And, no matter who they had on there I would still watch with unconditional support for that station. This must be the battle we have with the other three traditional newscasts in town. NBC Action News has only been on the air sine the early 1990s which is one of the big reasons. There are others as well and we battle to make it the best every day!

Gary

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Hi Gary,
I'm a first time blogger, but am an avid weather enthusiast and read the blog daily. (My daughter was one of your "weather kids" on the 5 p.m. newscast a couple of years ago, and loved the experience, as did I!!) I think plain old word of mouth is the key to getting people to switch. I tell everyone I know that there is a HUGE difference between the stations... I watch all 4 major weather newscasts every night--I've got the timing down and am very fast w/ the remote!!--so I know!! You blow the competion away, and are so much more educational and informative. The other forecasters just go through the motions, but they don't seem to have that love for weather, as you obviously do. And believe me, weather enthusiasts like my family notice that!! I correct people all the time when they say what they've "heard" is going to happen, and tell them to watch GARY next time!! You may be frustrated this morning, but I just wanted to let you know that there are a lot of us out here that "get it!!" THanks for all your hard work and devotiion to weather. You make it fun for my kids and I on a daily basis!! Mom in Lenexa
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Kathleen,

Word of mouth will work if we have a few years. So, we will continue to do our best and in a few years maybe we will get the word out. Thank you for the support and thank you for "getting it". Have a great day!

Gary

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Gary,

I watch no other forecasts and every time I talk about the weather, I talk about how you are the most accurate. I know quite a few people that have made the switch to you! So, take heart, word will slowly filter out although I'm sure there will always be some that are stubborn and won't switch. Keep up the great work!
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Sheree,

Everyone has their favorites. I can understand that.

Gary

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I want you to know that you are the only weather and news I watch. I am very faithful and totally trust your weather forcasts and understand that they change from time to time. I am always telling my family and friends to watch you. I went to California last week and had my husband record you winter weather forcast because I did not want to miss it.

I think you and your team do an awesome job.
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Patty,

Thanks! Keep spreading the word on our accuracy.

Gary

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GARY-
LONG AGO I USED TO BE AN AVID WATCHER OF ANOTHER WEATHER CHANNEL WHILE YOU WERE ON IT. WHEN YOU CHANGED, I CHANGED AND HAVE WATCHED YOU ON NBC EVER SINCE. I AM A FIRM BELIEVER THAT YOU ARE THE MOST ACCURATE. WHO ELSE IS BRAVE ENOUGH TO HAVE THE 3 DEGREE WARRANTY?
THIS MORNING WHEN I WENT OUT TO GET MY NEWSPAPER AT 5:00 AND OBSERVED THE WEATHER, I SAID TO MYSELF "THIS IS EXACTLY HOW GARY SAID IT WOULD BE. NO RAIN, NO SNOW". AND AS I WAS SKIMMING THE CHANNELS LAST NIGHT, I DID COME ACROSS A MAJOR CHANNEL DOING THE WEATHER AND THEY WERE STILL TALKING ABOUT RAIN/SNOW.
WHEN I TALK TO OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT THE WEATHER AND THEY TELL ME SOMETHING THAT ANOTHER METEOROLOGIST SAID, I JUST SMILE BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT THE WEATHER IS REALLY GOING TO DO BECAUSE I HEARD IT FROM YOU.
I WOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT DON'T WATCH NBC. IF THEY ARE MISINFORMED WATCHING SOMEONE ELSE, OH WELL. OBVIOUSLY, THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOU OR YOU WOULDN'T BE DOING WEATHER ON THE RADIO, THE KC STAR SPORTS PAGE, NBC ACTION PLUS, AND ON NBC ACTION NEWS.
JUST KEEP ON DOING WHAT YOU DO. WE ALL KNOW WHO IS THE BEST AND MOST ACCURATE.
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Susy,

Thank you! The problem is, we don't all know who is the best and most accurate. This is the message we can gradually get out there.

Gary

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I do think your forecasts are the most accurate...but you weren't the only forecaster in town that completely ruled out snow, and predicted minimal rain from this system. The other station that posts a weather blog was saying pretty much the same thing...I don't know what ABC or CBS were saying because I don't waste my time with their forecasts.
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Rob,

I didn't know so thank you. I just know what people were telling me when I have gone around town.

