Tim Simpson, chief meteorologist at WREG News Channel 3, spoke at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce luncheon yesterday (7.24.19) noting, “I’m in promotions and God is in production.”
The 25-year veteran of weather forecasting and Lakeland resident shared tidbits about his job, his background and his favorite “good news” segment at the impact during his talk at Stonebridge Golf Club.
He said he can’t do a lot to change crime or violence, but he can make an impact by letting viewers know when storms are coming. “I think we’ve made a big impact in Memphis, letting people know that Channel 3 is on the air for severe weather,” he said. “That’s what we do to save lives — make people aware.” He likened his job to promotions while saying that God is actually in charge of the weather.
Although TV show interruptions for weather are commonplace today, it wasn’t an easy sell. He recalled a severe weather alert in November 1994 when he wanted to break into the broadcasting for alerts. No, he was told. TV interruptions were not allowed for tornado warnings. “We had a big meeting the next day,” he said, and the station adopted a policy similar to a station in Huntsville, AL where he had previously worked.
Now, he said, for any tornado in the coverage area, WREG has a policy to broadcast for the duration of the warming. “We had some pushback. People hated it but we saved lives.”
Soap operas are the Holy Grail, he noted, and he was amazed at the language of the callers. “I had never heard little old ladies swear like that,” he said. “They get really angry.”
A native of Middleton, TN, he holds the National Weather Association Seal of Approval and received two Emmys: Outstanding Accomplishment in Weathercasting and coverage of super tornadoes in 2008.
He loves to fly airplanes and started his media career in radio. He came to Memphis to interview Sportscaster Big Jack Eaton which was the deciding factor to go into broadcasting. He started doing the weather in Greenville, SC and from there went to Huntsville, AL before coming to Memphis in 1994.
One of his favorite segments on WREG is “Pass it On” where $300 or more is given to needy individuals. He said the station receives 70-100 requests a month and only produces four segments a month. “The stories are really touching. People are looking for kind stories and we try to provide them at Channel 3.”
Attendees asked questions of Mr. Simpson including the well-known theory that Memphis bluffs impact thunderstorms. Not true, said Mr. Simpson. “Bluffs do nothing to slow down storms.”
What about driving in storms? Mr. Simpson said there is no good answer. “You are vulnerable. Try to navigate from the storm and keep a weather app on your phone.” He said do not go to a low-lying ditch as it can flood quickly.
Asked about climate change, Mr. Simpson said there are two sides to every story. “Last October 2018 through March 2019 was the coolest six-month period in the US in five years. Did you hear that reported? No.”
He acknowledged there has been some warming, “But I don’t think the answer to climate change is the Green New Deal.”
Chamber President Wil Ashworth was unable to attend the luncheon. Chamber Board Member Billy Rodgers made announcements noting the next monthly luncheon will be Aug. 28th and the annual Golf Tournament is Sept. 30th.
… Photos courtesy of Anna Stonestreet Smith
