TWC Today Forums
Present - The Weather Channel 2000 => TWC and your Cable Company => Topic started by: Adrian on December 26, 2013, 12:17:06 PM
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http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/the-weather-channels-stormy-negotiations-with-direct-tv_b208483 (http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/the-weather-channels-stormy-negotiations-with-direct-tv_b208483)
DirectTV to drop TWC?
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[url]http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/the-weather-channels-stormy-negotiations-with-direct-tv_b208483[/url] ([url]http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/the-weather-channels-stormy-negotiations-with-direct-tv_b208483[/url])
DirectTV to drop TWC?
Even though I don't have directv, I wouldn't mind TWC being dropped because WeatherNation is playing Jazz music on the local forecasts which are 3 minutes and no long form :o
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[url]http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/the-weather-channels-stormy-negotiations-with-direct-tv_b208483[/url] ([url]http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/the-weather-channels-stormy-negotiations-with-direct-tv_b208483[/url])
DirectTV to drop TWC?
Well, here we go again! It's the same thing DISH pulled when they added TWCast, almost dropped TWC, then settled with TWC and did away with TWCast. I wonder what TWCast/WN thinks of all this moving around?
It's nice to know that DTV only put WN on to force TWC's hand! Why can't we have 2 weather channels?!?!?!?!?
Will Network Weather be used this way too next OCT?? I still think TWCast should have and hope WN and Network Weather will be used as additions, not replacements.
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[url]http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/the-weather-channels-stormy-negotiations-with-direct-tv_b208483[/url] ([url]http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/the-weather-channels-stormy-negotiations-with-direct-tv_b208483[/url])
DirectTV to drop TWC?
DirecTV just loves to piss a lot of TV channels/companies off, don't they? :P
But in all honesty, I am proud of DirecTV for doing this. The article says that TWC executives are upset, but if viewers want a real "weather" channel, then that's TWC's problem, not DirecTV who wants to provide for their customers. We'll see if this actually happens, though - like usual, DirecTV will probably make a deal with TWC at the last minute.
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:o :thrilled:
I don't blame them at all, and I have DirecTV. I think TWC deserves it! Maybe this will be the wakeup call the struggling channel needs to get their act together.
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I'm sure the FCC will make them reach a deal, just like what has happened with Viacom, Time Warner, etc. I can't see them indefinitely dropping TWC.
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I'm sure the FCC will make them reach a deal, just like what has happened with Viacom, Time Warner, etc. I can't see them indefinitely dropping TWC.
TWC is a tv network. The FCC does not regulate them. They can try to influence the channel back on but it is definitely in Directv's rights to drop them. The FCC can't do nothing about it. However I do hope that TWC get's their act together with providers trying to drop them.
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It would make sense for DirecTV to drop TWC.. they're already carrying WeatherNation, which is actually real weather all the time :lol:
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I saw this on another forum -- if DirecTV were to drop TWC, they'd also lose other NBCUniversal cable networks and maybe NBC and Telemundo O&Os as well. That would end in millions of DTV subscribers pulling the plug.
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I rarely watch anything NBC though, except the local and TWC. Why should NBC force any provider to carry a network that has lost its focus the way TWC has? I mean, I know this is the way business works, but come on. Really, it rolls back to Comcast because of NBC's connection to them. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
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The professionalism of the OCM's has really went through the basement floor. In my opinion, a major television network like TWC should make sure their broadcasters maintain a large degree of professionalism, and don't crack unnecessary jokes and stupid comments. 10+ years ago, the TWC mets were more serious, and gave you the forecast and the facts, without all the side bullcrap. TWC is not a sitcom, it's an informational network.
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I rarely watch anything NBC though, except the local and TWC. Why should NBC force any provider to carry a network that has lost its focus the way TWC has? I mean, I know this is the way business works, but come on. Really, it rolls back to Comcast because of NBC's connection to them. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Next February is an Olympic month for NBCUniversal with the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, which starts the week after Super Bowl XLVIII. That should provide more incentive for DirecTV to renew the contract.
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I saw this on another forum -- if DirecTV were to drop TWC, they'd also lose other NBCUniversal cable networks and maybe NBC and Telemundo O&Os as well. That would end in millions of DTV subscribers pulling the plug.
As long if DirecTV were to only renew the other NBC-Comcast owned & operated stations that doesn't include TWC. DirecTV did so with the Viacom dispute back in July 2012. What happened in that dispute was that Viacom wanted DirecTV to offer their premium channel Epix, but DirecTV wasn't interested (likely because of ratings?). That's what led up to that 10 day dispute. Eventually, Viacom gave DirecTV a new offer that doesn't include Epix. So why not NBC? NBC should let providers to decide to let them drop TWC without losing all of their other owned & operated stations (such as MSNBC, CNBC, NBCSN, Bravo, Oxygen, USA, etc.)
Either way, I hope DirecTV doesn't drop WeatherNation if they were to get a new deal for TWC. I love this newly added station. :biggrin: That's what happened with Dish back in 2010 that led up to the shut-down of WeatherNation's predecessor, The Weather Cast.
As for my local NBC affiliate, at least it's not owned and operated by the network. :happy: But, my local NBC affiliate on the other hand dropped their AccuWeather digital sub-channel recently. I still want to see a weather competition.
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Honestly, it seems as though TWC is chicken. Afraid of a little competition, are they? :thinking:
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The professionalism of the OCM's has really went through the basement floor. In my opinion, a major television network like TWC should make sure their broadcasters maintain a large degree of professionalism, and don't crack unnecessary jokes and stupid comments. 10+ years ago, the TWC mets were more serious, and gave you the forecast and the facts, without all the side bullcrap. TWC is not a sitcom, it's an informational network.
I partly agree, however, I believe there should be a balance. I don't think there's anything wrong with them sharing some lighthearted banter among each other especially on days when there's very little weather to discuss in the first place, but then again on days like that they could take the opportunity to educate viewers about certain weather phenomenons most average viewers wouldn't know. Meanwhile, when there's life threatening weather they should maintain a serious manner of themselves to the viewers although in situations like that I've never myself seen them not do this. :no:
All I'm saying is it's ok for OCMs to have a humorous personality and share some harmless banter with their colleagues sometimes on air. As long as it doesn't go overboard or gets too inappropriate for their colleagues and the viewers it's fine with me.
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Even in the early-to-mid '00s, TWC had fun, but I don't feel they took it overboard then. I remember the "Return of the Humidity" bit from 2004 or so (meant to parody Return of the Jedi) that I thought was pretty funny. However, when the OCMs are on less than ever before, I don't think there's as much time available for playing around.
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I wonder how this DTV and TWC situation will play out, honestly i wish Comcast would drop it but they own NBC.
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I highly doubt directv will drop twc , they'll come up with something last minute like dish. I personally don't care though because I don't watch twc anymore and any competition is welcome. Twc can't be enjoying their monopoly long enough and with network weather, if successful, twc could be in big trouble next year. But overall, I don't see much evolving from this but just talk.
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nbc / comcrap can play dirty and try force systems to have to buy TWC to get channels like NBCSN, local nbc, USA and more.
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TWC put out a press release regarding DTV possibly dropping the channel.
“For DIRECTV to take us off their lineup would be deeply irresponsible to its customers who not only count on The Weather Channel on a day-to-day basis, but depend on us before, during and after severe weather events. As the most trusted source of weather news and information in America, The Weather Channel is there when it matters most. If we are not available to DIRECTV’s 20 million viewers, they will miss the accurate and life-saving information we have been providing for more than 30 years,” said David Kenny, chairman and CEO of The Weather Company."
http://www.deadline.com/2014/01/the-weather-channel-directv-carriage-dispute/ (http://www.deadline.com/2014/01/the-weather-channel-directv-carriage-dispute/)
"The Weather Channel is there when it matters most."
There are two instances that take exception to that,
May 15th 2013 due to meetings TWC made a decision to re run the tornado week shows instead of doing live weather shows 5pm-8pm, 10pm and 1am.
They got caught with tornadoes in Texas and were forced to go live at 8pm ET.
Then on May 18th, 2013 the storm the Tornado Hunt team were following had 3 tornadoes touch down between around 8:25pm and 9pm and TWC stayed on tape.
"If we are not available to DIRECTV’s 20 million viewers, they will miss the accurate and life-saving information we have been providing for more than 30 years".
TWC provides no weather coverage 2pm-4:30am on weekends so there is not much to miss then.
When there is severe weather I'm sure most people turn to their local broadcast channels for coverage.
