The Weather Game Has Changed!
At 8:00 p.m. ET last night, the entire weather business game changed. After more than 50 years in the weather business service millions of people worldwide, we're creating our own video channel. I'll quote from our press release below.
(NOTE: Promo graphic updated 1/17; the graphic I showed here before was an example of the AccuWeather Channel, it's a screenshot from our morning show "AccuWeather Live" which streams a short online show every morning at 7 a.m. and Thursdays at 4 p.m.).
"AccuWeather Global Headquarters, January 13, 2014 - AccuWeather is pleased to announce it will launch a 24X7 weather channel, to be known as the AccuWeather Channel, in the third quarter of 2014. AccuWeather had not planned to make the announcement at this time, but decided to accelerate the announcement in light of the controversy that has developed between DIRECTV and The Weather Channel and in order to make the public aware of an additional offering that will be available to them later this year."
Because of the rules of that business, we can't give out details yet, but there's plenty of planning going on - trust me. The idea (as I explained to WeatherBrains last night (skip to 13:30 for my portion) is to stream a 24/7 channel online as of this Summer, while working with partners on additional viewing channels.
It's a natural extension to extend the help that we give people with improving their lives and safety through accurate weather forecasting and education. As the Coordinator of Social Media, I can tell you that I will work hard to make sure that you are a part of it too.
This morning my desktop is littered with FAQs and screenshots of feedback we've received. It's been a whirlwind day, one that will go down in history as the day things changed for AccuWeather and others in the business. I don't wish anyone ill will (we are all meteorologists) but it is what it is... and now what it isn't.
AccuWeather has been doing streaming video since the year 2000 (I've worked here since '97) and I'm thrilled to see us take the next step. Thanks to all those who have congratulated us on Social Media yesterday and today. As the sun sets on the AccuCam at the top of our global headquarters here in State College, Pa., tonight, I look forward to what tomorrow will bring, and that you will be along for the ride.
DISCLAIMER: These are my opinions only; only the text of the Press Release quoted above is the official word from AccuWeather.
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