WHO
Fox 8 / ABC 23 Chief Meteorologist, Travis Koshko

WHAT
Since August 2000, "Where’s Koshko?" has taken the world of television and meteorology to the public, from school age children to the elderly. Topics covered include basic weather concepts, how one becomes a meteorologist, job duties and responsibilities, and the technology involved in the profession. (There is a lot of flexibility with topics discussed, depending on the group. A high school career fair would hear more about the profession, whereas a science class would hear more about the science aspect. Emphasis is discussed with the organizer prior to the visit.)

WHEN
Talks range anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes, usually once or twice a week.

WHERE "Where’s Koshko?" has been all over Western and Central Pennsylvania, having visited Pittsburgh, Somerset, Punxsutawney, Saint Marys, State College, Huntingdon and all points in between.

WHY
I’ve always had the mentality that watching my forecast each night should be as casual as talking to me about the weather at a backyard fence. Establishing a personal link between viewer and weatherman is important; if I can find out from my viewers how they use my forecast and what elements of weather affect their lives, I can make sure that each night I’m telling them what they need to know. Doing “Where’s Koshko?” visits allows me to get to know my viewers in such a way.

Every night during my weathercast, I play the role of teacher. I can teach something as simple as what the next day’s forecast is, or something as important as how to take cover if a tornado is in the vicinity. Doing “Where’s Koshko?” allows me to explain the many nuts and bolts that go together to make the weather and to explain how complicated forecasting can be at times. It also gives me the chance to dispel the myth that I make my forecast by looking into a crystal ball or by throwing darts at a dartboard!

HOW
"Where’s Koshko?" visits are fully interactive. Audience participation is key and there is always ample time for questions to be asked. Simple science experiments are often done to explain the concepts of weather. There’s never a dull moment when talking about the always changing worlds of television and meteorology!