The Weather Channel (United States)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| The Weather Channel | |
|---|---|
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| Launched | 1982-05-02 |
| Owned by | Landmark Communications |
| Picture format | 480i (SDTV) 1080i (HDTV) |
| Slogan | The Weather Has Never Looked Better. |
| Country |  United States |
| Language | American English |
| Broadcast area | National, affiliated services available internationally |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Sister channel(s) | Weatherscan |
| Website | www.weather.com |
| Availability | |
| Satellite | |
| DirecTV | 362 (SD/HD) |
| Dish Network | 214 (SD/HD) |
| Cable | |
| Verizon FiOS | 99 |
| Available on most US cable systems | Check local listings |
| Satellite Radio | |
| XM | 125 |
The Weather Channel (also TWC) is a commercially-sponsored U.S. cable and satellite television network that broadcasts weather forecasts and weather-related news 24 hours a day. In addition to its cable TV programming, TWC also provides forecasts for terrestrial and satellite radio stations, newspapers, and websites, and maintains an extensive online presence at weather.com. The Weather Channel debuted its high-definition simulcast on September 26, 2007. On January 3, 2008, it was reported that the family owned Landmark Communications, parent company of The Weather Channel, may be for sale.[1]
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[edit] History
The Weather Channel was the brainchild of former WLS-TV Chicago chief meteorologist and Good Morning America forecaster John Coleman, who took his idea to Landmark's then-chief Frank Batten.
A major part of the plan for the new network was that it would be able to provide localized weather information to its viewers. This was done through WeatherSTAR units located at each cable company's headend. These WeatherSTARs were able to insert local conditions, forecasts, and warnings over the national feed.
The Weather Channel went on the air on May 2, 1982. The channel reports the weather and other meteorological information for the United States as well as other countries and regions of the world. TWC originally gathered its national region forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and gathered its local forecasts from local National Weather Service offices, but since 2002 has done local forecasting in-house from Atlanta. However, current weather and forecast model data is still provided by the NWS and NOAA, and the ultraviolet index and air quality index reports are from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Weather Channel does not have any local meteorologists outside of the Atlanta area.
In May 2007, The Weather Channel celebrated 25 years on the air, the festivities including airing select past Weather Channel commercials and showing a special 25th anniversary logo during commercial breaks (see Logos section below for details).
In 2008, The Weather Channel was embroiled in scandal after rumors abounded about now former on-camera meteorologist Bob Stokes sexually harassing another former anchor, Hillary Andrews. Andrews filed a lawsuit through Cobb County district court against The Weather Channel alleging the abuse by Stokes (which included statements like "Will you lick my swizzle stick," and saying that 'TWC' "covered it up." In May, 2008, Andrews won her lawsuit and was awarded an undisclosed amount of money. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Stokes' co-anchor before Andrews, Lisa Mozer, was also harassed.[2]
[edit] Current
TWC uses special proprietary equipment that inserts local weather forecast and warning information if it is viewed on a cable TV system. The original WeatherStar technology has been upgraded on most cable systems to IntelliStar, including Vocal Local to announce the three-day local forecast. Satellite viewers see a roundup of local TWC forecasts for major cities across the U.S., as well as satellite and radar images, and severe weather watch and warning maps when active.
The Weather Channel produces a service, based on modified versions of WeatherStar technology, called Weatherscan on which a separate channel constantly displays local and regional conditions and forecasts along with The Weather Channel's logo and advertisements.
The Weather Channel is headquartered in the Cumberland/Galleria area, immediately northwest of Atlanta, overlooking the "Cobb Cloverleaf" interchange from a high-rise in the Interstate North complex. TWC's sister channel in Canada is The Weather Network in English and MétéoMédia in French, which use similar technology that is currently in use in the USA. TWC also runs websites in Brazil (Canal do Tempo), the United Kingdom (Weather Channel), France (Météo 123) and Germany (Wetter 123). Apart from its stake in The Weather Network/MétéoMédia, TWC only runs their US channel, although it does air a forecast for international locations.
A definitive history of the network, The Weather Channel: The Improbable Rise of a Media Phenomenon, by Frank Batten and Jeffrey L. Cruikshank, was published by Harvard Business Press in May 2002, on TWC's 20th anniversary.
