New Bbc Graphics

[Microburst]

MB, can you say where these stats come from, within the BBC or external

Thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

These stats come from all the feedback so far - from numerous sources.

[Microburst]

I'd like to see the stats and the questions the BBC asked...

I still cannot understand when there will be sunshine and showers with the new system!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You should contact BBC Information with your query.

[Great Plum]

You should contact BBC Information with your query.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you microburst - I did - and I got the standard response...

[Summer of 76]

There is an interesting article on the following link regarding the comments made by John Teather, former BBC Weather Centre Manager

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article...ing%20Standard#

[Microburst]

Thank you microburst - I did - and I got the standard response...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

which was??

[johnholmes]

There is an interesting article on the following link regarding the comments made by John Teather, former BBC Weather Centre Manager

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article...ing%20Standard#

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I can imagine that has ruffled a few feathers at the BBC, he and Bill Giles together are a pretty ompressive team in my view. Funny thing his post going missing on a BBC site??

regards

John

[J10]

As well as the documented drawbacks to the new system, the new system does provide better information on when fronts pass through and when the sun will come out, it was certainly spot on today.

[i luv snow]

i still love the new graphics :lol:

[CattleBat]

Just to stick my oar in...I would like to see a better variant between cloud and non-cloud cover on the new graphics - My reason - I'm colour blind, or rather I have colour deficencies, which means I struggle differenciating between greys/greens, pink/grey, red/brown. I for one am really having problems with the forecast. Also, I'd like to see Birmingham (or anywhere in the Midlands) shown :lol:

[Andy Bown]

Today I noticed the local forecast had added obscure locations for the 1st time sice the change of graphics. I'm glad about this, also Richard Angwin (our local forecaster) has got the hang of telling us about the graphic movement now - a good explanation of the cloud disappearing to leave clear skies tomorrow (I would have preferred full sun symbols though :lol: )

Dan Corbett was rushed in the 1825 forecast. The overnight temps were shown and, before he told us to note the SE temps, the map had swung to rain falling over Ireland in the morning :lol:

[Great Plum]

which was??

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The orignal response at the start of this thread...

[Microburst]

UPDATE!!

OK weather fans, I bring exploding news hot off the press!!

"The BBC has backed down after a storm of complaints over its new weather forecast. Changes to the map will be made tomorrow, it has emerged. More soon...

I will bring further news as soon as it is released this afternoon.

MB

Edited May 27, 2005 by Microburst

[Microburst]

RELATED INFO

TV and radio weather forecasts will offer health advice on how to cope with a heatwave, health officials said today as temperatures in England soared to 31C (87F).

Under plans drawn up by the Department of Health (DoH), BBC and ITN weather forecasts will for the first time include tips on how to stay healthy in high temperatures and viewers will be referred to the telephone helpline NHS Direct.

The measures are part of contingency plans for England to avoid a repeat of August 2003 when more than 2,000 deaths were attributed to the heatwave, mainly among people over 75.

Mike Gill, the regional director of public health for south-east England, said advice will be provided on national and local TV and radio weather forecasts.

Dr Gill said: "The detail of how much health advice will be provided in forecasts is still being negotiated with the Met Office. But we expect it will include basic guidelines such as staying in the shade and drinking plenty of water.

"We also want a specific reference for the public to think about whether they know anyone who'd be particularly vulnerable from the effect of hot weather, such as older people."

Long-range forecasts from the Met Office indicate above average temperatures this July and August. Temperatures could match the record high of 38.5C (101F) recorded in Brogdale, Kent, on August 10 2003. Over a 10-day period, the number of deaths was 17% above average across England, rising to 42% above average in London.

Weather forecasts would provide similar information to the survival guide, Heatwave: A Guide to Looking After Yourself, published bythe government's chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, earlier this month. It includes advice such as:

·: plan your day so you can stay out of the heat and avoid going out during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm;

·: if you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton. Take plenty of water with you;

·: take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit;

·: look after older people. They are much more prone to the effects of heat.

Dr Gill said the aim of the plans was to shift public attitudes towards hot weather.

"Heat is still seen as an opportunity to take your clothes off on the beach or give lollies to zebras at the zoo," he said. "We want people to take care of their own health but also to look out for anyone particularly vulnerable, such as older people living alone at home while their relatives are away on holiday."

· The BBC has backed down after a storm of complaints over its new weather forecast. Changes to the map will be made tomorrow, it has emerged.

[Summer of 76]

UPDATE!!

OK weather fans, I bring exploding news hot off the press!!

"The BBC has backed down after a storm of complaints over its new weather forecast. Changes to the map will be made tomorrow, it has emerged. More soon...

I will bring further news as soon as it is released this afternoon.

