Sheila Watko, a newscaster in Philadelphia, has once again impressed the internet with her amusing pop-culture-themed viral traffic report.
The NBC10 reporter provided viewers with a local traffic update that included a flurry of references to the celebrity musician’s most recent album, Midnights, some hours after Taylor Swift’s Midnights was published in the early minutes of Friday morning.
At the beginning of the section, Watko, who is 32 years old, stated, “Let’s start along the shore.” After that, she proceeded to fit 19 of the album’s 20 song names into her report. “There is currently no “Snow on the Beach,” and the Garden State Parkway is likewise completely devoid of traffic. The good news is therefore that. I’m sorry to say that I also have to deliver some terrible news to you, but working in the traffic center is kind of like “The Great War,” and I’m the “Anti-Hero” of the traffic center.”
She then cautioned viewers about the construction delays that would be occurring on a popular interstate highway, saying, “Make sure to give yourself a little extra time, you don’t want to be thinking, ‘Ugh, ‘Would’ve Could’ve, Should’ve’ left a little earlier and avoided getting stuck in this backup.”
After receiving a few chuckles from members of the news station crew who were not visible on-screen, Watko said, “Lucy, this is not a bug or a malfunction in any way. Sweet Nothing in both directions, it looks like a fantastic day out there. This is our “Karma” for having to deal with the construction [on a local roadway] earlier, as well as the vehicle fire that we had to deal with earlier. And if we zoom out and take a look at the whole region, you’re going to notice that the majority of our map is actually covered in jewel-like green roadways.”
Additionally, she said, “However, this map can be quite inconsistent. After six o’clock, we’re going to see a lot more red on this map, and there will be a lot more episodes of ‘High Infidelity.’ A camera shot like this one, which appears to be clear, is just ‘Hits Different’ right now. It seems to be in excellent condition. But give it about 20 minutes, and you’re going to see delays that are ‘Bigger Than the [Whole] Sky.’ This map is going to have such a red color that it will look almost maroon.”
After that, Watko turned his focus to talk about the traffic in South Philadelphia, since a concert by Smashing Pumpkins as well as many sporting events were scheduled to take place that evening. “The areas immediately surrounding the stadiums are going to see a significant increase in traffic. This section is going to be quite confusing, much like a labyrinth “— I quote her. “Be sure to give yourself plenty of additional time to locate a parking spot. If you don’t, “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” the choice is entirely yours.”
“Dear Reader” — or, watcher, please leave yourself additional time to find parking,” she began in a witty manner, before making a reference to “Vigilante S—-” and finishing with a direct allusion to the issue that was at hand: “There’s no ‘Question…?’ that it’s red October. On the other hand, I am in a “Lavender Haze” today because of the fact that the “Mastermind,” Taylor Swift, has just released Midnights!”
The fact that Watko is a fan of pop stars and reports on traffic is not something she does for the first time here. Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, was a huge admirer of the segment, which was broadcast in August and featured 15 of Beyoncé’s song names from her Renaissance album, which was released in July. The segment went viral and got praise from Beyoncé’s mother.
She has also previously provided many reports based on the Philadelphia Phillies, including one in which she used the song name of Jason Derulo in July and another one based on Taylor Swift to mark the release of Red (Taylor’s Version) in the previous year.
One of her supporters commented, “she did it again, my biggest idol,” next to a tweet that went viral and featured the Midnights-themed clip.