Friday, April 05, 2013

KARK/KLRT Weather Guessers Form 'Arkansas Storm Team'

Source: KARK Fox16 and KARK 4 have formed the Arkansas Storm Team, a partnership that will expand and enhance both stations' coverage of severe weather. Led by KARK Chief Meteorologist Keith Monahan and Fox16 Chief Meteorologist Jeff Baskin, the partnership will feature a team of six meteorologists. In addition to Monahan and Baskin, the team includes Greg Dee, Pat Walker, Natalie Walters and Steve Adamson.
 

"This is an unprecedented partnership," said KARK Chief Meteorologist Keith Monahan. "I'm not sure you'll find any other place in the country utilizing as many as six meteorologists at one time to ensure the safety of viewers."

"The partnership allows each meteorologist to focus on specific areas of expertise and experience," added Fox16 Chief Meteorologist Jeff Baskin. "With this many eyes on the storm systems, you can count on the Arkansas Storm Team to keep you and your family safe."

Along with sister stations in Fayetteville, Texarkana, and Memphis, the Arkansas Storm Team will boast the most experience, along with an ability to deliver live coverage from every corner of the state.

Fox16/KARK General Manager Mike Vaughn commented, "In the event of dangerous weather, we have a responsibility to provide the most accurate information possible in order to keep Arkansas families safe. With this partnership, we are able to provide this service with greater accuracy, and to a broader area."

The two stations will remain as separate broadcasts on a day-to-day basis. When severe storms with the potential to put your safety at risk move into Arkansas, the stations will then combine resources and begin simulcasting weather coverage on-air.

"The concept behind the Arkansas Storm team is a new way of thinking about severe weather coverage, said Fox16/KARK News Director Austin Kellerman, "During a tornado threat, you'll see KARK4 meteorologists on Fox16 and vice versa. We've decided to erase the lines and break tradition in order to serve the public better."