A weathercaster in the U.S. caused controversy after sending a text message to his family during a live broadcast reporting on a storm.
According to reports from USA Today and others on the 6th, Nick Janssen, a chief weathercaster at Rochester local broadcast (KTTC) in Minnesota, was seen using his cellphone live on air while covering severe weather in southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa.
Janssen put down his cellphone and continued the broadcast, saying, "I'm sorry. I had to text my wife." At that time, winds of 64 to 112 km/h were forecasted for the area.
The video garnered over 15 million views on social media and stirred up discussions, but some viewers criticized his actions as amateurish.
One viewer reportedly emailed Janssen saying, "Did you have to call your wife to tell her to take the baby to safety?" adding, "Some may see that as noble or cute, but I do not."
In response, Janssen stated on Facebook, "I take my job and the safety of viewers very seriously," adding, "I am a husband and father."
He continued, "I sent a quick text to check if my wife and child were safe in the basement during the severe weather," and concluded, "Let's all try to understand and respect each other a little more in life."
Stephanie Hedrick, vice president of KTTC, also stated on the 4th, "We are very proud of the work Nick and the weather team do to keep the community safe, which includes our employees' families."
She added, "This time, viewers saw a moment live when Nick took time out to ensure the safety of his family as a good husband and father," thanking those who support their team.