Denise Nurse - Weather Presenter
Denise began presenting the weather for Sky News in March 2005. While working as a media lawyer at Sky, she entered and won the company's competition designed to uncover new talent.
1. What was your route into weather reporting?
A highly unusual one. I was a lawyer for Sky and won the company talent competition in 2004. As a winner I had the opportunity to screen test for Sky News and was offered the role as a weather presenter.
2. Is there a professional qualification for weather reporters?
Many weather presenters are also meteorologists who have studied all things ‘weather' at the Met Office. There is no qualification for the broadcasting element - you learn that side on the job.
3. Do you have to have a science degree to understand and present the weather?
No, I have a law degree and presenters come from varied backgrounds. It is most important to have an interest in the weather and the science behind it, and the aptitude and enthusiasm to learn.
4. What is a typical day like at Sky?
There is no typical day in a live TV environment, so most days bring something a little different. I work a variety of shifts. If I am on the Sunrise programme I start work at 4.30am and am on air between 6am and 10am. On the day shift I start at 9am and am on between 10.30am and 4.30pm, and on evenings I start at 3.30pm and am on between 5pm and 10pm.
Everyday, as well as live TV, I provide recordings for broadcast on Sky News Active, the website and on mobile phones. On interesting weather days I'm sometimes asked to do radio interviews and interviews with the news presenters. I also write scripts for the weather section of the website. It's always very busy.
5. What skills does a weather presenter need?
Enthusiasm, stamina, great communication skills. You need to be able to digest a lot of technical information fairly quickly and then explain it to the public in easily understood language. An understanding of meteorology, and most of all the ability to think quickly and be adaptable.
6. What do you like best about your job?
I love the variety. Everybody loves talking about the weather in the UK because we get such a great mix. Our geographical position means we experience seasons and everything from tornadoes to tidal surges, to snow and drought. There's never a dull day. I also love communicating with people and telling stories so it's an ideal job. It's great when I get to forecast on location. This year I presented the weather from Glastonbury in rivers of mud.
7. What is the most stressful part of your job?
Having to think on your feet. When a big weather story breaks like the floods in Gloucestershire or the tornado in West London, you are often called on at the last minute to give live detailed explanations of the weather and to write stories and perhaps go out on location - all while doing your day-to-day duties, so it can get a little hectic. Of course that unexpected nature of the job is also what I love.
8. What are your tips for breaking into the industry?
Get some experience. Firstly this will help you to find out what the job entails and whether you really want to do it and secondly it will introduce you to the right people so that they are aware of you if there is ever a vacancy. You have to be prepared to work hard, do a lot of research yourself, learn about your chosen area whether it is weather or journalism and practice, practice, practice. That way, the moment an opportunity comes along you will be prepared and ready and stand the best chance of being given a wonderful opportunity.
9. What do you see yourself doing in 5-10 years time?
My life has changed considerably over the last 10 years. I was a law student working for a top city practice 10 years ago. So I expect to be doing the unexpected in another 10 years' time. I plan to be still presenting a variety of programmes and continuing to enjoy my work.
10. What do you do on a rainy day?
If I could choose I would be snuggled inside with a good book and a cup of tea enjoying the sound of the rainfall and taking in the view from a big bay window.