Milwaukee Meteorologist Talks TV, Weather and Climate Change

Spectrum Meteorologist Brooke Brighton started her love for weather at a very early age. She was influenced by her father, who is a sportscaster, and her mother as a news anchor. From her first weather unit in 8th grade, she’s been hooked. For JAMS 660 Environment and Media, Dani Travis interviewed Brighton via email about her work and her approach to covering climate change.

Dani Travis: What sparked your wanting to become a Meteorologist?

Brooke Brighton: Growing up, I had a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it took to work in TV news. My dad is a sportscaster, and my mom was a news anchor. I was always fascinated with how a newsroom operated, but I didn’t want to be exactly like my parents. I wanted to find my own identity. Since I had a passion for math and science, I knew weather would be the perfect fit, so that’s how I pursued a career as a meteorologist!

Q: Have you always enjoyed learned about how weather works growing up? 

Brighton: I think weather is fascinating! My first weather unit was in my eighth-grade science class, and I’ve been hooked ever since! I’m also the type of person who immediately runs outside if the sky looks cool.

Q:   What were the challenges or difficulties you faced to get where you are today? 

Brighton: I think breaking into the TV world was a challenging step. When applying for that first job, you don’t have much experience compared to other candidates. You hope a news director takes a chance on you simply based on your weather knowledge and in-person presence. To this day, I am so thankful to my first news director, Jeff Mulligan, for taking a chance on me and hiring me as a meteorologist at WMBD/WYZZ TV.

Q: What would you say to young people who want to become a meteorologist? 

Brighton: If you’re a young student or individual interested in becoming a meteorologist, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local meteorologists, including myself. Whether you are curious about weather patterns or want to know what a day in the life of a TV meteorologist is like, I’m always happy to share my experience. I LOVE hearing from students or the younger generation who share the same passion as I do, and I am always willing to make time to talk to them. Plus, there’s always a chance that someone may have an internship/shadowing opportunity at their station.

Q: What is something you learned about weather that few people would know? 

Brighton: I think not many know how much work goes into our jobs as meteorologists. A lot of people think we just come to work, go on TV, and deliver the weather. In reality, there’s a lot we do to prepare for those on-air weather hits, including forecasting, creating graphics and supplemental tasks like posting on digital platforms. During our shift, we juggle multiple tasks to ensure accurate and timely weather hits.

Q: When did you first hear about climate change? 

Brighton: Although I heard from time to time watching the news, the first time that I really sat down and heard someone discuss climate change was in my climate change course at Ohio State.

Q: Did they teach you information about climate change during your studies? 

Brighton: We were required in our degree program to take at least one class solely devoted to climate change.

Q: Have you received any hate or negative pushback when talking about climate change?

Brighton: As a meteorologist, I think how we communicate a topic is very important. I don’t talk about climate change in my daily work, but when I do in my forecasts, I rely on statistics and data to support my weather reports. I try my best to explain the findings of various studies to the audience in a clear and concise manner.

Q: Is other meteorologist actively trying to spread the word and reality of climate change? 

Brighton: I believe so. I’m always interested to hear from the weather experts about this topic and what new data/studies they must provide.

Q: What is one main thing we can do to help slow the progression of climate change? 

Brighton: I’m not a climatologist, but I believe it’s important for each individual recognize their impact on the environment. By adopting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, we can benefit both ourselves and the planet. There are many small actions we can take, such as recycling, conserving water and walking more instead of driving, that can lead to a cleaner Earth.