[edit] Overseas versions
Over the years, attempts to broadcast international versions of TWC (apart from Canada's The Weather Network/MétéoMédia and the Australian version of the Weather Channel) have failed. While the Weather Channel still operates websites for online localized forecasts in Brazil, France, Germany, Latin America, and the United Kingdom, these sites appear to have not been developed further since 2003. The Weather Channel also shares radar and forecasts with the Canadian Weather Network, particularly for the Weather Channel's Canadian forecasts.
- A UK version of The Weather Channel ran from September 1, 1996 to January 30, 1998, when it was closed due to low viewership.
- TWC also ran The Weather Channel Latin America, which operated in Spanish in Mexico, Puerto Rico and South America, this network ceased operations in December 2002. The service's three original anchors were Paola Elorza, Sal Morales and Mari Carmen Ramos who left the channel within a year of its launch and went on to work for Univision in Miami, Telemundo in Los Angeles and CNN International. At one point, there was also a Portuguese version in Brazil.
[edit] The Weather Channel logo
The Weather Channel's original and most recognized logo was a blue rectangular box that debuted on TWC’s first broadcast on May 2, 1982. This logo was revised in 1996, with the corners less rounded and the logo slightly flat (this is like a revised version of Burger King's logo when it happened in 1994). The URL text weather.com was permanently added underneath the logo in 1999. In August 2005, the logo was overhauled again; the blue rectangle’s corners are straight with no white trim on the edge and "The Weather Channel" text is now in title-case and left-justified, similar to the Weather Network in Canada. A 25th anniversary logo used in 2007 featured a white rectangle edged in blue connected to the current logo with "25 YEARS" inside it in blue.
 The first Weather Channel logo, used from 1982 to 1996. |
 The Weather Channel logo used from 1996 to 2005. A revised version of the 1982 logo with its corners more squared off and the logo slightly flat. Features its website under the logo from 1999. This logo is still used on the WeatherStar 4000. |
 The current Weather Channel logo with website under it. |
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 The current Weather Channel High Definition logo debuted 2008. |
[edit] Local on the 8s
See also:
The Local on the 8s (also known as the "Local Forecast" or "LOT8s") is the part of TWC's programming where viewers see the current conditions and local forecast for their respective area at times ending in "8" (e.g., 9:18).
Before this was implemented, the local forecast was seen about 8 times an hour at various times, depending on the time of day (more in the morning, less at night). The concept of Local on the 8s debuted in 1996, although it was initially implemented in mid-1995. TWC's Local on the 8s has confused some New York metro viewers and listeners into thinking it is owned by CBS Corporation, because WCBS-TV and WCBS AM have a similar slogan for TV and radio broadcasts called "traffic and weather on the 8s".
Any cable company that carries The Weather Channel can install a Weather STAR unit in a cable headend and receive the information, which is then shown to viewers via local insertion.
As of 2006, the majority of cable companies use the IntelliStar (the network's latest STAR system), which is capable of generating graphics for Weatherscan. IntelliStar cable viewers can see current weather conditions for their location and surrounding areas, weather forecasts, doppler radars of the region, almanacs (tidal information for most coastal locations), air quality conditions, and in larger media markets, traffic conditions supplied by Traffic Pulse (which in turn gathers such information in real time from various intelligent transportation systems operated by the department of transportation in various U.S. states). Some viewers also see forecasts for popular vacation destinations that are within "weekend getaway" driving distance. Some cable companies, on the other hand, continue to use the XL, 4000, or Jr units.
Due to the unique circumstances involving satellite television, things are different for its viewers. During this time, the segment includes hourly forecasts for 20 major cities, three-day forecasts for 40 U.S. cities, satellite loops and composite radars of the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Northwest, and Southwest, respectively. At :18 and :48 after the hour, the Northwest and Southwest satellite/radars are replaced by one showing the entire West.
