In a TVNewsCheck profile, Mark Arum, a traffic reporter at Atlanta ABC-affiliate WSB, reveals the ins-and-outs of his beat, like where traffic reporters fall on the “newsroom hierarchy” and whether viewers blame him when their morning routes get clogged. Arum also talks about the future of traffic reporting:

Do you think TV traffic reporters could become obsolete? You can’t watch TV in a car.

I don’t think so. I think weather could before traffic because you can turn on the Internet and get a weather forecast. With traffic, by the time you walk out of your house and get into your car, things can change. One morning commute will be fine and another will be shut down. I am pretty confident the role of the traffic reporter on TV and radio is secure. Read more

Stations in Atlanta ran extended news coverage Monday morning as an overnight snowstorm and below-freezing temperatures led to school closings and dangerous driving conditions. The market’s NBC, CBS, and ABC affiliates stayed with local news coverage through the morning, preempting the network morning shows.

NBC-affiliate WXIA operated a telethon-like hotline to which local viewers could call in with questions related to the storm, from driving conditions to employment laws regarding taking a day off due to severe weather. Jill Becker and Karyn Greer anchored the extended newscast with meteorologist Chesley McNeil providing regular weather updates. Keith Whitney reported from Carroll County, east of Atlanta, which was one of the first areas to see snow in the early morning. Whitney used an icy bottle of water to show the below-freezing temperatures.

At ABC-affiliate WSB, morning meteorologist Karen Minton reported on the mix of snow and sleet hitting Atlanta while Mark Arum provided updates on the messy road conditions for morning commuters. Minton was also aided by meteorologist David Chandley, who would continue to track the storm throughout the day. Anchor Fred Blankenship provided regular storm-related news updates, including canceled flights to and from Atlanta. At one point, reporter Richard Belcher compiled a slideshow of photos sent in by viewers showing the area’s snow cover.

Tracye Hutchins and Brandon Rudat anchored CBS-affiliate WGCL‘s extended coverage. Weekend meteorologist Justin Lock was out on the street, reporting on weather conditions and speaking with those brave enough to venture out of their homes. Jennifer Valdez, WGCL’s morning meteorologist, updated viewers on the morning forecast as well as travel conditions. Rebekka Schramm reported via Skype from inside a WGCL news truck, which had gotten stuck in the snow.