Should Certification of Meteorologists Serve as a Model for Broadcast Journalists?

This study explores the idea of establishing a certification process for broadcast journalists in order to distinguish themselves from the growing number of internet users posting news online. Certified broadcast meteorologists were surveyed about certification, its effect on First Amendment rights of press freedom, and whether a certification of all broadcast journalists could work to distinguish the profession as credible, competent, and professional. A vast majority of respondents felt they could be credible and professional without certification, but at the same time felt they should be certified. Most respondents said certification helped in both getting a job in the profession and in stations' promotions efforts.