Jim Peterson of ABC 6 News has earned the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation — a professional recognition of the quality of his weather broadcasts. Peterson is the third broadcast meteorologist in Rochester to earn the CBM designation and ABC 6 News Chief Meteorologist Chris Kuball was second. The CBM designation is sought as a mark of distinction and recognition.

The AMS grants the CBM designation to broadcast meteorologists who meet established criteria for scientific competence and effective communication skills in their weather presentations. The CBM is a program launched in January 2005 as an upgrade to the Society’s Seal of Approval program.

“The Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation clearly recognizes that the holders have the educational background and have been tested in their knowledge and communication of the sciences needed to be an effective broadcast meteorologist,” said AMS Executive Director Keith Seitter. “The general public can have added confidence in the quality and reliability of weather presentations made by broadcast meteorologists approved by the Society.”

To earn the CBM, broadcasters must hold a degree in meteorology or equivalent from an accredited college or university, pass a rigorous written examination, and have their on-air work reviewed to assess graphical content, explanation and presentation skills. In addition to the initial educational and test requirements, CBMs have to earn professional development points in order to maintain their certification.