Correct, but the assets of the KC stations would have been actually useful with the real threat and the radar coverage showed that the storms to the south was the real story and the real danger. As you point out, Joplin is a “fringe viewing zone”, no ratings points in that direction.
I guess my question is, does anyone in the Joplin area watch KC area stations? Maybe on cable or satellite (or have a 50 ft. tower with antenna to match)?
While I understand about “weather hype”*, what real “useful” things could the KC area stations do for the Joplin area, if no Joplin residents are watching? Notify relatives?
*One of my mentors was chief engr. at a local radio station as his 2nd job. (Radar & communications head tech at an airport was #1.) He liked to disparage our “Storm Team” weather coverage on a local channel. ‘Course though, he was the sort to not get excited when a storm wrapped the tower of his radio station around the transmitter bldg. Guess that came from his serving on a submarine in WW2!