NiMet partners US weather firm to train TV presenters

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has partnered with HellerWeather, a US-based weather content firm, to train its television weather presenters.

In a statement via X on Monday, NiMet said the 12-month training will help to improve the communication skills of the agency’s weather presenters.

Charles Anosike, NiMet’s director-general and chief executive officer (CEO), said the training will enable the presenters to establish a strong connection with their audience.

“We are currently signing up national television stations to start airing our 1-minute daily weather forecasts to complement what we are already doing across our social media platforms,” he said.

“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.”

Wasiu Ibrahim, a staff of the agency and weather presenter, lauded NiMet’s new management for prioritising staff training.

Ibrahim said the training will help presenters deliver better weather information to the public.

“The training will help the weather presenters to improve their on-camera presence,” he said.

“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.”

The training will be delivered by Tim Heller, an American Meteorological Society (AMS) certified broadcast meteorologist, talent coach, and weather content consultant.

The course modules include fundamentals of effective weather communication, weather forecasting, as well as producing and delivering weather reports.