Meet Albany’s New Broadcast Meteorologist: A Q&A with Jordan Due
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 16, 2024) – Jordan Due, a student in the University at Albany’s Applied Atmospheric Science master’s program, can now be seen on Saturday nights on NEWS10 ABC, Albany’s local ABC affiliate, sharing her passion for all things weather.
Due, a 2023 graduate of UAlbany’s Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences undergraduate program, was recently hired as a weekend meteorologist for NEWS10 after interning with the T.V. station last semester.
We recently sat down with Due to discuss her education at UAlbany, her new position at NEWS10, and how she has turned a childhood fear of thunderstorms and tornadoes into a broadcast career.
What sparked your interest in broadcast reporting?
I've always been a performer. When I was younger, I danced, acted, and took opera lessons for a short period, so I’ve always been comfortable in front of people and public speaking. My aunts would always joke with me and say things like, ‘Oh my gosh, you should be on T.V.’ I didn’t take it seriously at first, but as I got older, I realized it could be a perfect combination with something that interests me, like the weather. As a kid, I was terrified of thunderstorms and tornadoes. That fear piqued my interest in learning more about how and why they form and eventually led me to UAlbany’s atmospheric science program.
What is an average day like on the job?
I'll normally get into the station around 2 p.m. on Saturday. From there, I'll look at the forecast and then focus on building a show. This entails getting all the graphics in order and making sure that I’m focusing on telling the most important weather news of the day for our viewers. I’m on air between 6 - 6:30 p.m. When the show ends, I update forecasts, graphics, and web content. Then there are the late-night shows where I have a few hits and go outside on the weather deck. Usually, I get home around midnight.
How has UAlbany helped you prepare for this career path?
I would not have been able to do it without my UAlbany education. The chief meteorologist at the station, Steve Caporizzo, even told me, ‘Wow, they taught you well there.’ That reflects the support of our professors, TAs, and faculty. They helped me in becoming more confident in the material, especially with a major that can be very academically challenging. When I go to the station, it feels almost like a weight off my shoulders being able to tell myself, ‘Okay, I know what I'm doing.’
Outside the classroom, I had an amazing experience interning at the New York State Mesonet, a statewide weather network operated by UAlbany. In fact, without that internship, I would have never been interviewed by NEWS10. I met a reporter from the station while she was covering the Mesonet’s fifth anniversary. We connected after the interview, and the rest is history.
What advice would you give to current students who want to pursue similar career interests?
For atmospheric science students, don't ever be afraid to ask for help. The faculty within the program at UAlbany are some of the most accommodating and supportive people I have ever encountered. If I could give a piece of advice to my freshman self, I would tell her not to be afraid to challenge herself and ask for help because you’re surrounded by supportive people who always look out for your best interest.
For students interested in broadcast careers, you must be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Although it gets easier over time, it can still be nerve-wracking to take your first step in front of the camera. I’ve been on air a few times, and I'm still nervous. But you need to realize that the nerves will fade. It comes with time, remember to allow yourself to take a deep breath.
What is your favorite part about working for NEWS10?
Oh my gosh, the people I've met. At first, I thought it would be a competitive, fast-paced environment, like you see in the movies. While it can be like that at times, the management is amazing. If you have a problem, they're right there. You can talk to them, and they'll make time to talk to you. It's just a team effort. So much collaboration goes on with the engineers, producers, directors, anchors, and weather people. They’re always asking, ‘How can we help you?’ Everyone I have worked with has been so encouraging and accommodating.
I also love being on live TV. While I still get nervous at times, every experience gives me more confidence that I’m on the right path.