Most people on TV are not "weather people" (meteorologist)...they are broadcasters who do weather. They have a broadcast degree with a few hours of weather class in college.
Tim was a researcher. He gathered data by placing probes in the path of tornadoes so meteorologists can better predict their formation and tracks.
Just like Alan Shepard and John Glenn put theirs lives at risk to understand space, Samaras put his at risk to understand tornadoes. And just like Grissom, Chaffee and White...Challenger and Columbia...Samaras and his team lost their lives doing their passion but also doing research.
I remember in the last hurricane how meteorologists (not broadcasters) were standing out in ocean noticing how the tide was rising so fast around them with the incoming hurricane that it was difficult for them to remain standing.
But your distinction between meteorologist and research scientist is a valid one. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a research scientist on tornados. But apart of understanding the formulation of tornados, which can be done without driving in front of them by 100 yards, I fail to understand the value of this type of research. And Twister is one of my favorite movies.