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here's what the scroll says on TWC
ATTENTION DIRECTV CUSTOMERS: The Weather Channel WILL NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE TO YOU AFTER JANUARY 13TH. Don't let DIRECTV control the weather! ACT NOW. visit keeptheweatherchannel.com and demand DIRECTV keep this critical, life-saving resource in your local community.
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Unmarketable is unmarketable, and I feel this is what TWC is becoming unfortunately. It won't only be DirecTV with the way things are going.
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Is there a reason there is no longform at 1 PM CT today other than the DTV Issue?
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Now they added an annoying countdown clock to the upper right of the screen.
They also keep complaining about DTV possibly dropping them going to every break.
I'm waiting for them to add it as a slide on the LOT8s.
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Desperation is kicking in fast. :rolleyes: :whistling:
Doesn't really matter to me what happens, however it'll be interesting to see if it actually happens and for how long...
Also I've been hearing conflicting reasons as to why DTV is threatening to drop TWC. I thought it was because of viewer complaints over the lack of live programming, but from what I saw a snippet of from an article today, it's over financial reasons on TWC's end with Sam Champion, his new show, etc, and the fees they want DTV to foot the bill on. :dunno:
It's likely the latter though.
EDIT: It's also ridiculous that TWC is trying to get the government to intervene by urging DTV viewers to contact their senators/congressmen to stop DTV from dropping them from the lineup.
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I'd like to make a rare appearance to say that TWC is running this scroll about it (I sadly have DirecTV) saying "You may not have TWC after January 13 due to DTV", so on and so forth. DTV later chose to slap their own scroll on top of that telling folks to go to the Weather Nation channel on channel 361. Do they not realize how many people trust TWC, despite all their longform crap? Gosh, if DTV goes forward with this, I hope they go bankrupt (not going to happen - wishful thinking) so we can finally go back to the equally crappy but better Comcast.
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Now there running commerical ads featuring Jim Cantore presuading viewers to go to keeptheweatherchannel.com to prevent DTV from dropping TWC.
TWC is getting desperate. They will suffer this consequence if they continue to drop live programming.
If I were running TWC, I would do the following things to prevent DTV from dropping TWC:
Restore WCL hours that were cut in the November Relaunch.
Have the National Satellite LDL on at ALL times
Extend LOT8s to 2 minutes.
Add the HD Sidebar to the LOT8s.
Reduce "fluff" or "softball" stories/segments/gimmicks.
Replace Reality Long-Form with Documentary Long-Form.
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If TWC doesn't want DirecTV to drop them, then they need to change. Extend LOT8s to 2 minutes, bring back smooth jazz, restore hours cut for longform, etc.
The fact the execs are whining over competition is pitiful. We will see how this will go but they will probably come up with something last minute. DirecTV however will lose a large number of subscribers if this does go out as planned.
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If TWC doesn't want DirecTV to drop them, then they need to change. Extend LOT8s to 2 minutes, bring back smooth jazz, restore hours cut for longform, etc.
The fact the execs are whining over competition is pitiful. We will see how this will go but they will probably come up with something last minute. DirecTV however will lose a large number of subscribers if this does go out as planned.
I agree with what you say. TWC needs to go back to their original mission and provide detailed weather information on YOUR schedule. Just watch what they described the day of their launch, back in 1982:
Weather Channel's Debut May 2, 1982 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmAcbjhtkLM#)
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KeepTheWeatherChannel.com is a joke. The title of the main page (ie. "Don't Let DirecTV control the weather") alone makes me wanna puke. I also noticed that there is no mention on the site as to why DirecTV is threatening to drop the channel. It just says DirecTV is going to drop it unless you call them and your congress person. I don't have a problem with them asking viewers to call DirecTV, but why in the world are they asking congress to get involved!?
Whether it's because of a lack of weather programming or because TWC wants more money, I side with DirecTV. And I'm no fan of DirecTV (even though I have them). It really irks me when channels try to solve their budget issues by sticking it to the cable companies (and in turn their subscribers). If you can't afford to operate within your current budget, then obviously you need to cut some expenses or find a way to earn more money without raising your prices directly or indirectly.
The idea that millions will die if TWC isn't available on DirecTV is bull and they know it. And to see Jim Cantore pimping this campaign of fear is just sad. I thought he had more integrity than that.
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Exactly, this is a management issue the OCMs should not be involved in just give us the forecasts please.
Kinda interesting timing 2 days before the TWC DTV contract is up they decide to go live to at least 11pm ET.
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/01/11/directv-to-drop-weather-channel/ (http://wattsupwiththat.com/2014/01/11/directv-to-drop-weather-channel/)
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If TWC doesn't want DirecTV to drop them, then they need to change. Extend LOT8s to 2 minutes, bring back smooth jazz, restore hours cut for longform, etc.
The fact the execs are whining over competition is pitiful. We will see how this will go but they will probably come up with something last minute. DirecTV however will lose a large number of subscribers if this does go out as planned.
Totally agree with everything you posted! the latest update to TWC became the last straw and i'm glad DTV is listening to their subscribers.
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TWC is preempting programming now? For what reason? Just 3 days before DirecTV is scheduled to drop them? :rolleyes:
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TWC is preempting programming now? For what reason? Just 3 days before DirecTV is scheduled to drop them? :rolleyes:
Um...severe weather I would assume. :dunno:
Seems like a lot of you think the timing is questionable, but honestly I'm sure it's just a coincidence.
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As much as I would love to think DirecTV is dropping TWC because of the extended long-form and crappy reality stuff, I bet it's all about money. Now if TWC is charging more to keep the channel, I think DirecTV should drop the channel if it's unreasonable. But I guarantee an agreement will be made sooner or later (we may run into a Viacom situation again where the channel is gone for a few days, but it won't be gone forever.)
TWC likely pre-empted long form this afternoon because of severe weather in the southeast.
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The channel that broadcasts non weather related reality shows 8pm-4am weekdays and 2pm-4:30am on weekend is now trying to spin that they provide public service.
http://www.deadline.com/2014/01/tca-weather-channel-takes-campaign-against-directv-to-tv-critics/ (http://www.deadline.com/2014/01/tca-weather-channel-takes-campaign-against-directv-to-tv-critics/)
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Now they added an annoying countdown clock to the upper right of the screen.
They also keep complaining about DTV possibly dropping them going to every break.
I'm waiting for them to add it as a slide on the LOT8s.
Here's the graphic.
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There's no way this was not planned in advance. The OCMs had to have time to be ready to be on air on a day they would normally be off.
I could understand staying live in the afternoon. There is no reason for them to be live 11pm-3am except to keep telling people that DTV is going drop TWC.
They are not even calling it storm coverage because there are no active storms to cover.
I'll bet they do the same thing Sunday so they are live to 12am Monday.
Amazing it takes the possibility of DTV dropping them for them to do what the should be doing, providing live weather shows after 2pm on weekends.
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As if the countdown clock on the top right, the scroll on the LDL and the notice on the top right of the HD wing are not enough, TWC is now spamming the screen during taped reports with a scroll above the lower thirds about DTV dropping TWC.
The more they do this the more foolish TWC becomes.
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Regarding to the possible TWC dispute on DirecTV, I found this on DirecTV Promise page:
The Weather Channel has begun alarming DIRECTV customers unnecessarily about its potentially leaving the DIRECTV line-up as soon as Monday. Here’s what DIRECTV has to say about the campaign:
We remain in discussions with The Weather Channel on how to provide its service to our customers at the best value since people now use so many other ways to retrieve weather-related information. We launched WeatherNation (DIRECTV channel 361) as an alternative to provide 24/7 hard news weather coverage in response to numerous customer complaints that more than 40 percent of The Weather Channel’s programming is dedicated to reality television shows. DIRECTV also offers city-by-city weather coverage on more than 1,400 local broadcast stations and on DIRECTV’s emergency channels in times of severe weather.
Also, it appears that most DirecTV customers want it to be dropped permanently like what happened with G4 back in 2010. Here's the reactions:
@weatherchannel programing for Saturday Highway Thru Hell,Heavy Metal Monsters, Prospectors,etc ..where's the weather? I stand with #Directv
— Angel C (@alc965) January 11, 2014
@davidwkenny Maybe make it about weather and not terrible shows, marketing gimmicks or over the top personalities? No more wethertainment
— Tommy D (@TommyD0527) January 11, 2014
Weather Channel is saying viewers know the cost of DirectTV dropping then by posting storm damage pics. That's some mafia like negotiation
— Duke Williams (@Dastardly_Duke) January 11, 2014
Weather Channel whines if DirecTV drops them, people will miss "life-saving information"! "Ice Road Truckers" & "Prospectors" save lives?