Gary

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Ahhh...Gary, its tough being a prodigy, huh? Here is a different perspective. Think of another line of work that is competitive...typically, the premise or the sale is the same amongst the different competitiors, but something sets them apart, such as price or service etc. People get trained not just with this, but many things to expect generally the same things amongst competitions, with the exception of that one small difference. The same with this situation, I think people expect that in general trained meteorologists will see the same things with the expection of one degree of temps or a bit different amount of precip etc. Most people don't realize the non exactness of forecasting and don't realize how tricky things are and how different professionals could see things completely different.

Keep that in perspective. If you want to promote this difference [which it sounds like you do], advertise that you forecast differently, and often have a different forecast. That might help.
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Scott,

Good point. This is actually something I could say on the air as a storm is moving in. "We forecast differently than other meteorologists, and this is why we are forecasting....." Something like this.

I don't like the next 10 days. It can change fast, but nothing is changing.

Gary

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Gary,
I used to watch your nightly forcast every day, and I quickly discovered how accurate your forcast really are. Unfortunately, I no longer have time to watch your forcasts on a nightly basis, but I always make it a point to check out your forcast online and read the blog. When talking about weather with anyone I have always claimed that your the most accurate. Hopefully the word will start to spred. I think the best way for you to get more daily watchers would be to give forcast on more radios stations. I would love to be able to catch your forcast in the car during my morning commute.
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Melanie,

Thanks, and I am on newsradio 980 KMBZ and 106.5 WDAF every morning.

Gary

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I know the ABC station still had snow in their forecast last night, but CBS took out all mention of rain or snow last night. I am a weather geek so I try to see as many station's forecast as possible.
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Greg,

I would probably flip through all of the stations as well, unless there was one forecast I could rely on. Which is the point of today's discussion. But, apparantly you still will look at all of their forecasts anyway. It could be a waste of energy.

Gary

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Gary,
Here is my problem. I listen to 980AM in the car but they relay on The Weather Channel. Why? They have your forecast on the mornings and then they switch to TWC. Why have accurate forecast just in the am? They should just have your forecast. Sometimes I hear Jerry Agir disagreeing with TWC and going with your forecast. Keep up the good work!

David
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David,

I have tried to get them to change this policy. We will continue to work on it. 980 KMBZ is concerned on those rare days that we are in continuous tornado coverage that they wouldn't have anyone to go to.

Gary

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Over the weekend people at the hospital were complaining because of the snow prediction. I told them Gary Lezak said it wasn't in the forecast so I wasn't worried and was not changing my plans. They were talking about getting gloves and snowboots for today. Well tomorrow I will go back and point out that although it was gloomy and windy, there was no snow at all and that's why I only watch your forecast. In fact if I hear a forecast in a patient's room saying different from what you've said I tell them this and that I plan errands around your forecasts alone. Eventually I will win over the KCK medical staff and all our patients!
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Jeri,

Thank you and keep working on them.

Gary

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Gary, don't worry about it! It bothers me when I hear competitive comments or "one- upmanship" from all these weather people. WE know there is competition and we learn who has the MOST accurate forecast and it's NOT about personality. Be yourself, do your work, be confident, ENJOY your life/work. We enjoy you.

(Kathleen's Mother)
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Mary Pat,

Thank you, but it is important. Anyway, you know I enjoy it. Just sometimes I get a bit stressed.

Gary

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How about billboards around town:

ONE WORD FOR WEATHER -----------GARY!!!!!!!!

TV 41 & Cable 1442

You are the best. You also need more people with cable to know they can go to 1442 and see your forecast all the time.
Debbie
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Debbie,

Eventually everyone will have HDTV. Just a few years away.

Gary

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Gary - I don't know that I have any ideas for you, but here's why I watch your forecasts. You're fun! Your enthusiasm for what you do is contagious and who doesn't want to "catch" some of that wonderful energy you put out?

When I met you years ago at Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary (where your early morning forcast included an interview with a "groundhog") what impressed us all was your energy! There was such an incredible feeling of warmth and sheer joy that seemed to pour out of you. Everyone noticed it, talked about it and enjoyed it.

It is great that your forecasts are the most accurate, but what is really great is your accuracy combined with your enthusiasm. You have this ability to present your forecast and make your viewers feel good at the same time!!! I don't know another forecaster that does this, or can do it.

