WDBJ Robin Reed is celebrating 30 years on Roanoke TV and during his tenure he’s experienced some major changes in the way weather is reported.

“Back when I started, all they wanted was a smooth presentation that was somewhat accurate,” Reed told The Roanoke Times recently. “The bar was pretty low. ‘Have a good voice. Don’t embarrass the station.’”

When he began in TV news, Reed didn’t set out to be a weathercaster. He was working as a sports anchor and reporter at WHSV in the early 80s when the station’s regular weathercaster didn’t show up for the 6 p.m. newscast. Reed filled in and the rest is history. [Roanoke Times]