— Judianna (@JUDIANNA) January 11, 2014
@weatherchannel you mean I can't get weather from my phone? Or local news? Or computer? Or by going outside and checking? Crazy…
— Lovie Time In Tampa! (@pewterpirate83) January 11, 2014
For you DirecTV customers, don't listen to The Weather Channel, just watch @WeatherNation for more accurate & unbiased weather information.
— Mark Spencer (@ohioweather) January 11, 2014
Source: http://directvpromise.com/disputes/weather-channel/ (http://directvpromise.com/disputes/weather-channel/)
I also found an interesting story from the Salt Lake Tribune about the possible dispute:
http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile3/57382158-219/weather-channel-directv-public.html.csp (http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile3/57382158-219/weather-channel-directv-public.html.csp)
Honestly, I hope DirecTV permanently drops TWC like what they already did to G4. Recently, even other major cable providers (including Dish) had already dropped G4. I hope DirecTV wins this battle. As a long-time TWC viewer since the early '90s, I haven't watched TWC regularly like I used to ever since when they changed the logo back in 2005 and also after when NBC bought them out in 2008. I hate to say this (even on these TWC fan forums like this) I want TWC to crash and burn like what has already happened to G4. I'm so glad we already switched from Comca$t to DirecTV a few years ago. It's Comca$t's fault after all.
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To take the DTV discussion even further,
if The Weather Channel is a "Critical, life-saving resource in your local community" as the text related to DTV says,
how come I can't get a local forecast on TWC HD on FiOS? If TWC is that important would they not want to make sure every cable system can provide a local forecast in HD and SD.
There has also been times when my local area has severe weather while TWC is airing non weather related reality shows.
While I do tune into TWC for their live shows and storm coverage, TWC is over selling the value of their channel.
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That's what I think. They purposefully preempted longform because of the DTV fiasco and to make it seem like they're doing the weather once again. The severe weather outbreak was minimal at best. They're live until 3AM and they very rarely preempt longform that late aside from Sandy and earlier in March.
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TWC is staying live through the overnight.
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It just shows that at least someone is listening to customers here, and it isn't TWC. DTV is saying what we've been saying for a while now when they mention the large amount of longform. Customers got nowhere by complaining to TWC, so they must have gone to DTV instead.
the countdown clock on the top right
You mean a Disney Channel-style countdown clock like they use for premieres? Lol. :D
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That's what I think. They purposefully preempted longform because of the DTV fiasco and to make it seem like they're doing the weather once again. The severe weather outbreak was minimal at best. They're live until 3AM and they very rarely preempt longform that late aside from Sandy and earlier in March.
:rofl2: This is just hallarious. Interestingly TWC's facebook has more people saying drop TWC you show no weather than directv's facebook. Probably because of TWC directing them to directv. Finally, TWC is now feeling the wrath of excessive long form because directv said it was part of the reason too, also money. :P Lets see where this leads. Also TWC has no grounds with congress. You want local weather go to your local news stations. You want other peoples weather 24/7 go to weather nation. Nothing here needs congresses attention.
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TWC is live all day so they can continue complain that DTV might drop them on 13th.
It's not even 12am Monday that TWC would be dropped it's 12am on Tuesaday so this is clearly a planned stunt to combat the complaints about TWC airing non weather reality shows 2pm-4am on weekends.
If TWC really cares about it's audience the 5pm 7pm and 1am editions of WCL would return to the schedule next weekend.
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TWC is live again and they didn't even mention "extended' or 'special' coverage. They are going live all night long tonight through the overnight hours too. This is just too funny. :rofl2:
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It just shows that at least someone is listening to customers here, and it isn't TWC. DTV is saying what we've been saying for a while now when they mention the large amount of longform. Customers got nowhere by complaining to TWC, so they must have gone to DTV instead.
the countdown clock on the top right
You mean a Disney Channel-style countdown clock like they use for premieres? Lol. :D
Ironically, Cartoon Network does this too for all of their own premieres. Those countdown bugs had always annoyed me and so are those network pop-ups during certain programs before the commercial breaks.
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TWC is live all day so they can continue complain that DTV might drop them on 13th.
It's not even 12am Monday that TWC would be dropped it's 12am on Tuesaday so this is clearly a planned stunt to combat the complaints about TWC airing non weather reality shows 2pm-4am on weekends.
If TWC really cares about it's audience the 5pm 7pm and 1am editions of WCL would return to the schedule next weekend.
I'm sure TWC's live coverage campaign just to prove DirecTV how "important" they are is still going to lose out in the ratings to the NFL playoff coverage on both Fox and CBS. :lol: Right now, I'm not even watching TWC anyway because of football. :rofl2:
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Ok this may be long as it’s been an interesting weekend, and it’s not over yet! I can’t believe TWC is still live! Only thing that worries me is if TWC gets the contract, TWC will forget this weekend ever happened!!! If TWC doesn’t get the contract, I wonder if they’ll change anything? I don’t remember this much coverage with the DISH issue. Anyone else? If I remember correctly, TWC got into trouble with DISH because they missed severe weather because of Flick and a Forecast. Now it seems they have been doing more preempting with a SA like look since WATT debuted without the dual feed.
Now, an interesting question:
Is TWC live because they really trying to stay on DTV or is it because they can’t show their crawl during longform because they don’t give SAT viewers WATT during long form?????? Yes, TWC started out as a cable channel, but wouldn’t you think that TWC would have thought of SAT viewers when they were developing WATT Maybe no longform WATT is part of the DTV Issue?
Now on to WN. For some reason the local WN has to go off air 3 hours a week for educational programming. Does the DTV WN have to do that? The problem with WN & TWC is WN has the time, TWC has the talent. I still don’t understand why we can’t have 2 weather channels??? Just watch WN when TWC has longform. Which shouldn’t be from 2PM on during weekends mind you but still. Another worry is, if TWC gets DTV(which I hope is what happens), will WN stay on DTV? It should in my mind. If TWC and WN do stay on DTV, I’ll feel better about Network Weather coming and maybe DISH will get WN.
In closing, What TWC and Cantorie needs to understand is We’re not complaining that they don’t cover the big stuff. They’ve covered a lot since WATT I think. It’s the amount of longform and no longform WATT for SAT viewers we can’t stand.
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I'm not against the drop of TWC on DirecTV. It's a bold statement, yet it's a stand that states "We don't like what TWC has become." There must be less reality shows and more live weather. Even if it's saving the company money by not paying OCM's more hours, not being on more cable networks is lethal as well.
I'm excited to see what Network Weather will provide, especially after what Jeanne has told us so far.
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Could careless if it was dropped, even if Dish made the choice. Most everything about that network just plain sucks.
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I agree with you. I think they're only live so people will see live weather being discussed when they tune in to see the warning. This drop needs to happen if TWC will make any positive changes because I think they will revert to what they want if they get the contract.
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I agree with you. I think they're only live so people will see live weather being discussed when they tune in to see the warning. This drop needs to happen if TWC will make any positive changes because I think they will revert to what they want if they get the contract.
I agree. Funny how vivian said a few minutes ago "From The Weather Channel headquarters in Atlanta, your watching Weather Center Live Weekend Edition. :dunno:
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It bothers me how TWC calls themselves "critical, valuable, and life-saving." They're not. As much as they may think they are, they're just not. Granted, I know the phrase is being used to convince DirecTV and those with it to think twice and keep the channel, but as has been discussed many times before, if severe weather was threatening my area, the last place I would be tuning into is TWC. They just can't go as in depth as the local news stations can, and more importantly, they love to cover only the biggest news story. For example, in Oklahoma City on May 31 of last year when the tornado flipped Bettes and the crew's truck, there were several other smaller tornadoes affecting other parts of the metro area. But do we remember those? No, because TWC only decided to talk about the "main event."
I don't think DirecTV will drop TWC permanently, but I have a feeling TWC may go off the air for a few days, just like what happened with the Viacom networks. Hopefully, again, this is more than just a money deal, and if an agreement is made, changes will be made to on-air coverage. Sadly, I am skeptical anything will be changed. :(
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I have a feeling TWC is live both to show the crawls continuously and perhaps "trick" those naïve people who may not know much about TWC into thinking that coverage is still provided all the time. That way, if DirecTV argues that there's too much long-form, these people can tune into TWC and say "no there's not."
TWC should go into a "storm alert" mode for DirecTV dropping them. :lol: The insert on the right bar replacing the run-down is a good start.
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I find it kinda funny that TWC has been showing live programming all weekend. If they did this more often, I would be a regular viewer!
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I find it kinda funny that TWC has been showing live programming all weekend. If they did this more often, I would be a regular viewer!
Agreed. All of this extra live coverage is reminding me of years gone by, and I like it.
