Should Press Officers at National Meteorological Services Be Meteorologists? A View from Inside

National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) are under growing pressure to deliver fast, clear, and scientifically accurate information. As public interest in weather and climate continues to rise, the role of the press officer is gaining strategic importance—not only during extreme events, but also in everyday communication with the media, users, and the wider public. But who is best suited to take on this role?

This presentation raises a rarely discussed yet highly relevant question: should the press officer within an NMHS be a meteorologist or have a background in geosciences? Drawing from the author's experience as a trained meteorologist and head of communications in an NMHS, the talk explores the benefits and challenges of combining scientific expertise and communication skills in one professional profile.

Key advantages of this dual role include the ability to interpret complex data independently, anticipate misunderstandings, respond accurately to journalists' questions, and communicate directly with stakeholders—without relying on lengthy internal chains of translation. This is particularly valuable during time-critical situations.

However, challenges also exist. Scientific training does not guarantee communication excellence, and juggling technical and editorial tasks can be demanding. Depending solely on science-trained communicators may also limit collaboration with professionals in public relations, journalism, or digital media, potentially missing opportunities to reach and engage broader audiences.

The presentation will also touch on the question of editorial control: how much freedom should non-meteorologists have when adapting scientific content? How can NMHSs ensure accuracy while encouraging creativity and accessibility? Are internal review mechanisms needed when content is produced outside the scientific team?

Rather than offering a universal solution, this talk aims to spark discussion and share experiences across NMHSs. As communication becomes a core strategic function, the profile of the press officer deserves closer attention—not only in terms of skills and qualifications, but also regarding institutional support, recognition, and long-term development.