The American Meteorological Society (AMS) today announced it has awarded its 1,000th AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation. Since 2005, on-air meteorologists have displayed the AMS CBM seal to denote their expertise not only in weather-related communication but also in meteorological science and forecasting.
“The CBM indicates that your weather broadcaster is a scientist who understands meteorology and forecasting, and who has achieved our standard of excellence in communicating technically sound knowledge to the public in a clear and responsible manner,” says Kelly Savoie, Director of Career Development at AMS.
Broadcasters who achieve CBM status must have a degree in meteorology or equivalent coursework and have at least two years of experience working as an on-air meteorologist; they are required to pass an exam administered by AMS and have their weathercasts evaluated by experts in the field. They must also continuously undertake professional development to keep their certification active.
The 1,000th CBM designation was awarded to Ryan Marando, a meteorologist at WHIO-TV in Dayton, OH. “I'm grateful to stand among other dedicated meteorologists maintaining trust and communicating science to our communities," says Marando.
View a full list of CBMs here.
Meteorological background and experience can be key in severe weather situations, in which an on-air meteorologist must often make strategic decisions about how best to warn the public, and what their audience should prepare for. It also helps broadcast meteorologists play another key role–that of the “station scientist” who can cover additional science topics and help colleagues understand the impact of scientific information.
To AMS President-Elect Alan Sealls (CBM #110), “The CBM doesn’t just say, ‘I’m a meteorologist who passed a test.’ It says, ‘I’m committed to continuing to educate myself on weather, science, technology, and trends so that I can better serve people by sharing useful knowledge and providing clear information to plan a commute or event, or to prepare for dangerous or life-threatening weather.’”
The CBM was introduced to replace the prior AMS Television Seal, putting in place additional scientific requirements to strengthen expertise in the field.
Additional Certified Broadcast Meteorologists weighed in on the value of the program:
Corbin Voges (CBM #927) provides an example: “In February 2024, the Smokehouse Creek fire ignited in the Texas panhandle. Being CBM certified helped assure viewers I knew what I was talking about when evacuation orders came down for several communities and they could trust what we were saying on air.”
“With the increase in the number of social media-rologists and the introduction of AI-generated forecasts, it's never been more important for the public to have access to trusted, accurate sources of weather information,” notes Tim Heller (CBM #256). “The CBM designation immediately identifies [an] individual as someone who understands the weather and, more importantly, how it impacts the local community they serve.”
Learn more about the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist program.
About the American Meteorological Society
The American Meteorological Society advances the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society. Founded in 1919, AMS has a membership of around 12,000 professionals, students, and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes 12 atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic science journals; sponsors more than 12 conferences annually; and offers numerous programs and services. Visit us at https://www.ametsoc.org/.