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I've been noticing that since TWC started there "campagin" to prevent DTV from dropping them, there have been no commercials/ads promoting Long-Form/Reality Programming. Prior to this, TWC had been airing commercials promoting new episodes of non-weather reality shows "Prospectors" and "Freaks of Nature" that were suppose to air Tonight. Since then, TWC has bee airing either ads featuring Jim Cantore persuading viewers to go to keeptheweathechannel.com or an ad about how The Weather Channel "Matters".
TWc is so desperate. They should of been airing live weather news 24/7 all the time like they been doing since Saturday. They have plenty of new OCMs to fill in slots.
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So, where's the severe weather? There's no red TWC logo to indicate such. Looking at the national radar map, there are only a few areas with rain showers, but certainly not what I would call a severe weather event. This is suspicious, but at least the TWC viewers are getting what they want: live weekend weather. I predict that if a deal is reached, TWC will slip back to its old ways. I'm pretty sure that Prospectors would be on now if not for the DTV dispute; what we're seeing now isn't a representation of what TWC has been from November to the start of this situation.
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This had to be pre planned for when they figured out a deal was not close with DTV.
You are so right about TWC not airing any promos about their reality shows and replacing them with promos
about why TWC is important. That had to be part of the plan.
This is what makes me laugh, they did not care when people complained about the having no live shows after 2pm on weekends and now they are only doing it as a publicity stunt.
It's an insult to the people who watch TWC for the live weather shows.
Maybe as part of the deal with DTV they agree that TWC restores some the live hours they took away.
At least bring back the 4pm and 7pm weekend hours.
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I find it kinda funny that TWC has been showing live programming all weekend. If they did this more often, I would be a regular viewer!
Agreed. All of this extra live coverage is reminding me of years gone by, and I like it.
Too bad it is only for a short time and only because they are about to lose 1/3 of their audience If they don't get a deal done.
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It seems like they're playing games with the viewers and the providers. That's a strategy that can't hold up long-term. Did this start just because DTV picked up WN?
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It's a game. I predict that regardless of the outcome, TWC reverts back to longform central after the dispute ends. If DTV keeps TWC, then TWC will see no need to appease the carrier and it will resume the longform. If DTV drops TWC, then TWC will have nothing to gain from smoke and mirrors; therefore, it will resume the longform.
As far as losing its audience goes, I thought TWC was making a start on that already. Sure, being the only national weather source available for so long would have given the channel an advantage by default. However, I'm sure some viewers, whether on DTV or not, have tuned out the channel already.
Now, I do think this may be a wakeup call of sorts if TWC listens. Although I don't see longform going away, especially on weekends, I wonder if some of the egregiously non-weather-related programming (*cough*Prospectors*cough*) might get the boot in favor of more weather-related shows.
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It's a game. I predict that regardless of the outcome, TWC reverts back to longform central after the dispute ends. If DTV keeps TWC, then TWC will see no need to appease the carrier and it will resume the longform. If DTV drops TWC, then TWC will have nothing to gain from smoke and mirrors; therefore, it will resume the longform.
As far as losing its audience goes, I thought TWC was making a start on that already. Sure, being the only national weather source available for so long would have given the channel an advantage by default. However, I'm sure some viewers, whether on DTV or not, have tuned out the channel already.
Now, I do think this may be a wakeup call of sorts if TWC listens. Although I don't see longform going away, especially on weekends, I wonder if some of the egregiously non-weather-related programming (*cough*Prospectors*cough*) might get the boot in favor of more weather-related shows.
Or maybe increase live weather coverage to what it was like in 2010 or 2011? And hopefully boot off those stupid reality shows and show weather shows like what it was in 2007 and 2008 like you said?
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It's a game. I predict that regardless of the outcome, TWC reverts back to longform central after the dispute ends. If DTV keeps TWC, then TWC will see no need to appease the carrier and it will resume the longform. If DTV drops TWC, then TWC will have nothing to gain from smoke and mirrors; therefore, it will resume the longform.
As far as losing its audience goes, I thought TWC was making a start on that already. Sure, being the only national weather source available for so long would have given the channel an advantage by default. However, I'm sure some viewers, whether on DTV or not, have tuned out the channel already.
Now, I do think this may be a wakeup call of sorts if TWC listens. Although I don't see longform going away, especially on weekends, I wonder if some of the egregiously non-weather-related programming (*cough*Prospectors*cough*) might get the boot in favor of more weather-related shows.
Or maybe increase live weather coverage to what it was like in 2010 or 2011? And hopefully boot off those stupid reality shows and show weather shows like what it was in 2007 and 2008 like you said?
If DirecTV follows throughs I strongly expect That some weather programming would return mainly evenings and overnight (Ex. The 10pm and 1am returning and weekends even adding hours.)
The reason TWC is doing this is because DirecTV pretty much called them out for what we have been saying about TWC for a while now... Except, They have 33 million homes they go into and have picked up a 24 hour weather network as well to say "Hey, You know when you used to be about the weather? We would like that back please, or we will walk with our 33 million customers and we'll stay away.... ask G4 about that one, Comcast.*" So DirecTV have some stroke here that TWC knows for a fact is huge. So If DirecTV does this expect some changes on TWC.
*DirecTV pulled G4 in 2010, and it has not returned since.
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Despite the lack of widespread severe weather today, TWC has not aired any longform programming, from what I have seen. They are definitely scared that DTV could drop them. Hopefully this instills in the minds of the management of TWC/NBC/Comcast that live weather is the best way to go; both for the viewers and for TWC's ratings.
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I wouldn't be surprised if TWC adds more live programming to their schedule should the DirecTV dispute be resolved. Somehow I doubt this will happen, as TWC will probably forget about this and then soon go back to the current schedule that includes the so-called "hit" reality crap shows which absolutely have nothing to do with weather. :rolleyes:
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I posted this (in two parts) on another forum, but I'm posting it here as well, because this whole thing is just outrageous.
I've said that this network's problem is that they seem split between being Weather Channel, a network that airs live weather coverage, and WEATHER™, an entertainment network that happens to feature shows that are tangentially about weather and nature. They need to be one or the other, because Weather Channel can't be taking long stretches off from live coverage, and WEATHER™'s programming needs to be dependably scheduled.
But, with this whole DirecTV scare, they've made their choice, whether they know it or not.
They've been in live coverage continuously since at least yesterday morning. They show no signs of stopping. As a number of you have noted, all advertising and promotions for long-form/reality programming have ceased. In the usual promotional spots which air prior to Local on the 8s, they've either been running generic network IDs, the Cantore promo directing viewers to keeptheweatherchannel.com, and those image spots that say "THE WEATHER CHANNEL MATTERS". The implication is that, because the weather has gotten more extreme, the service that they provide is necessary, NOW MORE THAN EVER.
Nevermind that said weather forecasting resource ends at 2pm on weekends. Nevermind that, up until DirecTV threatened to drop the channel, they were hyping shows like "Highway Thru Hell" to death. Nevermind that the amount of live weather coverage has been dropping steadily for years now. No, they describe themselves as a service providing crucial public safety and severe weather preparedness programming.
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, The Weather Channel has ACKNOWLEDGED that the amount of long-form is too high. They've basically validated the complaints of DirecTV, its customers, and everyone here. If they're a weather service that matters, they've been doing a spectacularly poor job.
I'm not against long-form and reality programming. But if they are actively saying that The Weather Channel is a forecasting news service, they have to deliver on that promise. They can't simply go back to airing hours and hours of "Freaks of Nature" after this is all over. They have to commit to increased weather coverage.
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TWC keeps using the phrase "The Weather Channel will no longer be available on Direct TV after January 13th" as if it's 100% a fact that DTV is dropping the channel.
If that's the case why would anyone bother calling DTV to complain since the channel is being dropped?
That wording makes it seem like TWC has stopped negotiating with Direct TV.
As of the 3am ET WCL they are now showing old reports of storm coverage to almost brag that hey! we were there covering the storms! Very tacky.
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I posted this (in two parts) on another forum, but I'm posting it here as well, because this whole thing is just outrageous.
That is a very good summary of the situation. Because DTV might drop them they are pretending to be a 24/7 Weather Channel.
They can't go from being live from 4:30am Saturday to at least 12am Tuesday then go back to having no live programming 2pm-4am on weekends because it proves this was just a planed stunt.
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Now TWC is turning this into an infomercial about why TWC is so important. They are playing clips from viewers talking about TWC.
Also various off camera meteorologists have been doing interview segments with the OCMs talking about TWC.
It's so funny how a channel that cut back live hours with a relaunch is now crowing about how vital and important they are.
Again, if what TWC does is so important why are reality shows on 8pm to 4am weekdays and 2pm to 4:30 am weekends.