And this is what I tell people: not only is Gary the most accurate, he's FUN to watch! That comment really intrigues folks and I know it gets them to watch your forecasts.

I remember when I was on a plane and the flight attendant was starting to give the "speech" about safety before take off. Well, as always, no one was listening. So the guy started saying, "blah, blah, blah" in the funniest sing-song way. People were laughing so hard they were crying. I'm not suggesting you turn into a comedian, but you DO have something extra, that can "catch" people - your energy, your enthusiam. Maybe there's a tasteful way your station can promote this. You aren't only a meterologist - you're a genuinely warm person and lord knows, the world can use more like you.

Anyway, thanks for the great work and the wonderful warm energy too.

Laura
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Laura,

Great statements! Thank you. I remember the big Groundhog that day! It was a goofy morning.

Gary

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Dear Gary,

thank you for all your hard work bringing us the most accurate weather every day. We live at Fort Leavenworth and have been here 3 1/2 years. Every year a new CGSC class comes in and I always tell everybody watch Gary Lezak to get your weather report. Especially during Tornado season, Action News Weather is the only channel I trust. My son is 7 years old and he sometimes asks me " What did Gary say the weather will be like today".
Keep up the good work, we appreciate it and I will keep telling everybody who moves here about the BEST FORECAST in KC.
Thank You
Anja
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Anja,

Thank you so much!

Gary

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Gary,
I just wanted to let you know that you are the only weather guy that I watch, even though one of other weather guys is a longtime family friend. I trust you and your weather team. A lady that I work with said that her station that she watches said that we suppose be getting eight inches of snow today. I laughed because I knew better.I won't say names.
Keep up the good work and don't let the others get you down. KC loves you and would be lost without you!!!
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Megan,

I had heard about that 8" snow forecast. Unbelievable.

Gary

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You are the best. I am not sure how to market that any more efficiently. How many more ways can you say that you are 'Voted KC's most accurate?' Taking the weather aspect out of it, I love your banter with Jack Harry. Maybe you should work that angle? You all just seem like you are just great friends who really enjoy everyone's company. You, Elizabeth, Jack and Mark. Not just co-workers.... "NBC Action News, the station that plays together." Just thinking.....
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Great idea Ivy,

Gary

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Gary,
I got an idea of how to spread the word! You are now the exclusive weather dude in the Kansas City Star! Perhaps there is a way they (the Star)can give you a small portion of the Sunday paper to explain the main weather event of the previous week and why/when/how you predicted it. Today's (almost) storm would be a good example. Those loyal to the other stations could then see we have no snow today and that if they would have watched you they could have save time bringing their sleds out of storage. Of course you would have to use tact not to slam the other stations. Just an idea I had, sometimes you have to exploit the resources available to you. I'm doing my part to convince all I know that you are the best. Best of luck.

Fayetteville Jim
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Jim,

Good idea!

Gary

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You are the #1 Weather team in KC!!!! I may watch the other guys just to get a different perspective (I am a weather nut), but that allows me to realize how good and accurate your forecast are. They blow away the competition. It is hard to change others that have stuck with another station or follow strong programming lineups. Dont put too much blame on ratings when your primetime schedule that day is 3rd best.

Just keep doing the great job you have been doing and you will continue to make more and more believers.
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Joe,

We will keep battling away.

Gary

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Hi Gary,
Would it be feasible to put up billboards to get your message out around town? It's hard to get people who don't watch NBC to hear your speal without going outside the box, so to speak. I always tell people that you have the best forecasts, but like another blogger said, I can't turn the station for them. Maybe if they see your face on a billboard it will pique their curiosity and they will give you a try.

Is there any rain or snow showing up in the short term? This pattern is starting to feel all too familiar. I almost find myself wishing for a blizzard!
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Tammy,

We should have our moments this winter. Right now it doesn't feel that way but it should turn soon.

Thanks for the ideas.

