In order to bridge the gap in the broadcasting industry, Nigeria Meteorological Agency in conjunction with HellerWeather, an American-based weather content firm, plans to equip TV presenters with adequate knowledge on weather forecast broadcasting.

Professor Charles Anosike, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet and the permanent representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organisation, said the 12-month training is to improve the communication skills of the agency’s weather presenters.

“We are currently signing up national television stations to start airing our one-minute daily weather forecasts to complement what we are already doing across our social media platforms.

“With the training, the presenters will be able to establish a stronger connection with the audience in weather reporting and meteorology broadcasting by efficiently delivering weather forecasts that are informative, engaging, and reliable,” he explained.

Also speaking, Wasiu Ibrahim, the weather presenter with the agency, stressed that the training would help the weather presenter improve their on-camera presence and overall effectiveness in delivering weather information to the public.

“NiMet is keen on refining our presentation skills, including tone, pace, and body language, to captivate and retain our audience’s attention. Also, to reinvigorate NiMet’s weather coverage on-air, online, and on social media,” he added.

Ibrahim revealed that the course modules included fundamentals of effective weather communication, forecasting the weather, producing the weather, and delivering the weather.

“The training will be delivered by Tim Heller, an American Meteorological Society certified meteorologist, talent coach, and weather content consultant,” it said.