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I wasn't sure where to put this...so I'll put it here.
This makes me downright mad and honestly made me lose any respect I had for TWC.
(https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1013140_10152514286030410_302816975_n.jpg)
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I just saw that on facebook. Hope WN kick their :censored: now. lol
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I wasn't sure where to put this...so I'll put it here.
This makes me downright mad and honestly made me lose any respect I had for TWC.
(https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1013140_10152514286030410_302816975_n.jpg)
That is the least classy response I have ever seen from a network. But hey, it takes one to know one, in regards to trashing others. Soo....
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I just saw that on facebook. Hope WN kick their :censored: now. lol
What did you see? I for some reason can't read it.
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What's wrong with that response??? I totally agree wirh TWC! WN is taped that runs on a 3 hour cycle I think. WN doesn't have the experience or the talent. Plus when WN first got to Milwaukee, there were problems for like a year Even in the past two months, the channel froze and they showed a LF from like summer! Don't get me wrong I love WN, especially since I get TWC on DISH now. It's so nice to have a Local channel like TWC back again but I don't think it can top TWC When their both live or live to tape or whatever. WN should be the 2nd weather channel.
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TWC is still live! Still cant believe it! Saw on Twitter that DTV or TWC Wants A One Penney Increase. Is that for Sam's new show or for the whole network? I wouldn't think that Sam"s show would be any more than WCL, MR, or WUWA would it? If longform is not part of the issue, I will be shocked!!!!!!
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Sorry but I have to go into rant mode!
The channel that airs taped programming 2pm-5pm and 8pm-4am Weekdays and 2pm to 4:30am weekends is bashing
Weather Nation for being on tape? That's comical.
Who was not live in May 2013 when tornadoes were confirmed to be on the ground? TWC.
Lets also remember before TWC ended the 1am WCL that show was on live for the blocks at 1am and 1:30am all the other segments at 10, 20, 40 and 50 min after the hour were a rebroadcast of 10pm.
The fact that TWC now has to do segments talking about how they care about weather and stay live when reality shows would be on is comical.
Why do people need to be reminded of your commitment to weather? Because you run to many blocks of non weather related reality shows?
Thanks.
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I wasn't sure where to put this...so I'll put it here.
This makes me downright mad and honestly made me lose any respect I had for TWC.
(https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1013140_10152514286030410_302816975_n.jpg)
I agree, this lowers my opinion of TWC a lot too, and it only proves that they are playing a game IMHO. It's about knocking out any potential competition and coercing providers (and by extension customers) to agree with that mission. I notice they emphasize their live coverage, and the truth is that they have shown a lot of that lately, but I still believe it's only because of competition.
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So now they're airing Dr. Forbes' tornado coverage from Saturday to show how they cover storms. I tuned in and literally thought there were tornado warnings out...good job TWC <_<
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TWC's spinning like a tornado, it seems. :fire:
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I do agree TWC has more resources and experts, yet they don't use them to their full potential. The weather coverage has been "dumbed down" in recent years. I used to watch because I used to learn from the channel and it captivated my interests...so much so I wanted to make meteorology a career.
Networks get off TV. It's not the first time it's happened, but TWC is overreacting to this. They're providing the weather coverage they should be doing all the time, not just now.
No ads for long-form "weathertainment" lateley, either. If anything comes from this, they really need less long-form. I hope this is a wake-up call.
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They're whining ( :cry3: ) to Congress, too, or at least trying to get viewers to do it for them. That's hardly any different than the old song "Summertime Blues" in which the protagonist calls Congress over having to work a summer job.
Networks get off TV. It's not the first time it's happened, but TWC is overreacting to this. They're providing the weather coverage they should be doing all the time, not just now.
Good point. :happy: Maybe DirecTV (and Dish and a few other providers) need to hold this over TWC's head all the time. If so, the network would be forced to do right all the time.
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I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing but, the more I watch TWC today, I feel like TWC is in some sort of Free Preview Weekend that Disney used to have ages ago. I kind of like it! They covered every season, every expert I think. A good overall look at what TWC does all year. They haven't touched the longform shows meaning they aren't promoting them on air.
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Yes...but I want my current weather. I don't want to hear a bunch of adults whining like kids essentially begging people to call DirecTV. That's all they've been talking about today. It's all a flub to try to get viewers to believe them.
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I wasn't sure where to put this...so I'll put it here.
This makes me downright mad and honestly made me lose any respect I had for TWC.
(https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1013140_10152514286030410_302816975_n.jpg)
That is the least classy response I have ever seen from a network. But hey, it takes one to know one, in regards to trashing others. Soo....
When they mentioned WN being taped with low-budget production values and claiming that they don't have experts, wasn't TWC like this 31 years ago? :doh:
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I wasn't sure where to put this...so I'll put it here.
This makes me downright mad and honestly made me lose any respect I had for TWC.
(https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1013140_10152514286030410_302816975_n.jpg)
That is the least classy response I have ever seen from a network. But hey, it takes one to know one, in regards to trashing others. Soo....
When they mentioned WN being taped with low-budget production values and claiming that they don't have experts, wasn't TWC like this 31 years ago? :doh:
Wasn't TWC live all the way from Opening Day? I don't know as I wasn't alive.
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Wasn't TWC live all the way from Opening Day? I don't know as I wasn't alive.
Yes they were, (I already saw the video from YouTube last year). It's possible that they might of still had some pre-recorded broadcasts back during TWC's early years. I know that they used to do pre-recorded broadcasts back in the late '80s that proceeded after the "O"/"N" flavored LFs. Yet, I wasn't even born yet in 1982 when they first went on the air.
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There are these two DirecTV-related crawls on screen, including one fairly high up that detracts from the coverage a little. Oh, and I just heard another one of their grovels going into the commercial.
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Highway thru hell is airing at 9. :rofl2:
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What Weather Channel is doing today is literally making me want to punch something. It's the most despicable, manipulative and cynical treatment of an audience that I've ever seen. Even Cartoon Network's lame attempts to add live-action programming were less reprehensible.
Yes, they have more resources and technology and meteorologists and all that. NOBODY is disputing that. When they do provide coverage of breaking news stories, they generally do a very good job. They were indispensable during Sandy.
But they're literally saying LIVES WILL BE THREATENED if DirecTV pulls the network. They're arguing that it's a utility.
If it's a utility, then they have no business airing ANY weathertainment programming, much less devoting 40% of the schedule to it. And up until Saturday, what were they promoting to death? The reality shows. Certainly I don't think shows like "Prospectors" count as public service, do you?
Okay, so maybe WeatherNation offers taped forecasts on a loop, with graphics and staff that aren't as experienced as The Weather Channel. And maybe it isn't an alternative to the "critically important programming". But I'll take a rougher, taped presentation that's available 100% of the time over their critically important service that they only devote 60% of the schedule to.
And they just ran an ad for Highway to Hell, airing tonight at 9. That better not air.
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Over the weekend DTV dropping TWC was more important than reality shows yet tonight at 9pm ET a new episode of a show about tow truck drivers is more important than weather and DTV dropping TWC?
TWC started to re use the comments from the "Loyal Viewers" during the preview of the graphics relaunch.
I laugh when they talk about TWC's commitment to weather when the weekend before the relaunch TWC went to the new schedule of longform 2pm to 4:30am on weekends. That's some commitment to weather.
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2 Minute Locals added to this extended coverage would be perfect right now!
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2 Minute Locals added to this extended coverage would be perfect right now!
They would, but that also would cut into TWC's "hype time."
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The DTV countdown clock and DTV scroll are MIA from the 7pm WCL so far.
Just as I posted they are back.
Instead of just having Chris Warren in studio and another OCM only doing a couple of segments they have Chris and Jennifer Lopez in studio.
I guess Jennifer Lopez is still part time or freelance as Danielle Banks said she was told only full time OCMs get bio pages on weather.com.
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A nice piece closed the 5PM CT WCL. All about what TWC does. With some of the OCM including Sam! Looking at that piece, you would never know TWC has longform! Also, not connected to DTV but, Sam looks right at home at TWC already!
Chris and Jen Lopez are on right now so hopefully no longform tonight. Howerver, the DTV issue has made it way to the rundown. I don't know if it means anything. Hopefully its not their final hour!
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According to the rundown WCL is live in the 8 PM Hour :biggrin: If TWC can surpress this much long form they can do it every day
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Zap2it listings are putting weather center live from 5pm - 2am. Could this be the start of a new beginning. :worship:
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Zap2it listings are putting weather center live from 5pm - 2am. Could this be the start of a new beginning. :worship:
I didn't see anything different beyond today, hopefully that changes. I'll look around.
