The Bureau of Meteorology no longer wishes to be called the BOM, or even the Weather Bureau, demanding media outlets update style guides to reflect the request.
That’s despite the Bureau using the BOM acronym on its social media channels, in its website address and calling its app BOM Weather.
The bizarre request by the taxpayer funded agency was sent to media outlets this morning.
“With an ever-increasing number of severe weather events, it is more crucial than ever that the Bureau of Meteorology’s insights, wisdom, data and information are shared, understood and acted upon,” the email said.
“To support this need, the Bureau of Meteorology asks that media outlets update editorial style to ensure references to the organisation are by its full name, the Bureau of Meteorology or the Bureau for short, and not BOM or the Weather Bureau. This aligns with the Meteorology Act 1955.”
The guidance asks media outlets to refer to the Bureau of Meteorology in the first instance, and the Bureau in subsequent usage.
“Please update your style guides accordingly,” the email said.
No, it’s not April 1.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
