Jackie Meretsky

Early morning television is not easy - in fact doing anything cerebral involving the use of motor skills in the pre-dawn/dawn/daybreak hours is a challenge that requires a strong will, a sense of humor and particularly strong coffee.

Having worked on morning television for almost a decade in many different capacities, I know how critical the relationship between on air talent and producer is, in fact the success of the show is almost entirely dependant on it. What differentiates early mornings from any other time of the day (or shift as we say in the TV world) is that you start the day off for your viewers. People are more vulnerable in the morning and don't want to be turned off or put in a bad mood. At the same time, they require information which isn't always of a positive nature whether its news, sports, entertainment or weather.

That's where delivery comes into play. All that being said, in order for me to start the viewers day off right, my day has to start off at least reasonably right - and I am fortunate to start my day with Kevin Maloney, producer extraordinaire for NBC Weather Plus.

Just another day for super producer Kevin Maloney

I thought it would be interesting to get the "producer's perspective" on the early morning Weather Plus experience. After all, it's not ALL about me. Kevin no doubt has challenges, obstacles and goals in the morning which in some cases mirror those of my own (like waking up in the middle of the night) and in other cases are entirely different.

So Kev, how long have you been with Weather Plus?
About five months.

What was your first day like?
Oh wow. I worked with Michelle, she basically started showing me graphics. My first show was the Plus 5.

Were you nervous?
At first I was really nervous. I didn't know what was expected of me in terms of graphics. Michelle took me under her wing and showed me everything she knew - or everything I could comprehend!

Why are you here?
Well, that's an interesting question. I've always loved meteorology and in particular the challenge of forecasting.

Do you have on-air aspirations?
I do as of recent. Being around great talents kind of makes you want to do it. With the combination of producing the early mornings and my internship at WNBC, I think I'm on the right path.

What time do you wake up... tell us about your commute?
Usually around 12:30am. I get up, shower and leave home at 1:30am. It takes over a hour to get to work and that's with no traffic.

Do you drink coffee in the morning and how much?
I don't drink coffee.

You don't drink coffee?! How do you wake up and stay awake?
I drink soda.

What's the first thing you do when you get into the studio?
I look at water vapor imagery, then work my way to the upper levels of the atmosphere. From there I look at storm reports.

Does Jackie (me) make your morning better, worse or are you indifferent to her (me)?
(big laugh) - I would say much better.

What is the toughest part of your morning?
Probably between 3:30 and 5:00am - that's tough. I'ts hard to get the energy going and I start to get tired. If I can get through that, it's cruise control from 5am onwards.

Why do you wrap your food in so much tin foil?
I happen to like tin foil. It keeps your food relatively warm (especially if you bring eggs from home like I do). You can attribute that to physics.

If you had the choice, would your work on a different shift? Why?
I really enjoy the mornings

Are you a morning person?
I'm really not! It's tough waking up, but once I'm up I enjoy it - if that makes any sense.

Do you take your work home with you (physically or emotionally)?
I guess every meteorologist takes their work home with them because they are always paying attention to the weather. So in that sense, it's not really work cause I'm interested in the weather.

How do you wind down?
I have an hour drive home from work so I listen to music and try to enjoy the drive.
If there are waves, I surf. Sometimes I go to the gym or just hang out in m hammock.

Who is your favorite on-air meteorologist? :)
(huge laugh) Is that a serious question?