The Weather Channel (Australia)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| The Weather Channel | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Launched | January 1999 (Austar) December 2002 (Foxtel) |
| Owned by | XYZnetworks |
| Slogan | Live By It! (also used by US version from 2001-2005) |
| Country | Australia |
| Headquarters | Sydney |
| Website | weatherchannel.com.au |
| Availability | |
| Satellite | |
| Austar Digital | Channel 603 |
| Foxtel Digital | Channel 603 |
| Cable | |
| Austar Digital | Channel 603 |
| Foxtel Digital | Channel 603 |
| Optus Television | Channel 56 |
The Weather Channel is an Australian 24 hour cable and satellite channel that broadcasts weather news and information. The Weather Channel is available on Foxtel, Austar and Optus Television.
Contents |
[edit] History
The Weather Channel started broadcasting on January 1, 1999 under the name "Weather 21". The name was chosen as it was channel 21 on the Austar channel line up. Weather 21 was set up by Cox Inall Communications and the meteorological firm, The Weather Company and was owned by Austar. The programming was pitched to Austar's largely rural and regional audience. Initial presenters on the channel were Allan Humphries, Lyndal Davies and meteorologist Mark Hardy. Presenters were live from 6am to 10pm daily with the overnight programming consisting of an automated loop of forecasts, satellite and radar covered by music.
In early 2000 the channel's name was changed to "The Weather Channel" as it was no longer number 21 on viewer's remote controls. As the hours of live presentation were extended, additional presenters were added in Tracey Malmborg, Jaynie Seal, Rebecca Le Tourneau and Garry Youngberry.
In 2003 Austar sold the channel to XYZ Networks and the channel appeared on the Foxtel Network. At the same time the channel programming evolved to better suit the now largely metropolitan audience. By now the channel had extended it's distribution with an Open TV interactive weather application (Weather Active) and a popular weather web site.
In 2004 The Weather Channel had a major change including their logo, graphics and programming line up and a new version of Weather Active for Foxtel Digital. Weather content on the channel is provided by Metra and The Weather Company.
[edit] Digital Services
On Foxtel and Austar Digital Services, an interactive weather service called 'Weather Active' is available by pressing the red button on the digital remote. It provides local weather information, such as current conditions, marine and surf reports, dam information, 28 day rain check, capital city forecast and 7-day forecasts for your postcode. It also provides a state radar, national satellite and national lightning tracker. You can also search through capital cities, major regional centres and international locations by pressing the blue button while in active.
The Weather Channel Web site(info below)has a demonstation video for both Foxtel and Austar.
[edit] Website
The Weather Channel's website has a weather poll, breaking weather, weather pictures sent in by viewers,information on the water crises, emergency contact numbers, weathercams, program information, 28 day raincheck and forecasts.
There is also a weather e-mail service. E-mails are sent to members on Fridays and gives the weekends (Sat, Sun and Mon) forecast and information on new programs, special reports or a major current weather feature, such as cyclones.
As of late 2007,there is a new section where you can upload your weather pictures and videos.
[edit] Music
Music during non-presented weather forecasts include:
- Cafe del Mar – The Best of Complied Jose Padilla
- U2 - The Joshua Tree
- VARIOUS ARTISTS - No Man's Woman
- Mika – Life In Cartoon Motion
- Colbie Caillat - Coco
- Whitley – The Submarine
- Sarah Blasko – What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have
[edit] Programming
[edit] Presenters
[edit] Current Presenters
- Gavin Morris
- Rose Kelly
- Reuben Mourad
- Lee Brooks
- Bianca Hartge
- Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
- John Dee
- Josh Holt
- Magdalena Roze
[edit] Former Presenters
- Sally Bowrey
- Allan Humphries
- Lyndal Davies
- Mark Hardy
- Dave Kirwan
- Tracey Malmborg
- Jaynie Seal
- Rebecca Le Torneau
- Garry Youngberry
- Jane Drinkwater
- Jaci Brown
- Bruce Buckley
- Graham Creed
- Ed Phillips
- Angela Tsun
[edit] Meteorologists
[edit] Former Meteorologists
- Mark Hardy
- Tracey Malmborg
- Bruce Buckley
- Don White
- Clare Richards
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
