The University of Oklahoma's student-run station, OU Nightly, recently delivered more than three hours of uninterrupted coverage during multiple tornado warnings in central Oklahoma. This critical service ensured that viewers had up-to-date, accurate information to keep them safe during the severe weather event. The station, broadcasted live on Cox Cable channels and streamed on both Facebook and YouTube.
This exceptional team was formed from students of Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, specializing in Creative Media Production and Journalism, and students from the OU School of Meteorology. Under the guidance of News Director Barbara Merckx, these individuals worked tirelessly in both the control room and the studio to guarantee precise and prompt coverage.
Merckx applauded the students' commitment, saying, "There is no other group of collegiate broadcasters doing this type of live, continuous coverage during severe weather anywhere. This is a partnership only possible here at the University of Oklahoma; dedicated, highly-talented students from Journalism and Creative Media Production majors and first-rate Meteorology majors working seamlessly together. I’m proud to be the News Director with the privilege of leading this group. There’s nothing else like it in the country."
This recent effort marks the third time just this semester that the team has delivered comprehensive live coverage during severe weather events. This level of commitment and quality is a unique achievement among collegiate broadcasters.
Ed Kelley, Dean of Gaylord College, also acknowledged the successful partnership between the School of Meteorology and Gaylord College, saying, "Once again, the great partnership between the School of Meteorology and Gaylord College was evident with wall-to-wall coverage of the storms. Students in both programs come together for OU Nightly but also volunteer to work during severe weather. The results are impressive, providing critical, up-to-the-minute information for local residents who need it."
OU Nightly broadcasts live on weekdays at 4:30 p.m. on YouTube. View the full three-hour severe weather broadcast on Facebook.