Gary

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I think that the problems with getting the higher ratings and your forcast through has many facetts:

1. KSHBTV is realatively new and it's hard for people to accept change.

2. Frankly, even though a news cast is supposed to be about accurate reporting, personality still has a major draw(sounds similar to politics dosen't it?:)

3. There are to many sources of forcasts for one area, it's NOT just the other T.V. stations to blame it's TWC, Radio Stations forcasts, The National Weather Service Forcasts( which most radio stations use if they arn't aligned with a T.V. Station), and all the other "generic internet forcasts."
My suggestion is to go "grass roots" if you will, Try to have "believers" volunteer to hand out flyers, post flyers in malls, or have people go door to door and tell them to try and compare forcast for a week or two.
At least those are some ideas that could be looked at anyway.
Thanks for your time.
Nick in St. Joe!(Voting for Gary Lezak):)!!
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Nick,

KSHB, only doing news since the early 1990s, is the biggest reason in this town as everyone is so loyal to their favorite. It is hard to change.

Great points.

Gary

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Just keep doing what you do. When you run into people that watch the other forecast, ask them to try listening to you for a change to hear the most acurate forecast in town.

I know I ragged on you once or twice in here and to my wife for missing a forecast or two. But I have defended you twice as much for having the most accurate forecast going.

We watch the others sometimes (if we can catch them after or before yours) just to see what they are saying compared to you. Yesterday they had us laughing!

Keep up the good work and hiring nothing but the best!

Leonard
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Leonard,

Thanks!

Gary

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Just another thought, Gary. You know the old saying "Pride goeth before the fall." You don't want to let yourself get into that old "it's all about me" thing. It's a downward spiral of false pride and all your good weather forecasting goes out the window, so to speak. There's a lot of those "I'm always right about everyting" kind of people out there and they're B-O-R-I-N-G!!! I agree with your "we do it differently" idea, but other than that, don't stress out about it, don't change your style, be sincere, do the work you obviously love and be yourself. That's enough for us!
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Mary,

Thanks for the advice! I agree.

Gary

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Gary,

Where you go in Kansas City, I will follow your weathercast. You, and in my opinion, will always be the best forecaster, along with your team, in our area.

I tried to tell everyone here at my office that there would be no snow or for that matter any rain they refused to listen. At this point, I think I have most of them convinced they should watch KSHB evening news and all your weather programs.

I really enjoy your efforts to educate the viewers with weather information. It makes me more and more secure in your predictions.

Keep up the great work!

Cindy
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Cindy,

Thank you! Say hello to everyone at the office.

Gary

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Hi Gary,
The other bloggers have hit on several points that I do agree with - word of mouth being one of them. Just happened to me a bit ago since I'm kinda the resident "weather watcher" here. Co-worker asked, so when's it gonna rain? I said it isn't, you need to be watching Lezak!

I think your station COULD do more to promote you and the weather team however. Of course that takes money and if Action News lags in the ratings, so too will viewers of your segments and so too will the promotion budget. Name of the game unfortunately in this business.

Still, you've got agreements with several radio stations and have the KC Star which are all good and likely reach a different audience than just NBC viewers! Those things haven't been in place ALL that long and habits die hard. Just ask my mom to watch a different station... then run!

Maybe figure out how to leverage those relationships (at little incremental costs!)- doing an extended segment with John and Ellen some morning... Anyway, I'm sure your promotions, PR and advertising people are a talented bunch and could come up with some other ways to help.

Meanwhile us'ens who know promote you tirelessly so keep up the faith and excellent work. - mt
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Mike,

We will keep plugging away. You know we have the passion!

Gary

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Hi Gary,
I think you are the best meterologist.I am 8 and I already know that I am going to be a meterologist.Do you think we are going to have a November snowstorm? When did you know you were going to be a meterologist? When you were 8, did you love the weather? How many tornados have you seen? Jack (tornado freak)
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Jack,

I am more of a snow freak than a tornado freak. But, I knew I wanted to be a meteorologist from the time was about your age or even a bit earlier. Keep it up! Oh, I have seen one tornado and it was huge. Very scary as it was heading right towards me.

Gary

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Gary,

Alot of this is because the other 3 stations have established themselves for many years and have meteorologists who have been in the KC area for many years and are well known. Putting this into sports terms, you are the baseball player who hits the most consistently, but dont have the "name value yet" like a few other meteorologists who dont hit as consistently anymore. What you have to do is market, promote, enforce and repeat until you are blue in the face (and hope NBC's ratings rise) I am a public relations/Mass Communications major so if KSHB is planning on hiring anyone to accomplish this let me know! Ha!