DirecTV viewers do see an IntelliStar-generated "lower third" graphic at all times except during television commercials. This cycles through current conditions (sky and temperature only) and today or next-day forecasts for major U.S. cities, as well as major airport delays. As of November 8, 2006, Dish Network viewers are now able to view local weather conditions and radar on The Weather Channel on DISH HOME Channel 100, based on their billing ZIP code, along with access to weather in other cities.[3]
[edit] Music
The Weather Channel released its own smooth jazz CD in 2007, The Weather Channel Presents: The Best of Smooth Jazz, based on collections of popular music played on the "Local On the 8s" segments. It peaked at #1 on Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz charts in the same year.[4] Artists included on this CD are Joyce Cooling, Dave Koz, Paprika Soul, Four 80 East, Jeff Lorber, Pieces of a Dream, Chick Corea, Jeanne Ricks, Ryan Farish, Mark Krurnowski, Najee, 3rd Force. In 2008, their second compilation CD containing their most requested music was released, titled The Weather Channel Presents: Smooth Jazz II.[5] Artists on this CD include Russ Freeman & The Rippingtons, Jeff Lorber, Ramsey Lewis Trio, Bradley Joseph, Bernie Williams, David Benoit, Spyro Gyra, Norman Brown, Chris Geith, Joe Sample, Charlie Parker Quartet, and Eric Marienthal.
Other artists that can be heard during this segment include Trammell Starks, Moby, and Chris Camozzi.
[edit] Radio and newspaper presence
The Weather Channel provides forecasts for both the Sirius and XM satellite radio services in the United States. Both services run regional forecasts on one station and have a block of combined local weather and traffic stations for major metropolitan areas.
TWC also has content partnerships with a number of local radio stations in the USA to provide local forecasts, using announcers separate from the TV service. For some affiliates, TWC actually provides a limited amount of live coverage during local severe weather (with the Georgia-based announcers connected via ISDN). Similarly, TWC also provides weather reports for a number of US newspapers, including a half-page national forecast for USA Today.
[edit] Online services
TWC provides numerous customized forecasts for online users, including home and garden and event planning forecasts. They also provide WAP access for mobile phone users, desktop widgets for quick reference by computer users, and customized weather feeds for individual websites. They follow a two-tiered service model, with the free service bearing advertisements and their pay ("Desktop Max") service lacking ads and having enhanced radar and mapping functions. Cell Phone customers can even have their local forecast sent to their mobile handsets from TWC for a fee via SMS by sending a text message with their ZIP code to 42278 which spells 4cast. Other services include Yahoo!, in which the weather pages are produced by TWC.[6]
[edit] 2007 global-warming controversy
The web site Capital Weather published an interview with WJLA meteorologist Brian van de Graaff.[7] In this interview, Mr. van de Graaff stated:
| “ | The subject of global warming definitely makes headlines in the media and is a topic of much debate. I try to read up on the subject to have a better understanding, but it is complex. Often, it is so politicized and those on both sides don't always appear to have their facts straight. History has taught us that weather patterns are cyclical and although we have noticed a warming pattern in recent time, I don't know what generalizations can be made from this with the lack of long-term scientific data. That's all I will say about this. | ” |
Global warming was voted the #1 in 100 Biggest Weather Moments.
On December 21, 2006, Dr. Heidi Cullen reacted to this by posting "Junk Controversy not Junk Science" in a blog on The Weather Channel's web site.[8] In her blog, Dr. Cullen reacted by stating:
| “ | If a meteorologist has an American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval which is used to confer legitimacy to TV meteorologists, then meteorologists have a responsibility to truly educate themselves on the science of global warming . . . . If a meteorologist can’t speak to the fundamental science of climate change, then maybe the AMS shouldn’t give them a Seal of Approval. Clearly, the AMS doesn’t agree that global warming can be blamed on cyclical weather patterns. It’s like allowing a meteorologist to go on-air and say that hurricanes rotate clockwise... It’s not a political statement... it’s just an incorrect statement. | ” |
While the anthropogenic view of global warming is aligned with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the position of decertifying or censuring dissenting meteorologists was perceived as a call to marginalize or silence opposing opinions. Cullen's position was derided by a large portion of her blog's responders as politically motivated. Responders included AMS meteorologists who also attacked her position, in particular James Spann a TV meteorologist in Alabama who also runs a weather/climate blog on his site and disagreed with Dr. Cullen's position.[9] In a follow up blog entry "A Very Political Climate", Dr. Cullen and The Weather Channel denied any political motivation.[10]
[edit] TWC HD
On September 26, 2007, DirecTV launched a 24-hour simulcast of The Weather Channel in high definition. At this time, no programming was actually presented in high definition, except for a national "satellite" version of the Local On The 8s. On October 1, 2007, two new high definition programs, "Epic Conditions" and "Weather Ventures" premiered. A new high definition series, "When Weather Changed History" premiered on The Weather Channel on January 6, 2008.
