Rob Fowler receives ‘Masters Award’ from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association for his lifetime of service to the community

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – Rob Fowler has been Storm Team 2’s chief meteorologist since September 1987. It is a legacy that has surpassed 35 years in the Charleston market.

He was honored Friday evening with the Masters Award from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association for his significant contributions to broadcasting in the state. His dedication to accurate weather forecasting and his commitment to community service have earned him the respect of viewers and colleagues.

“As soon as you meet Rob Fowler, one of the things that you notice pretty easily is just how nice he is,” said WCBD evening anchor Carolyn Murray. “You know, he’s someone who walks into a room and though he is not loud or boisterous, he’s still commanding in his presence, and I like him immediately.”

“I’ve worked with Rob for 29 years, and one thing that has been the same ever since I first started here is how much he cares for the people he serves,” said WCBD evening anchor Brendan Clark. “And I’m talking about the people in the community. And it’s so apparent that he loves his job, and he loves what he does, and it comes across on air.”

Just two years into his career at WCBD, Rob was on the air continuously for days tracking Hurricane Hugo, a powerful category 4 storm that slammed into Charleston in the dark of night on September 21, 1989, helping the Lowcountry brace for impact and deal with the aftermath.

“During Hurricane Hugo, Rob was instrumental in keeping me updated, too,” said former WCBD anchor Dan Ashley, who has anchored the news at KGO-TV in San Francisco for 30 years. “We weren’t even in the same space, but we’re able to communicate by phone.”

It was following this coverage that Rob was named Meteorologist of the Year by the National Weather Association, just one of the many accolades he has received over the years.

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honored his lifetime of dedication to the television industry in 2017, at which time he was inducted into the Silver Circle Society, an honor reserved only for the most distinguished of broadcasters.

“I know that you heard Tiger Woods talk about bringing his A-game. That’s what Rob does every single day he walks into WCBD News 2,” said Ashley. “Every single day he brings his A-game, his full commitment to being the best forecaster he can possibly be, being the best friend he can possibly be, the best colleague, the best member of the Charleston community. He brings dedication, passion, kindness, and love to every single thing he does. His work on television all of these years has absolutely been exemplary. He truly is a master of his craft.”

“Regardless of the category of storm, if someone walks in that office, calls him, or sends a text, he will give that person his undivided attention as if they are the most important person on earth and will explain the information so that they can make whatever decision for their own well-being, the well-being of their family, the well-being of their friends,” said Murray.

“Working with Rob, I’m a lot less scared when it comes to major storms and natural disasters, because I know he’s got us covered,” said Clark. “I know I’m going to ger all of the great information that I need to know from him. He almost puts you at ease with his knowledge. He knows everything, he’s informative, and the way he comes across he doesn’t sensationalize. He’s just a good person that comes across as this is what we got. This is how you need to prepare. This is what’s going to happen.”

“He gives you that space to get information and he’s going to explain it to you until you understand, and that he’s confident that you can understand and that you’re able to make a decision for yourself.  I love that about him,” added Murray.

Rob’s commitment to the community goes well beyond what you see on air. He spends as much time helping to improve the lives of others as he does to keep them safe.

“Often, it’s repeated that Rob is the salt of the earth, but I don’t know of anyone who wears that more sincerely and authentically been Rob Fowler. Essentially, he has helped change our community into one where there is so much compassion for people. And I think that he has stewarded that attitude culturally in Charleston,” Murray said.

He volunteers his time to many organizations, and in 2006 he was honored with the highest award given to a citizen in the state of South Carolina, the Order of the Palmetto, given to him in recognition of his tireless efforts in collecting and distributing Toys for Tots.

“You know, you look at the growth of Toys for Tots, that kind of thing. It happens from leadership, and Rob has been our leader,” said Murray.

“What he does when it comes to things like Toys for Tots, it’s so obvious. He cares. He cares about the people,” Clark added.

During his time at WCBD, Rob has touched the lives of many — the thousands of children he visits in local schools every year, and the countless studio tours he’s given to inquiring young minds, and the many budding meteorologists he’s mentored along the way.

“I have so many warm memories of my time there in Charleston with Rob being on the air. I am so thrilled that he is being given this award of distinction, the Masters Award from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association. I can think of no one more deserving,” Ashley said.

“He really does raise the bar for all of us. He presents and has created a template for how we as journalists, but more importantly, how we as human beings want to be in the world,” said Murray.

Here’s 2 you, Rob Fowler, the Lowcountry’s chief meteorologist.