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Very Interesting! DTV won't be able to pick just 1 weather channel soon:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/accuweather-announces-the-laun/22055195 (http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/accuweather-announces-the-laun/22055195)
So by Christmas 2014, we may have TWC, WN growing, Network Weather and Accuweather starting!
One major question, how will this differ from the local Accuweather channel we already have?
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Oh, I just looked at TWC, It's still live!
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I have TWC set to record at 12am to see if they have anything to say about the impending removal.
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Very Interesting! DTV won't be able to pick just 1 weather channel soon:
[url]http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/accuweather-announces-the-laun/22055195[/url] ([url]http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/accuweather-announces-the-laun/22055195[/url])
So by Christmas 2014, we may have TWC, WN growing, Network Weather and Accuweather starting!
One major question, how will this differ from the local Accuweather channel we already have?
LMAO, I bet TWC is peeved now. That 32 year reign as a weather monopoly is slowly, but surely coming to an end.
I like the first part of the article where they basically said, "You know we weren't gonna let the cat out of the bag now, but we figured why not take advantage of the DTV/TWC controversy and rub it in TWC's faces and stick it to them where it hurts." :lol:
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https://twitter.com/TWCKCunningham/status/422918522813952000
More snow for the #mw! It's @TWCDBanks and me from 11-2am! Keep us company @weatherchannel pic.twitter.com/6edhqLy6fc
TWC is live until 2am.
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Very Interesting! DTV won't be able to pick just 1 weather channel soon:
[url]http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/accuweather-announces-the-laun/22055195[/url] ([url]http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/accuweather-announces-the-laun/22055195[/url])
So by Christmas 2014, we may have TWC, WN growing, Network Weather and Accuweather starting!
One major question, how will this differ from the local Accuweather channel we already have?
Seriously? :rolleyes: I wonder if this was decided long ago, or recently since WeatherNation and Network Weather started to become known?
Unfortunately, I can't stand AccuWeather. I fail to see how they can be "considered to be the most accurate and valuable source of weather forecasts around the world."
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TWC is gone from DirecTV as of 11:00 PM CT. Channel 362 switched to the WeatherNation feed.
Honestly, this is the G4 debacle all over again.
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Well done, DirecTV. I've never been one to encourage carriers to drop a channel but after TWC's total hypocrisy over the last three days, they deserved every bit of what's coming to them.
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ATLANTA -- January 14, 2014 -- At 12:01 this morning, The Weather Channel is no longer available on DIRECTV, which refused to come to an agreement on a market-based carriage deal. Following is a statement from David Kenny, chairman and CEO of The Weather Company:
“This is unprecedented for The Weather Channel. In our 32 years, we have never had a significant disruption due to a failure to reach a carriage agreement. We offered DIRECTV the best rate for our programming, and I am shocked they have put corporate profits ahead of keeping a trusted channel that subscribers rely on every day. We are not looking for a large fee increase. We are simply looking for a fair deal that allows our company to continue to invest in the science and technology that enables us to keep people safe, deliver the world’s best weather, and tell weather stories to help people be prepared and informed.
“At a time when DIRECTV has increased customer rates by 4 percent, they are trading safety for increased profits and replacing the experience and expertise of The Weather Channel with a cheap startup that does weather forecasting on a three-hour taped loop, has no field coverage, no weather experts -- certainly not any on par with The Weather Channel network’s industry-recognized experts like tornado expert Dr. Greg Forbes and winter weather expert Tom Niziol -- and no experience in severe weather emergencies. This is a dangerous gamble over one penny a month that puts DIRECTV customers at risk.
“This reckless move by DIRECTV will have an impact on our role as part of the national safety and preparedness fabric of our country at a time when the volatility and frequency of weather events seems to be increasing. The Weather Channel partners with humanitarian and emergency management agencies at the local, state and federal levels. We help people prepare before storms, stay safe during their effects, and find help afterward. If the network is not available to viewers, the effectiveness of these partnerships, which help make us a more weather ready nation, are jeopardized. I am hopeful DIRECTV will come to their senses soon and will not force its customers to change carriers to stay safe and informed.”
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As of Midnight, The Weather Channel has been dropped from DirecTV and has erased all traces of TWC from their lineup and posted the following on channel 362-1:
The message reads the following.
"DIRECTV currently does not have permission to offer The Weather Channel.
As an alternative, Please enjoy WeatherNation on Channel 362 for dedicated 24/7 weather coverage.
For more information go to www.DIRECTVPromise.com (http://www.DIRECTVPromise.com)"
It is offically on!
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Again the channel that is on tape 2pm-4:30am weekends and 8pm to 4am Weekdays is classless in bashing WeatherNation for being on tape.
Good job by DTV not being bullied by The Weather Channel.
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DirecTV also put a message channel on 362-2 saying:
DIRECTV currently does not have permission to offer The Weather Channel. As an alternative, please enjoy WeatherNation on Channel 362 for dedicated 24/7 weather news coverage. For more information, go to directvpromise.com.
I'm glad TWC is finally gone on DirecTV! I hope this lasts permanently. What still makes me wonder about this dispute, Why would DirecTV put a duplicate of WeatherNation on TWC's location on 362 when they already have it on 361? I hope Dish reconsiders dropping TWC too.
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Should David Kenny, chairman and CEO of The Weather Company do any interviews regarding TWC and DTV and brings up Weather Nation being on tape, they should ask him why TWC added more taped programming during the re launch.
At least the 3 hour loop on WeatherNation is weather and not people towing cars and prospecting.
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You know we were talking earlier about TWC going live and preempting their long-form. Didn't they pull the same stunt too when Dish tried to drop them a few years ago? Never seen that much live TWC outside of Katrina in years.
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https://mobile.twitter.com/WCL_Shawn/status/422964298118230016?screen_name=WCL_Shawn
.@TWCKCunningham & @TWCDBanks are LIVE thru 3am on @weatherchannel right now. No 3 hr loop. #StormDirecTV
Now it looks like TWC will be live all night.
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Yep WeatherNation is now on TWC's original spot at Ch362. TWC is live 24/7 again.
It's official, it's WAR between DirecTV and TWC, and I strongly believe DISH will be next to drop because their contract with TWC is set to expire in July according to a source.
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The fact that TWC has decided to directly take on and bash WeatheNation for not being live is very interesting because it's forcing TWC to stay live and not go to regularly scheduled taped programming.
The next question is how long before any of the long form programming returns and do any of the WCL live hours that were taken away in November return?
You can't keep bashing WeatherNation for being on tape then go to an episode of Prospectors.
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"No 3-hr loop." :rolleyes:
Poor WeatherNation has been brought into this whole mess, and they essentially had nothing to do with it. I wonder if they will start retaliating against TWC making statements such as "At least our 3-hour loop is weather and not some dumb reality show." It's probably best that they just stay out of it.
EDIT: Here's an interesting graphic I found on the Wall Street Journal site showing the decline in viewers TWC gets. Hmm... :thinking:
(http://s28.postimg.org/4p3xigt25/MK_CJ314_WEATHE_NS_20140113184502.jpg)
Full Article (http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303819704579319022875675360?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303819704579319022875675360.html)
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Interesting note on 3 hour loops. I remember several years back when the weather channel would go on an hourly repeating loop replaying the midnight hour over and over again till weather classroom came on at 3. Thankfully we still had all the real local on the 8s back then so still got updated weather.
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Not live now.
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TWC goes to a non weather related reality show at 2am ET. I'd rather have a 3 hour loop of forecasts.
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This is the new episode of Freaks of Nature that was going to air last night too.
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The Part-Time Weather Channel is no big loss to me. DirecTV takes no s*** from anyone. Goodbye, and good riddance.
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Yep WeatherNation is now on TWC's original spot at Ch362. TWC is live 24/7 again.
It's official, it's WAR between DirecTV and TWC, and I strongly believe DISH will be next to drop because their contract with TWC is set to expire in July according to a source.
I hope not! Just add The 3 others! This would never work with the sports and/or news channels! Why are Weather channels different?!??!
Any guesses on how long TWC will be off DTV? Will this make National or cable news? How will this change WN and TWC, because WN just a big promotion!
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It's done. I guess DTV's controlling the weather now, according to what TWC said. Do I blame DTV for the clouds that have rolled in, lol? :rofl2: That was a dumb thing for the channel to say IMO.
TWC going live at such an unusual time seemed like a stunt, much like the kind radio stations do when they're about to change format or something. I predict that they might stay live until a deal gets reached with DTV, but to whom are the continued pleas going to be relevant unless the DTV subscribers happen to have access to other providers?
