Local Climate Experts: The Influence of Local TV Weather Information on Climate Change Perceptions

A survey of 2,000 adult TV news viewers in Virginia found that paying attention to local weather forecasts is associated with the belief that extreme weather is increasing in the state, which subsequently correlates with stronger beliefs and concerns regarding global climate change. These effects were most pronounced among individuals who trust their local weathercaster and those identifying as politically conservative or moderate.

• Attention to local TV weather forecasts correlates with the belief that extreme weather is increasing in Virginia, which further correlates with increased concerns and beliefs about climate change.
• The influence of TV weather forecasts on climate change perceptions is strongest for people who trust their weathercaster and for those who are politically moderate or conservative.
• There is a link between the identification of local climate changes and the reporting of personal experience with global climate change.

APA

Team, M. 4. (2015). Local Climate Experts: The Influence of Local TV Weather Information on Climate Change Perceptions. Center for Climate Change Communication. https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/all/the-influence-of-local-tv-weathercaster-information-on-climate-change-perceptions/

Chicago

Team, Mason 4C. Local Climate Experts: The Influence of Local TV Weather Information on Climate Change Perceptions. Center for Climate Change Communication, 2015. https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/all/the-influence-of-local-tv-weathercaster-information-on-climate-change-perceptions/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Team |first1=Mason 4C |title=Local Climate Experts: The Influence of Local TV Weather Information on Climate Change Perceptions |publisher=Center for Climate Change Communication |date=9 November 2015 |url=https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/all/the-influence-of-local-tv-weathercaster-information-on-climate-change-perceptions/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{team2015local, author = {Team, Mason 4C}, title = {{Local Climate Experts: The Influence of Local TV Weather Information on Climate Change Perceptions}}, institution = {Center for Climate Change Communication}, year = {2015}, month = nov, url = {https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/all/the-influence-of-local-tv-weathercaster-information-on-climate-change-perceptions/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }