Over the weekend, a local Miami meteorologist took a thin line at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and urged viewers to vote in the name of climate change legislation.
Steve McLaughlin, a meteorologist for NBC affiliate WTVJ-TV, used his airtime to criticize DeSantis. Sign a new law that virtually eliminates climate change as a policy priority in the Sunshine State.
“As advertisers bail out controversial segments, bashing the popular Governor DeSantis will negatively impact station revenue.”
McLaughlin called the bill the “Don’t Say It’s Climate Change” initiative, referencing the lie that Florida once passed a “Don’t Say It’s Gay” bill.
During his talk, McLaughlin displayed a frightening graphic about the weather record, saying, “Florida has experienced record heat, record flooding, and record rain in recent years. , criticized for the fact that Mr. DeSantis signed the bill. , insurance premiums are at record levels and corals are dying across the state. ”
“The world expects Florida to lead on climate change, and our government has said climate change is no longer the priority it once was,” he argued.
“Remember, the most powerful climate solution is something you already have in your hands: the right to vote,” McLaughlin continued. “And while I will never tell you who to vote for, I will tell you this: Do your research and make sure there are candidates who believe in climate change and solutions and who will address climate change.” Don’t do that. ”
Aside from the fact that McLaughlin was describing weather phenomena rather than climate change, it is important to remember that authorities did not begin writing weather records until the 19th century.
Now, speaking of records. I can only do it Refers to a short period in history during which weather records have been preserved.
Meanwhile, weather and climate expert Dr. Ryan Maue explained why Mr. McLaughlin’s climate change activities could have a negative impact on WTVJ’s business.
“If viewers in large markets don’t want a lecture on climate change, they’ll just change the channel,” Maue said. “In Miami and Florida in general, bashing the popular Governor DeSantis will hurt a station’s bottom line, as advertisers bail out controversial segments.
“The weather agenda is very profitable, so leaning too heavily into activism is not a good business decision,” he explained.
In Maue’s view, McLaughlin is not actually serving WTVJ’s viewers.
“There is an underserved market for climate change and data/graphics in the media. The public is naturally interested in extreme weather events,” he said. Said. “Taking viewers on partisan politics doesn’t help that market.”
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