Any guesses on how long TWC will be off DTV? Will this make National or cable news? How will this change WN and TWC, because WN just a big promotion!
I bet it will be a Viacom-style deal, and TWC will be off for two weeks at the max. I'm sure it will make the news on all of NBC's news outlets (as a front to beg people to call DTV or Congress), but I doubt the others even touch it.
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ATLANTA -- January 14, 2014 -- At 12:01 this morning, The Weather Channel is no longer available on DIRECTV, which refused to come to an agreement on a market-based carriage deal. Following is a statement from David Kenny, chairman and CEO of The Weather Company:
“This is unprecedented for The Weather Channel. In our 32 years, we have never had a significant disruption due to a failure to reach a carriage agreement. We offered DIRECTV the best rate for our programming, and I am shocked they have put corporate profits ahead of keeping a trusted channel that subscribers rely on every day. We are not looking for a large fee increase. We are simply looking for a fair deal that allows our company to continue to invest in the science and technology that enables us to keep people safe, deliver the world’s best weather, and tell weather stories to help people be prepared and informed.
“At a time when DIRECTV has increased customer rates by 4 percent, they are trading safety for increased profits and replacing the experience and expertise of The Weather Channel with a cheap startup that does weather forecasting on a three-hour taped loop, has no field coverage, no weather experts -- certainly not any on par with The Weather Channel network’s industry-recognized experts like tornado expert Dr. Greg Forbes and winter weather expert Tom Niziol -- and no experience in severe weather emergencies. This is a dangerous gamble over one penny a month that puts DIRECTV customers at risk.
“This reckless move by DIRECTV will have an impact on our role as part of the national safety and preparedness fabric of our country at a time when the volatility and frequency of weather events seems to be increasing. The Weather Channel partners with humanitarian and emergency management agencies at the local, state and federal levels. We help people prepare before storms, stay safe during their effects, and find help afterward. If the network is not available to viewers, the effectiveness of these partnerships, which help make us a more weather ready nation, are jeopardized. I am hopeful DIRECTV will come to their senses soon and will not force its customers to change carriers to stay safe and informed.”
I highlight this part because I believe David Kelley may need to do some research into his own company. If he did, he wouldn't have made the mistake of being grossly hypocritical.
Weathernation has only been around about a couple of years now. I'm neutral to WeatherNation, I don't like it or dislike it. I believe it still needs a lot of work. In fact I wasn't even aware the live segments were on a loop, I've never watched the channel more than 5 mins. at a time before. However, with all of that being said, I think David Kelley has forgotten or chosen to ignore the fact that TWC had to start from the bottom up to get to where it is now.
In comparison to where WeatherNation is now...
In the first couple of years, Did TWC have Jim Cantore? NO.
Did TWC have Dr. Greg Forbes, Tom Niziol, Greg Postel? NO, They had John Hope, but outside of him back then they had nobody as an expert.
Did TWC have field coverage? NOPE. Not until Hugo which was...oh 7 years AFTER their existence as a weather network. I'm not sayin' anything, I'm just sayin'.
I know well established networks such as TWC will take jabs at their competitors, calling them "cheap startups" but it's clearly an ironic one to take considering TWC themselves ALMOST failed as a 24/7 cable weather network in it's early years because critics took them to be a joke.
Long story short, TWC better tread the water carefully and not underestimate what WeatherNation, Network Weather or Accuweather is capable of doing this year and years to follow. It's an open free market now so there will be winners and losers. For TWC's own sake, I hope they don't play to be on the loser's side.
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:fight:
Now, let's see who's next to drop the channel. If Dish does it next, then the channel might get back on track for good. I predict some house cleaning may be done at the channel now, starting with those responsible for the non-weather-related longform.
Of course, I don't imagine this dispute will be permanent. The Viacom dispute wasn't.
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:fight:
Now, let's see who's next to drop the channel. If Dish does it next, then the channel might get back on track for good. I predict some house cleaning may be done at the channel now, starting with those responsible for the non-weather-related longform.
Of course, I don't imagine this dispute will be permanent. The Viacom dispute wasn't.
^ DISH's VOOM dispute was permanent or its still going on. As far as people who leave TWC Al should be the first. I like him on TODAY but not on TWC. As far as the longform people, are they from NBC or TWC?
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They added a new Cantore promo where he says DTV has dropped The Weather Channel and tells people to e-mail someone at DTV and gives an 1-800 number.
Not sure who TWC believes is going to e-mail and or call since DTV subscribers are not getting the message on TWC.
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It's done. I guess DTV's controlling the weather now, according to what TWC said. Do I blame DTV for the clouds that have rolled in, lol? :rofl2: That was a dumb thing for the channel to say IMO.
TWC going live at such an unusual time seemed like a stunt, much like the kind radio stations do when they're about to change format or something. I predict that they might stay live until a deal gets reached with DTV, but to whom are the continued pleas going to be relevant unless the DTV subscribers happen to have access to other providers?
But IceManNYR said that TWC went to a taped non-weather reality show at 2am ET this morning. So their continuous live coverage ended (even though I thought they said they were going to be live until 3 am?) Did TWC really just lie like that? :rolleyes:
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TWC aired "Freaks of Nature" 2-4am. TWC is staying live this afternoon into the eventing.
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/one-pathetic-pr-storm-weather-channels-strategy-in-directv-fight-is-laughable/ (http://www.mediaite.com/tv/one-pathetic-pr-storm-weather-channels-strategy-in-directv-fight-is-laughable/)
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TWC aired "Freaks of Nature" 2-4am. TWC is staying live this afternoon into the eventing.
[url]http://www.mediaite.com/tv/one-pathetic-pr-storm-weather-channels-strategy-in-directv-fight-is-laughable/[/url] ([url]http://www.mediaite.com/tv/one-pathetic-pr-storm-weather-channels-strategy-in-directv-fight-is-laughable/[/url])
Totally Agree. Also on an article I read TWC claims they sidelined long form because of viewer complaints, Really!? I think you increased until DTV threatened to drop you. And They Did!
http://money.cnn.com/2014/01/13/news/companies/weather-channel-directv/ (http://money.cnn.com/2014/01/13/news/companies/weather-channel-directv/)
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Just thought of something. Now that WN has DTV, would WN drop their Local channels?
I'm speechless! I'm totally shocked that there's WCL at 2PM!! Good Job TWC! For now.
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By Chris Ariens on May 1, 2010 9:26 AM
Longtime Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore, who often pops up on sister networks NBC and MSNBC, Tweeted an apology to his followers after the network remained with a movie, instead of breaking in with tornado coverage from Arkansas.
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/jim-cantore-not-happy-about-weather-channel-airing-movie-instead-of-severe-weather-coverage_b24667 (http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/jim-cantore-not-happy-about-weather-channel-airing-movie-instead-of-severe-weather-coverage_b24667)
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By Chris Ariens on May 1, 2010 9:26 AM
Longtime Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore, who often pops up on sister networks NBC and MSNBC, Tweeted an apology to his followers after the network remained with a movie, instead of breaking in with tornado coverage from Arkansas.
[url]http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/jim-cantore-not-happy-about-weather-channel-airing-movie-instead-of-severe-weather-coverage_b24667[/url] ([url]http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/jim-cantore-not-happy-about-weather-channel-airing-movie-instead-of-severe-weather-coverage_b24667[/url])
I was wondering if someone was going to bring that up. :P
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Reading Facebook posts on their wall and this is the latest message I have seen from them:
Thank you so much for your support. We are no longer in talks with DirectTV; they've removed us permanently. You can visit [url]http://www.keeptheweatherchannel.com/[/url] ([url]http://www.keeptheweatherchannel.com/[/url]) for a list of alternate providers that do carry our channel.
Why is DISH quiet about this? Didn't they drop TWC for a day or two back in 2010 too..
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interesting this guy on reddit (claiming to be a meteorologist at twc) posted this on reddit then deleted his account
Meteorologist at the Weather Channel here, so obviously this is a throwaway. I can tell you this. We hate everything that is going on too. The last two days have basically been treated like the Jerry Lewis tele-a-thon. However on the upside it is nice to actually work on making weather content ALL DAY. We need to get back to it full time...or at least just more than we do now.
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Reading Facebook posts on their wall and this is the latest message I have seen from them:
Thank you so much for your support. We are no longer in talks with DirectTV; they've removed us permanently. You can visit [url]http://www.keeptheweatherchannel.com/[/url] ([url]http://www.keeptheweatherchannel.com/[/url]) for a list of alternate providers that do carry our channel.
Why is DISH quiet about this? Didn't they drop TWC for a day or two back in 2010 too..
