Some viewers question professionalism and protest
"Checking on my family's safety... I am a husband and a father"
Broadcasting station also expresses support
In the United States, a weathercaster was seen sending a text message to his wife during a live broadcast reporting on a storm, sparking controversy over the appropriateness of his actions.
A US weathercaster sending a text message to his wife during a live broadcast reporting on a storm. Photo by Nick Jansen, Facebook capture
According to USA Today and other sources on August 6, Nick Jansen, a weathercaster for local broadcaster KTTC in Rochester, Minnesota, was shown on air using his cell phone while reporting on a storm that struck southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa on July 28.
At the time, Jansen was standing in front of a map when he picked up his phone, sent a text message, then put the phone down and apologized, saying, "Sorry, I had to send a text to my wife," before continuing the broadcast. He reported that winds of 64 to 112 kilometers per hour were forecast for the area.
The footage of this scene spread on social media, drawing attention. However, some viewers criticized Jansen, questioning his professionalism.
Jansen addressed the incident on his Facebook page, sharing his perspective. He began by saying, "I don't usually post things like this, but after nearly three hours of covering the storm last Monday night, I felt there was something I needed to say."
He continued, "I take my job and the safety of viewers more seriously than anyone," but added, "However, I am also a husband and a father." He emphasized, "Checking whether my wife and child had safely taken shelter in the basement during the severe storm was not unprofessional, but simply the natural thing to do as a human being. I am a husband and a father first."
He also added, "I hope we can all show a little more understanding and respect for one another."
After seeing Jansen's post, online users expressed their support by giving it about 290,000 likes. Many commented, "It didn't affect the broadcast at all. Family should always come first," and "Don't pay attention to the trolls; they'll always have something negative to say."
The broadcasting station also released a statement expressing support for Jansen. KTTC stated, "We are very proud of Jansen and the weather team for their efforts to keep our community safe, and this includes the families of our staff as well."
The statement continued, "KTTC is well aware that our weathercasters, anchors, and reporters notify their families directly to keep them safe when delivering the news. This time, viewers witnessed Jansen, as a good husband and father, taking a moment during the live broadcast to ensure his family's safety."
They added, "We thank everyone who has supported our team and hope that everyone recognizes the importance of such safety measures, especially during severe weather."
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