Throughout the early months of 2008, a various cable companies had started to add The Weather Channel HD to their cable lineups, including the Boston, MA, Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX, and Baton Rouge, LA markets. [11] The Weather Channel in High Definition was added to DISH Network systems on May 13, 2008.
The very first live broadcast of The Weather Channel in high definition came on June 2, 2008 in a new studio facility built next to the current one. Dubbed the "Studio of the Future", it is powered by Cisco Systems technology that is entirely eco-friendly, echoing its commitment to the environment via the Forecast Earth initiative. The complete transition to HD will be completed by year's end.
[edit] Programs Currently in HD
[edit] Programs Slated to be in HD
[edit] Other HD Programs
- Forecast Earth
- When Weather Changed History
[edit] Programming
[edit] Current programs
- Abrams & Bettes: Beyond The Forecast
- Day Planner
- Evening Edition
- First Outlook
- Forecast Earth
- Full Force Nature
- It Could Happen Tomorrow
- PM Edition
- Weather Center
- Weekend Now
- Weekend Outlook
- Weekend View
- When Weather Changed History
- Your Weather Today
[edit] Current Personalities
[edit] On-camera meteorologists
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[edit] Other personalities
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[edit] Notable Alumni
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[edit] Slogans
- "We Take The Weather Seriously, But Not Ourselves" (1982–1984)
- "Weatherproofing America" (1984–1986)
- "You Need Us, The Weather Channel, For Everything You Do" (June 1986–March 1991)
- "Weather You Can Always Turn To" (March 1991–September 1995)
- "No Place on Earth Has Better Weather" (1995–1998)
- "The Most trusted Named In Weather" (March 1998 to June 2001)
- "Live By It" (June 2001–August 15, 2005) (also currently used in Australian version)
- "Bringing Weather to Life" (August 15, 2005–early 2008)
- "The Weather has Never Looked Better" (premiered May 13, 2008) June 2, 2008–present
- Slogan for HD broadcasting
[edit] Hurricane and winter coverage slogans
- "Keeping You Ahead of the Storm" (used occasionally since the late 1990s)
- "Hurricane Central" (August–October 2005)
- "Your Hurricane Authority" (October 2005-January 2006, June 2008-present)
- "The Winter Weather Authority" (2006-2007 winter season)
- "The Hurricane Authority" (2006 and 2007 season)
[edit] See also
- Weatherscan
- The Weather Network - (the Canadian counterpart to TWC)
- List of DirecTV channels
- List of Dish Network channels
- List of Verizon FiOS channels
[edit] References
- ^ "Battens may sell The Roanoke Times' parent company", The Roanoke Times, 2008-01-03. Retrieved on 2008-01-03.
- ^ Fox News (2008-05-07). Report: Ex-Weather Channel Anchorwoman Wins Sex Harassment Claim. New York Post.
- ^ "Dish, TWC to Provide Local Weather", Multichannel News, 2006-11-08.
- ^ Chart history for The Weather Channel Presents: The Best of Smooth Jazz. Billboard Magazine. Retrieved on 2008-05-28.
- ^ Weather Channel, Best of Smooth Jazz II. JazzHQ. Retrieved on 2008-05-28.
- ^ Yahoo! News Weather.
- ^ Jason Somenow. Up Close with Brian van de Graaff, Meteorologist, WJLA Channel 7. CapitalWeather.com.
- ^ Heidi Cullen (2006-12-22). "Junk Controversy not Junk Science". The Weather Channel.
- ^ James Spann (2007-01-18). "The Weather Channel" Mess. WBMA (ABC 33/40).
- ^ Heidi Cullen (2007-01-18). A Very Political Climate. The Weather Channel.
- ^ http://www.twcclassics.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=8673&view=findpost&p=142435
[edit] External links
- The Weather Channel Official Website
- The Weather Channel: The Improbable Rise of a Media Phenomenon
- The Weather Channel at TV Ark
- TWC Classics: More on The Weather Channel from 1982-1999
- Yahoo! Weather which is sponsored by weather.com.
- Weather.com - Local Forecast Music
- TWC Today: More on The Weather Channel from 2000-present
- Interactive tour of TWC's new studio powered by Cisco Systems
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