If television channels don’t have viewers, they can’t sell ad time and make money. So, therefore they need viewers like you, as the Public Broadcasting Service says. That even applies to The Weather Channel and as one video shows, not even they are beyond using dramatics, embellishment to keep people watching.
Mike Seidel, a reporter and meteorologist with The Weather Channel, was reporting on Hurricane Florence in Wilmington, North Carolina and was having problems standing up. He’s shown struggling to keep his footing as the storm’s winds blow him backwards. However, Seidel was likely some theatrics to his reporting.
During his live report, two men are seen walking on by without a problem. The wind and rain doesn’t affect them a bit. So, either Seidel was exaggerating about the storm or he really needs to put on some weight in order to be able to properly report out in the elements.
So dramatic! Dude from the weather channel bracing for his life, as 2 dudes just stroll past. #HurricaneFlorence pic.twitter.com/8FRyM4NLbL
— Tony scar. (@gourdnibler) September 14, 2018
In response to the absurd video, The Weather Channel released the following statement:
“It’s important to note that the two individuals in the background are walking on concrete, and Mike Seidel is trying to maintain his footing on wet grass, after reporting on-air until 1:00 a.m. ET this morning and is undoubtedly exhausted.”
Ummmm….ok, sure. Regardless, the reporter’s embellishment lead to several Twitter users mocking the Seidel’s exaggeration.
the weather channel be like : 😂😂#fakenews #HurricaneFlorerence pic.twitter.com/8ryyY7RPR2
— p o s i t i v e 🔮 e n e r g y ✨ (@dezsieee) September 15, 2018
Twin Lakes had most rides closed due to wind today, so this inspired our tribute to the weather channel pic.twitter.com/v5ZqKS6XF0
— Liz Birchall (@lbirchall) September 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/JimJcub/status/1041333449729220608