Jon
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Jon,

You already have a lot of insight and show talent. Great philosophy, and I am sure you are on target.

Gary

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Gary, as far as the next 10 days, that is consistent with the SMCv.2. Nothing will happen. This was the last bunch before the next round at Nov. 25th. Previously mentioned, Nov 20th would be a skip. After Nov. 25th, you will see Nov.30th, then a skip of Dec 5th, then the next stuff on Dec. 10th.

Watch the cycle..see if it works.
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Scott,

If you can weave through all of these comments today then you will get to this.

Jeff and I are seeing the cycle. But, we need the next few days to go by. We are very close to repeating October 1, 2, and 3rd. This could be quite interesting. If it does indeed happen then the exciting stretch of weather could be about to occur. I hope the computer models pick up on this soon so I can get out of "panic mode".

Gary

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Hi Gary,
I read the blog earlier in the day and have brainstorming ideas all day. I think we all agree you are the best. So, how do we better market your talents and forecast? I like the billboard idea or even a commercial....of course I have no clue what your budget is :-) Perhaps you on a bilboard with a blue background, big snowflakes in the back with a catch phrase...."The ONE forcast to rely on". Or some kind of quick/short statement that will draw people to watch your winter forcast. What do you think?
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Lisa,

Good idea. Our management doesn't see the value in billboards. Hopefully they will see this as a way for our image to improve in this city. We could have something like...... Have Elizabeth, Mark, Jack Harry and myself up there with a statement "The #1 weather forecast in Kansas City, watch NBC Action News every night" or something like this. People like to gravitate towards who is #1. And, we can claim this based on Weatherate.com.

Gary

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Gary your the most accurate by a long shot. And your enthusiaism is so catchy, I really love it. Have Gary t-shirts printed up and sell them for a minimal fee. Just a thought. I'm not great at slogans but Im sure you and the team can come up with something great. Anyhow, keep up the great work!
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Steve,

We just have to get the viewers one by one. Our ratings have come way up since I started here 7 years ago, but we have a long way to go.

Gary

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One thing, too, in the mornings, is that not everyone wants to watch the national coverage of the morning magazine shows such as Today, etc. The weather is only a small segment that is easy to miss . That may be why people watch weather coverage on a station that offers just local coverage. Many people look for the weather in the mornings and may not know when to find the forecast on NBC.
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Jeri,

We have the cut ins during the Today show that should empasize weather a bit more. This would help.

And, we have the 10 AM show that we do a little bit of weather on. We should do a bit more.

Gary

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The models will get it...trust it..here is what I have so far...

30-Sep Trough
5-Oct Cold Blast
10-Oct Trough
13-Oct Cold Blast
15-Oct Trough
21-Oct Cold Blast
26-Oct Trough
30-Oct Cold Blast
5-Nov Missed Trough-though see Nov. 3rd blog entry
10-Nov Trough
13-Nov Trough
15-Nov Trough - Just missed
20-Nov Projected Skip

End first cycle

25-Nov Projected Canadian
30-Nov Projected Trough
1-Dec Projected Skip

etc...

I think this works.
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Scott,

I don't think it will work this next 10 day stretch. But, I think we have a cycle. I want to be able to show all of you this when we meet next month.

Gary

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Hey G-MAN!!

I was gonna say "isn't it lonely at the top" but with all of these comments I guess it isn't lonely for you.

Anyway, I truly feel your pain. The place in which I work is also "saddled" with under-recogniton for the quality of our product. So how to "spur" the public's notice? Perhaps my fellow bloggers will "round up" a few ideas to benifit the best, and cut a few more from the herd.

Anyway, G-MAN --

Please continue to take pride and comfort in the fact that you are consistantly the very best at what you do!! In your business consistancy is very difficult, I know. But, G-MAN, YOU de BEST !!!!!!!!!

------Springer
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Springer,

Thank you. I just read your comment, after the negative one from Susan. When viewers don't really know me and the way we do the weathercast each night they should not make such a judgement. We all make judgements, but I hate it when people just make a blanket statement and then they won't even give you a chance.

Anyway, thanks. Have a great day!

