The Weather Channel Announces 2008 Programming Forecast

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Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) May 20, 2008 -- Even with a "For Sale" sign in the yard, The Weather Channel (TWC) will present several new programming efforts during the remainder of 2008. The Weather Channel looks forward to new programming initiatives, an expanded commitment to environmental programs and green living, and the completion of its new high-definition studio. These projects will continue to drive momentum for the network and fulfill the mission of delivering premium forecast information and severe weather updates to consumers.

Most Watched Premiere Ever Begins All-New Second Season

The most watched premiere in TWC history, When Weather Changed History (WWCH) is officially a success. The newest HD show for TWC brought in 21+ million viewers during launch week, with ratings increasing throughout season one. With the series' success, TWC added 14 new episodes of WWCH with Towers Productions this fall. Viewer response is outstanding, and new episodes will include topics such as D-Day in 1944, the 1937 Hindenburg trip, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the 1912 maiden voyage of the Titanic, the 1945 Nagasaki nuclear attack, the 1930s Dust Bowl, and the Galveston hurricane of 1900.

Theme Weeks and Special Segments

TWC experts Dr. Steve Lyons and Dr. Greg Forbes will contribute to new expert segments of "Hurricane Minutes" and "Tornado Minutes" for news updates and information on these weather phenomena. Also, The Weather Channel will cover environmental issues and green living tips in new "Forecast Earth Briefs" with Dr. Heidi Cullen and other members of the Forecast Earth team. In addition, several theme weeks that will be part of the schedule (dates subject to change):

?    Beginning of Hurricane Season - June 1-2

?    National Hurricane Preparedness Week - June 23-26

?    Heat Week - July 21-25

?    Flood Week - Oct. 13-15

?    Weather Stories of the Year - Dec. 22-26

In addition, as the official title sponsor for The Weather Channel Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon with the Atlanta Track Club, TWC will air new fitness and weather content. During the three-month period leading up to race day (Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2008), TWC will produce and air profiles of four runners training in different U.S. geographic climates. As the first long distance event for the four trainees, profiles will track the trials and triumphs of training for their first half-marathon.

Forecast Earth - Making It A Bit Easier To Be Green

An advocate for environmental efforts, TWC will continue to expand its Forecast Earth initiative to educate viewers about climate change and how to make a difference. The one-hour weekly series, Forecast Earth, where climate news meets green living, airs on Sat. and Sun. at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. ET. Forecast Earth covers visionary profiles, the latest environmental issues, local green success stories, timely weather events and their climate change link, and eco-friendly inventions. Some upcoming show topics:

? May 17, 18 - Food and Wine theme

? May 24, 25 - Five U.S. environmental challenges

? May 31, June 1 - Hurricanes and climate change

? June 7, 8 - Summer Recreation theme

? June 14, 15 - Eco-travel theme

? June 21, 22 - Focus on wind power

TWC Ushers In Hurricane Season with First-Ever Live HD Shots

June 1 marks the official start to hurricane season, and the big day is June 2 - launch day for the new TWC HD studio. Storm Tracker Jim Cantore will report live from the Florida coast June 1-2. June 2 coverage will be the first HD live shots for the network. Not only will the in-studio crew be live in high definition, but viewers also will see Cantore in the field with the TWC HD-equipped satellite truck. Live shots from Miami Beach will air June 1 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., and HD live shots will air throughout the day June 2 (7-10 a.m. ET on Your Weather Today, 7 p.m. ET on Abrams & Bettes, and 9-11 p.m. ET on Evening Edition).

With these ongoing projects and efforts, a warm front continues to blow through the all-weather network. The hard work does not go unnoticed, as consumers recently ranked TWC more valuable than any other cable network in the 2008 Beta Brand Identity Study. Recent successes and a clear vision for the future help TWC continue "bringing weather to life" - whether rain or shine, sleet or hail, snow storms or hurricane-force winds.

About The Weather Channel:

The Weather Channel, a 24-hour weather network, is seen in more than 96 million U.S. households. The Weather Channel reaches more than 38 million unique users online each month and is the most popular source of online weather, news and information according to Nielsen//Net Ratings. The Weather Channel also operates Weatherscan, a 24-hour, all-local weather network available in 22 million households, The Weather Channel Radio Network, The Weather Channel Newspaper Services, and is the leading weather information provider for emerging technologies. This includes broadband and interactive television applications and wireless weather products including the most popular content site on the mobile Web. The Weather Channel is owned by Landmark Communications, Inc., a Norfolk, VA-based, privately held media company.

For more information on The Weather Channel Companies, including press releases, images, executive information and backgrounders please visit www.weather.com/press.

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