The Weather Channel (Australia)

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.

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 the New Zealand meteorological firm, Metra and the Australian private provider, The Weather Company.

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.

Web Site

The Weather Channel's web site 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 isa new section where you can upload your weather pictures and videos

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

Programming

Main article: The Weather Channel (Australia) Programming

Presenters

Current Presenters

• Gavin Morris
• Rose Kelly
• Reuben Mourad
• Lee Brooks
• Bianca Hartge
• Ian Thorpe
• Katrina Warren
• Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
• John Dee
• Josh Holt

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

Meteorologists

• Richard Whitaker

Former Meteorologists

• Mark Hardy
• Tracey Malmborg
• Bruce Buckley
• Don White
• Clare Richards