Gary

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I will have to say I am one of the few that don't watch your forecasts, but I do check out your blog to read your thoughts on upcoming weather events. I will say that I read other wx blogs and you are claiming that other stations (not sure which ones) were still going with rain, snow, TS, etc. Which maybe true, but I know for sure that another local station took out their rain (read on their blog) in the forecast therefore you were not the only one in KC that had the right thinking.

Reading your blog just makes me not want to ever watch you because you certainly built a pedestal for yourself which to me is unflattering and unappealing.
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Susan,

I understand why you would feel this way. This was not my intention at all. I still think you should continue to compare blogs, weathercasts, etc. If you truly do with an open mind I believe you will make a different conclusion. I am just speaking my mind. Why should I hold anything back?

Gary

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Gary, the only thing i would do is maybe do a "fastcast" in the first 5 minutes that will explain the next 24 hours in detail. Maybe right after the breaking news part. Then do your regular forcast at 10:18p like normal, or maybe say at 7:30p instead of a commerical do a 15 second weather forcast for the next 24 hours, and then do it again at say 8:45p. Some other stations have a 9pm newscast and if you can get your weather out before they do in those time slots,people will get the right forcast. Some people dont stay up that late and try and get an eariler forcast. If you have it on say during heros on monday? Do you think alot of people will see, heck yea its one of NBCs top shows.hope this helps.
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Bradley,

This may be the best idea yet. In that 15 seconds I could give the forecast for the next afternoon or something, or at least add something that gives valuable information rather than just teasing the 10 PM news. My boss will probably disagree saying that if I give it a way then they won't watch. Maybe, but maybe not.

Gary

Gary,

An idea for marketing your accuracy -- what about billboards on the major drives (435, 35, etc) with you on one side, and the other saying #1 Most Accurate: 2003 2004 2005 And Likely today too -- check us out on KSHB 41 at 5, 6 & 10.

Something like that. You can say you're the most accurate on your own channel but for the most part you're preaching to the choir. Need to expand beyond your own channel and maybe catching people's eyes on their way home from work telling them the most accurate forecast day in, day out, year in, year out is KSHB, and they'll flip to the 6 or 10pm show and see for themselves.

Just my .02!

Tim in GW
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Tim,

Great! And, I enjoyed your mock up of the billboard. I sent it home and will play around with it.

Gary

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Hi Gary - I wouldn't think about watching another weather cast. Also, I wouldn't watch any other newscast but NBC Action News; I think its better than any other. Straightforward reporting. I teach at KU in both geography and environmental studies. I discuss climate and weather in those classes and I'm always mentioning your weather forecasts - I'm hoping that by word of mouth more people will start watching. Keep up the excellent work and thanks to you and all the NBC Action News team
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Tom,

We appreciate you very much. The problem is convincing others. We can continue to reach out and find one viewer at at time. It jut takes a while.

Gary

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Gary,

You have set the standard in your field. The main difference that I see between you and the "other stations" is this is not only your career but your passion. Getting it wrong is unacceptable to you, and we all appreciate you and your weather teams strive for perfection. I know for me personally, that as long as you are doing the weather you will be the only station on in my house. Keep up the great work!
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Mike,

Thank you so much! Yes, it is unacceptable for us to be wrong and I take responsibility when we do make our mistakes.

Gary

Mike B. in O.P.

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I have an idea....It may not be very good, but thoughout the day give break-ins with the forecast. Maybe just a 2 or 3 min segment but enough to let people know. I know I have a hard time watching... This is my favorite weather team and I make my co-workers watch the evening news whenever possible. I think that this team is great and I believe byfar the best in the Kansas City area. I also think that the addition of this full time weather station was a good idea. I just think it needs to be down on regular TV so others can watch. Also, I would agree with the other viewers about a noon newscast. I do not like the other stations. I think that NBC does fair accurate reporting about things that really matter to me. I do not appreciate these other stations slamming police departments for doing there jobs....anyway thats another issue. Keep being the best and I think it will all work out. The loss of Jamie was a bad thing but this new guy (sorry can't think of his name) is a very good addition to the team. Alright, I have talked way to much...Here are just my ideas, take them at what they are worth and keep up the good job.
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David,

Good ideas. We will have a hard time, though, getting more than a few seconds every couple of hours. But, when a storm is approaching, maybe this is something we should do and promote.

Gary