Name:

Lauren Whitney

Title:

Meteorologist at CBS Colorado

Education:

· Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Arizona State University

· Bachelor of Science in Geosciences, Concentration in Broadcast and Operational Meteorology, Mississippi State University

Company Description:

CBS Colorado is a 24-hour news operation dedicated to delivering impactful stories from across the State. We provide comprehensive coverage of local, national, and breaking news, along with in-depth sports reporting and First Alert Weather forecasts. Our team of diverse community journalists is committed to keeping Colorado informed with accurate, timely, and meaningful storytelling.

Tell us more about your job:

As a broadcast meteorologist, my role blends daily consistency with constant change. Our news station delivers weather updates Monday through Friday, starting at 4:30 a.m. and running through 10:35 p.m., with additional broadcasts on weekends. While I don't cover every show, there is always a meteorologist delivering live forecasts throughout the day.

That part remains steady--but Colorado's ever-changing weather keeps my job exciting!Each forecast is unique, sometimes shifting by the hour. Many people don't realize that meteorologists develop our own forecasts by analyzing weather models and interpreting atmospheric data. When I go on air, I'm not reading from a teleprompter--I present the forecast extemporaneously, using graphics I create to help tell the weather story in a clear and engaging way.

Beyond television, I also share weather updates on the CBS Colorado website and social media, ensuring viewers can access forecasts however they prefer. And of course, being on TV means I handle my own hair, makeup, and wardrobe choices each day. Fun fact: Meteorologists can't wear green on-air, or we'd vanish into the green screen!

Why is STEM important within your industry?

STEM--science, technology, engineering, and math--is the foundation of both the television industry and meteorology. In broadcasting, technology powers everything from high-tech cameras and newsroom computer systems to the tools our reporters use to deliver their stories. Behind the scenes, engineers and IT professionals ensure these systems run smoothly, allowing us to seamlessly bring the news to viewers.

Meteorology itself is entirely STEM-based. Our forecasts rely on complex mathematical calculations, atmospheric science, and geoscience principles. We analyze vast amounts of weather data using advanced computer models, and we depend on sophisticated technology to deliver real-time updates to people across the state and beyond. Even the systems we use require engineering expertise for maintenance and upgrades. Without STEM, we wouldn't be able to track storms, predict weather patterns, or keep communities informed and prepared.

Was there a specific moment when you decided you wanted to pursue STEM as a career?

Initially, I dreamed of becoming a sports journalist--reporting from the sidelines of big games, providing play-by-play coverage, and interviewing athletes and coaches. Meteorology wasn't on my radar at first, but career paths often take unexpected turns!

My first job after college was as a morning anchor at a small station in Grand Junction, Colorado. One day, the news director asked if I'd also do the weather. I didn't have a background in meteorology, but I was eager to learn. I embraced the challenge, quickly realizing how fascinating and complex weather forecasting is. That opportunity sparked my passion for meteorology, leading me to dive deeper into the science behind it.

A few years later, when I joined CBS Colorado in Denver, I decided to go back to college and earn my meteorology degree. It was one of the best decisions I've made--combining my love for broadcasting with a newfound appreciation for STEM and the science of weather.

What do you like best about your job?

One of the best parts of being a TV meteorologist is that no two days are ever the same. Colorado's weather is constantly changing, which keeps forecasting exciting and dynamic. While I have a steady schedule, the conditions I report on are always shifting, making each day a mix of consistency and variety--something I truly appreciate.

I also love that my work has a direct impact on people's daily lives. Whether they're preparing for their workday, getting their kids to school, or making weekend plans, viewers rely on my forecasts to stay informed and ready for whatever the weather brings. I take that responsibility seriously, knowing that forecasting is both an art and a science. My team and I work hard to deliver the most accurate and useful information possible.

Beyond the newsroom, I also enjoy emceeing events for local nonprofits. Supporting organizations that make a difference in our community is incredibly rewarding, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to use my platform to help others.

What are the most important skills needed in your job?

First and foremost, a strong understanding of atmospheric sciences and their real-world applications is essential. Meteorologists must analyze weather patterns, interpret data, and translate complex information into accurate, easy-to-understand forecasts.

Equally important is the ability to communicate that knowledge effectively on television. Understanding how a newsroom operates and how broadcasts are produced helps ensure that forecasts are clear, engaging, and delivered seamlessly to viewers.

Time management and adaptability are also key. In live television, everything runs on a strict schedule--whether we're ready or not! Meteorologists must think quickly, work efficiently under tight deadlines, and be prepared to adjust forecasts as conditions change.

At CBS Colorado, we have a five-person weather team, and strong communication is crucial. We constantly collaborate--often texting each other about storm developments or refining our forecasts as a team. Weather reporting is truly a group effort, involving both on-air and behind-the-scenes professionals working together under sometimes high-pressure situations.

Additionally, solid writing and grammar skills are important. Along with delivering forecasts on air, we write weather updates for the CBS Colorado website and social media. Creativity also plays a role--we strive to make each forecast informative, engaging, and fresh while maintaining consistency.

Ultimately, being a meteorologist requires a balance of science, storytelling, teamwork, and adaptability--all working together to keep our viewers informed and prepared.

Have there been times in your career where you've faced difficult challenges and how were you able to overcome them?

Every major storm or severe weather event presents a forecasting challenge. Weather is constantly evolving, and making accurate predictions requires interpreting ever-changing data in real-time. That uncertainty is something every meteorologist learns to navigate--it keeps the job exciting but also requires adaptability and quick decision-making.

A personal challenge for me was balancing my full-time job at CBS Colorado while earning my meteorology degree. Managing both commitments often felt overwhelming, and there were times when I struggled to keep up. It took courage to have an honest conversation with my boss about needing more time for my coursework, but once I did, I found tremendous support. My team worked with me to create a schedule that allowed me to succeed both in my career and in school.

That experience taught me an important lesson--never be afraid to ask for help. Hard work and determination are essential, but so is recognizing when you need support. In the end, the challenge was worth it, and I'm grateful for the journey that led me to where I am today.

What advice would you give to girls of all ages who are interested in STEM?

Be curious, ask questions, and never stop learning! If something in STEM sparks your interest, explore it--talk to your teachers, join STEM clubs, and dive into books on the subjects you love. There is so much knowledge at your fingertips, and the more you explore, the more you'll discover.

Don't be afraid to research topics that fascinate you, even if you're not sure they'll become your career. Learning is a lifelong journey, and sometimes the smallest discovery can ignite a passion that shapes your future. Surround yourself with peers and mentors who share your interests--they can inspire and support you along the way.

I've always been a voracious reader and love learning new things. That curiosity led me down a career path I hadn't originally planned, but one that I now love. So, stay open to new ideas, embrace challenges, and keep asking, "Why?" You never know where your curiosity might lead!