How Al Roker’s TV weather report marathon record attempt broke the internet

By Kevin Lynch
Published

On a day of incredible encounters and feats, one of the biggest talking points of last week’s GWR Day was NBC star Al Roker’s successful attempt at the record for longest uninterrupted live TV weather report.

Such was the online buzz for the live TV marathon, the hashtag #Rokerthon actually ousted Kim Kardashian’s much publicised risqué magazine shoot as the top trending topic on Twitter on the day.

To set the record, Al needed to last for a minimum 24 hours to set a new benchmark. However, with word of an unverified claim of 32 hours from Norway, Al looked to push the limits of broadcasting by aiming for an incredible 34 hours.

During the attempt, Al was allowed five minutes of break time every hour, and was also given the option of banking them to take an extended rest.

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Speaking ahead of the attempt, Al was in confident mood. "Adrenaline kicks in," he had said. "There are ebbs and flows, but at the big moments it's going to be there."

Al certainly had experience going into the challenge, having covered Hurricane Sandy over a 48 hour period back in 2012.

The TV veteran certainly wasn’t short of encouragement and goodwill during the attempt, with a host of well-wishers sending him messages of support on social media, along with a steady flow of famous visitors to the NBC studios during the marathon.

Along with a surprise call from US Vice President Joe Biden, Homeland actor Diego Klattenhoff , West Wing" creator Aaron Sorkin, plus ventriloquist and comedian Jeff Dunhaalso popped by during Al ‘s history-making broadcast.

Al ended his gruelling feat during the Today show amid a shower of confetti and balloons as he pretended to collapse into a nap.

As well as a fantastic display of showbiz stamina, the attempt was also for a good cause, with Al asking people to pledge support via his Crowdrise campaign,which benefits armed forces and United States Service Organizations (USO).