WAPT Jackson’s Christana Kay Earns AMS CBM Designation

Christana Kay, weekend meteorologist at Hearst’s ABC affiliate WAPT Jackson, Miss., has earned the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation, a professional recognition of the quality of their weather broadcasts. Among radio and television meteorologists, the CBM designation is sought as a mark of distinction and recognition.

The AMS grants the CBM designation to broadcast meteorologists who meet established criteria for scientific competence and effective communication skills in their weather presentations.

The Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation clearly recognizes that the holders have the educational background and have been tested in their knowledge and communication of the sciences needed to be an effective broadcast meteorologist. The general public can have added confidence in the quality and reliability of weather presentations made by broadcast meteorologists approved by the society.

Kay is a graduate of Mississippi State University, holding a bachelor’s in broadcast meteorology, a minor in communications, and a master’s in professional meteorology and climatology.

To earn the CBM, broadcasters must hold a degree in meteorology or equivalent from an accredited college or university, pass a rigorous written examination, and have their on-air work reviewed to assess graphical content, explanation, and presentation skills.

In addition to the initial educational and test requirements, CBMs have to earn professional development points in order to maintain their certification. These points can be earned by attending scientific seminars or meetings and similar activities.