| The Weather Channel | |
|---|---|
| Launched | 1 January 1999 (Austar) December 2002 (Foxtel) |
| Owned by | XYZnetworks |
| Slogan | Live By It! (also used by US version from 2001-2005) |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Headquarters | Sydney |
| Website | weatherchannel.com.au |
| Availability | |
| Satellite | |
| Austar | Channel 603 |
| Foxtel | Channel 603 |
| Cable | |
| Austar | Channel 603 |
| Foxtel | Channel 603 |
| Optus TV | Channel 603 |
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 |
The Weather Channel started broadcasting on 1 January 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. With the launch of Foxtel's Digitals platform, the channel has extended its distribution with an Open TV interactive weather application (Weather Active)The channel also has a popular weather web site(more below).
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.
In the middle of June 2008, The Weather Channel again had a major change with their graphics as the channel grows on its programming line up.
Weather content on the channel is provided by Metra and The Bureau of Meteorology (Australia).
On Foxtel and Austar Digital Services, an interactive weather service called 'Weather Active' is available.
It provides local weather information, such as current conditions, marine and surf reports, dam information, 28 day rain forecast, capital city forecast and 10-day forecasts for the user's postcode. It also provides a state radar, national satellite and national lightning tracker.
The Weather Channel launched a new website on 24 March 2010 (http://www.theweatherchannel.com.au). The new website features a 10 day forecast, part day and 3 hourly forecasts (all as local as postcode level), breaking weather, weather photos sent in by viewers, information on the water crises, emergency contact numbers, weathercams and program information.
There is also a weekend weather e-mail service. E-mails are sent to members on Fridays and give the weekend (Sat, Sun,Mon and Tue) forecast and information on new programs, special reports or a major current weather feature, such as cyclones.
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