The Weather Channel (Australia)

Infobox TV channel
dummy parameter=
name= The Weather Channel
logofile=TWC_logo.svg
logosize=150px
logoalt=Live By It!
country=Australia
owner=XYZnetworks
slogan=Live By It! (also used by US version from 2001-2005)
launch=January 1999 (Austar)
December 2002 (Foxtel)
headquarters=Sydney
web= [http://www.weatherchannel.com.au weatherchannel.com.au]
terr avail=Not Available
sat serv 1=Austar Digital
sat chan 1=Channel 603
sat serv 2=Foxtel Digital
sat chan 2=Channel 603
cable serv 1=Austar Digital
cable chan 1=Channel 603
cable serv 2=Foxtel Digital
cable chan 2=Channel 603
cable serv 3=Optus Television
cable chan 3=Channel 56
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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. With the launch of Foxtels Digitals platform, the channel has extended it's 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 programing line up.

Weather content on the channel is provided by Bureau of Meteorology.

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.

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 more easily.

Music

Music during non-presented weather forecasts include:

Current

* Jessie Baylin – Firesight
* Leo Sayer - Don’t Wait Until Tomorrow
* VARIOUS ARTISTS - The No.1 Jazz Album
* Sierra Hull - Secrets

Former

* 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

Presenters

Current Presenters

* Gavin Morris
* Rose Kelly
* Reuben Mourad
* Lee Brooks
* Josh Holt
* Magdalena Roze
* Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
* Bianca Hartge

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
* Ian Leslie
* John Dee

Meteorologists

* Richard Whitaker-Senior Meteorologists
* Jane Bunn

Former Meteorologists

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