MB

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks, much appreciated MB for keeping us informed

[Microburst]

UPDATE: 1533 27/05/05 NEVER SAY NEVER!

The BBC is to change its controversial new weather maps immediately after a storm of complaints that they were confusing and biased against Scotland and the north.

It will "retilt" the map from tomorrow, in what will be see as a victory for viewer power and a humiliating climbdown for the corporation which has invested £1mn in the hi-tech forecasts.

By straightening the "aerial view" of the UK, the BBC will redress the main complaint that Scotland was shrunk out of proportion to the UK.

"The BBC has changed its mind almost as quickly as the weather changes in the Western Isles," said Angus MacNeil, the Scottish National Party MP who tabled an early day motion in the House of Commons in protest at the forecasts.

"This is a great victory for people from across Scotland who raised their concerns with the BBC. It goes to show that Scotland's voice can be heard and we can make London think again. We have made Scotland matter in the boardrooms of the BBC.

"But of course this is only the first stage. People are equally concerned about the loss of wind speeds and isobars - two pieces of information that are crucial to my constituents and others who make a living outdoors.

"I will be keeping up the pressure on the BBC on these points, and look forward to further changes and improvements on their weather map."

The new 3-D forecasts have come under unprecedented attack since they were launched in a blaze of publicity last week with 4,000 complaints.

Viewers and former BBC weather forecasters lined up to criticise the bulletins, in which "virtual reality" clouds and rain are animated over a beige-coloured British Isles, saying they were unclear and induced motion sickness.

The BBC director of news, Helen Boaden, today intervened in the crisis - she telephoned one of the leading protestors, the SNP media spokesman Pete Wishart, to tell him that changes would be made to the map tomorrow.

"I spoke to the BBC's director of news this morning and she has confirmed the changes will take place," said Mr Wishart.

"This is good news for Scotland and is a decision that reflects well on the BBC. They have listened and learned and should be congratulated for their speedy response to viewers' complaints."

The BBC was forced onto the defensive over the forecasts almost immediately after the new 3-D graphics appeared on screen eleven days ago.

Viewers were the first to protest with politicians quick to wade in on their behalf. The campaign for a change intensified when the former weather chief, Bill Giles, said the forecasts were "too much, too soon. The new technology is very clever, but I don't think they've thought it through carefully enough. "

And yesterday, John Teather, who founded the BBC's weather centre in 1991, said he was "depressed" by the graphics which he said did nothing to help viewers understand the forecast. He accused management of censorship after his comments were removed from a BBC website just minutes after they were posted.

Critics complained that the 3-D map under-represented Scotland, which was reduced to the size of south west England. The SNP called on viewers to "flood the BBC with complaints".

Nevertheless, BBC management initially held firm in the face of criticism, saying it would take viewers "time to get used to the new system". The BBC weather centre manager, Andrew Lane, said the new forecast gave viewers "the extra clarity and detail they have told us they want from our forecasts."

A statement posted on the BBC's website yesterday said audience research had shown 69% of viewers "either preferred the new weather system or like it as much as the old forecasts". However, that left 31% - nearly a third of viewers - who thought it inferior to the old forecasts.

The BBC suffered further embarrassment after it emerged that the system, which was bought from the New Zealand Met Office, was turned down by ITV in a revamp of its weather forecasts earlier this year.

"ITV avoided devices that are, perhaps, more appealing to television producers than to viewers who simply want to know what to wear tomorrow," said the ITV News executive, Michael Jeremy.

MB

[PB22]

Thats a start then..!

[PB22]

MB, is that a news release? Can't see it on the BBC website?

[Summer of 76]

Thats a start then..!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If they show the map face on will they still have to tilt it in order to show the rain or are we in for a long spell of dry weather for the next few years

It will be interesting to see what appears on our screens

[Microburst]

Thats a start then..!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just shows - the BBC do listen then....contrary to popular belief among some net weather people?

[Microburst]

MB, is that a news release? Can't see it on the BBC website?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It will be in due course

[PB22]

Just shows - the BBC do listen then....contrary to popular belief among some net weather people?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Given the overwhelming number of complaints, they didn't really have much choice!

If they could have done, they would have stuck with it as it was. Its VERY embarassing indeed to have to change a £1m system!

[Microburst]

Given the overwhelming number of complaints, they didn't really have much choice!

If they could have done, they would have stuck with it as it was. Its VERY embarassing indeed to have to change a £1m system!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

None of us, not even the BBC is perfect!

[PB22]

None of us, not even the BBC is perfect!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't think anyone ever suggested they were!

[Kent Snow]

Good to see the Beeb have admitted that the slant of the country was hopeless and changed it.

Now lets hope we see a few more Pressure and wind graphics.

[Microburst]

Don't think anyone ever suggested they were!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

well you certainly didn't!