Greg Fishel

Greg Fishel, chief meteorologist for WRAL-TV, is a familiar face in the area. Fishel began his career at WRAL in 1981, before becoming the station’s chief meteorologist in 1989.

On the pressures of  television and meteorology: “None of the deadlines are negotiable. If I’m running late, or there is a glitch in our graphics system, I can’t go in front of the camera and say ‘Can you hold on just a minute?’

“I’m not sure how many people know about the hard core science that goes into making a forecast. There are a lot of processes to try and keep track of and account for.”

Favorite thing about the area and audience: “I love that there are so many well-educated and smart people here. And as an added bonus, the National Weather Service forecast office for central North Carolina is on N.C. State’s Centennial Campus; it doesn’t get much better than that.”

We hear you play the tuba. What’s your favorite song to play? “Let it Snow!”

On unexpected experiences: “When I first moved here, several viewers invited me to their homes for Christmas dinner. Here in North Carolina, people really do think that someone who is in their living room every night (even if it’s on TV) is part of the family. It’s good ole Southern hospitality!”

“I will always consider myself a scientist first, and a broadcaster second.”
– Greg Fishel