:rofl2: :worship: TWC just got kicked in the nuts for this. Kudos to DirecTV, related to long form or not, one less provider with the weathertainment now.
Also just found out that the reality show clutter is a core reason. directvpromise.com (http://directvpromise.com)
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Apparently a new OCM joined the network yesterday, and I'm already not liking her:
https://www.facebook.com/Meteorologist.Kait.Parker/posts/10101988944860510?comment_id=17792508&reply_comment_id=17792655&total_comments=8 (https://www.facebook.com/Meteorologist.Kait.Parker/posts/10101988944860510?comment_id=17792508&reply_comment_id=17792655&total_comments=8)
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This is picture was from another forum but I would like to show you this since it's relevant.:
http://hulkied.com/tvnt/WeatherChannelCrap.png (http://hulkied.com/tvnt/WeatherChannelCrap.png)
TWC is lying in that picture as they deny 40% of programming is Long-Form.
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This is picture was from another forum but I would like to show you this since it's relevant.:
[url]http://hulkied.com/tvnt/WeatherChannelCrap.png[/url] ([url]http://hulkied.com/tvnt/WeatherChannelCrap.png[/url])
TWC is lying in that picture as they deny 40% of programming is Long-Form.
That's a lie, and the fact that they say they include current local forecast information 24 hours a day. FALSE. Guess what still hasn't been fixed in two months? The fact that non-cable viewers see no weather information during long-form. None. That's not 24 hours a day! I don't care about the limitations they have with the new design - if they want to hold to their truth, then just make the LDL non-transparent. Easy. End of story.
I understand companies sometimes have to lie to oversell themselves, but TWC's flat-out lies are too obvious.
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TWC just played a clip from their CEO on the AM show saying TWC is live 4am to 8pm every day. That's not true.
Unless he was indirectly announcing a new schedule,
TWC is on tape 2pm to 8pm on weekends and 2pm to 5pm weekdays and live programming starts at 4:30am on weekends.
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The reality is that I'm not surprised to see that this whole thing occurred. If you really want weather 24/7, the internet is the best choice as you can see everything you want when you want it. The days of TWC being a good monopoly for weather on TV are approaching the end. While I realize lots of people like the concept of a 24-hour weather channel, I think those days are going to become history soon as times are changing.
Local media, internet and mobile sources, the National Weather Service, and a NOAA weather radio with a battery backup are far more reliable options when you need weather information and warnings. No other 24-hour weather network can really compete here when you want local weather all the time that truly affects you!
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Weather Caught on Camera is back :( looks like TWC doesn't really care anymore...
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Weather Caught on Camera is back :( looks like TWC doesn't really care anymore...
Yeah, especially with the couple of things I have seen posted on here that TWC has completely ended negotiations with DirecTV. weather.com is still decked out in DirecTV ads, but I guess that will be disappearing soon. It's too bad TWC and DirecTV couldn't work out a negotiation that would benefit the rest of us (i.e. get rid of a few hours of long-form per day) but that's fine. As Patrick has said, TWC is not the most reliable source when it comes to getting weather quickly and easily and probably never will be.
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Apparently a new OCM joined the network yesterday, and I'm already not liking her:
https://www.facebook.com/Meteorologist.Kait.Parker/posts/10101988944860510?comment_id=17792508&reply_comment_id=17792655&total_comments=8 (https://www.facebook.com/Meteorologist.Kait.Parker/posts/10101988944860510?comment_id=17792508&reply_comment_id=17792655&total_comments=8)
Wow, what a snob! Very unprofessional and not a very good way to change minds. :rolleyes:
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I don't get it. What did she say that was so unprofessional? In fact, what did she say that was any different from what a lot of OCMs (including Jim Cantore) has already said since this weekend? :dunno:
EDIT: Oh nevermind, I guess you're talking about her response to someone else and not the actual post itself.
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Incase anyone wants to watch an interview with the founder of TWC, John Coleman who describes the premise the channel was created, being laughed at by investors, and how he sees the channel has drifted away from its original mission statement, in whole to whats happening today with it.
John Coleman at TWC 30th anniversary - cameo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyB44VG8LvY#ws)
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I don't get it. What did she say that was so unprofessional? In fact, what did she say that was any different from what a lot of OCMs (including Jim Cantore) has already said since this weekend? :dunno:
EDIT: Oh nevermind, I guess you're talking about her response to someone else and not the actual post itself.
It was her response to Kevin Blackfox's comment.
Looking at TWC's FB page, their page is about 50/50 oppose/support DTV's move. Most viewers seem to be content with DTV's move though saying TWC pulled the plug on them refusing to bite into DTV's offer for a rate decrease.
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I wonder how annoyed the mets got having to keep on announcing the plan for DIRECTV to drop them?
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So I posted that. I literally just saw that on my way to work and scrambled to get it up on my site because it was blatant misinformation, pure and simple. I actually did the math and I counted 49% reality/non-weather programming considering 7 days and 24 hours. If you only count 6am-11pm Monday-Friday, the number's still very high - 35%. And 100% of prime time programming is reality/non-weather.
The way this network has treated its viewers during this situation is cynical, manipulative, and despicable. You cannot suddenly go 24/7 live weather just to prove to DirecTV you're worth it. Nor can you say you're devoted to weather coverage when you were running promos for nothing but the reality shows a week prior.
This situation has infuriated me so much, I've been actively tweeting like never before and trying to get something out to counter their misinformation. Luckily the domain droptheweatherchannel.com was available. Viewers aren't as stupid as Weather Channel thinks.
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The professionalism of the OCM's has really went through the basement floor. In my opinion, a major television network like TWC should make sure their broadcasters maintain a large degree of professionalism, and don't crack unnecessary jokes and stupid comments. 10+ years ago, the TWC mets were more serious, and gave you the forecast and the facts, without all the side bullcrap. TWC is not a sitcom, it's an informational network.
Not only that, they actually EXPLAINED the weather instead of seeing blobs of color move across a blinding white map.
Each "upgrade" of graphics has led to more and more and more "dumbing down". I have become more and more disappointed with each set of icons and maps - and I am a programmer as a profession.
Some OCMs, with Chris Warren being the biggest example, BABBLE about pictures and things they see. Others just read what is on the screen and provide NO background to what they are presenting.
The November upgrade is like the Obamacare of weather information - we are forced to like it because we pay the cable bill. They went to the lowest common denominator by providing the city weather, three radars, 36 hour forecast, day planner, and seven day.....and a silly recap and opening JOKE! Who in the world decided on that?!
The local and regional observations? Gone! All I see in my area is the main city, and two local towns with small populations! It's downright PAINFUL to watch these days.
I can't say I'd blame DirectTV. It could be an opportunity for Dave Schwartz's to show them how the old TWC days went. NBC's networks are taking a hit because they have all lost credibility.
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To address the mention of who is responsible for long term programming and if they should be fired...
David Clark, President of The Weather Channel. Per his official biography on weather.com
At Fuse he was responsible for the network's direction and growth strategy and oversaw all of the network's day-to-day business operations including programming, production, marketing and ad sales. While at Fuse, he built a news division and production infrastructure, green-lit seven original series into production for the 12/13 season and initiated Fuse’s move into long-form programming.
It wouldn't be a stretch to assume he was brought here for this reason.
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Each "upgrade" of graphics has led to more and more and more "dumbing down". I have become more and more disappointed with each set of icons and maps - and I am a programmer as a profession.
Some OCMs, with Chris Warren being the biggest example, BABBLE about pictures and things they see. Others just read what is on the screen and provide NO background to what they are presenting.
This throws a monkey wrench in the talent argument TWC was using to justify staying on DTV. They (all the way up to Cantore (http://www.weather.com/news/jim-cantores-letter-you-20140113)) think they're the only ones who can do the job.
The Weather Channel's slight rate increase is 100% earmarked for increasing the exact local severe coverage that will make The Weather Channel's already-essential coverage even more precise and imperative for our viewers.
I think it’s a dangerous gamble to put lives at risk for a penny. I think you’ll agree. Nobody can do weather like we do. Nobody.
I bet the rate increase goes into silly new graphics or more longform.
Of course, I don't suppose they're going to admit that another network could compete; this is business, after all.
As far as "dumbing down" goes, I feel that it reflects what is going on today in general. To use another network as an example, ABC's GMA has pretty much morphed into TMZ Lite. They don't seem to cover anything seriously anymore. I remind you that TWC pulled Sam Champion from there, and to find out he's not even a real meterologist even though he's gotten so much fame just about floored me.
To address the mention of who is responsible for long term programming and if they should be fired...
David Clark, President of The Weather Channel. Per his official biography on weather.com
It wouldn't be a stretch to assume he was brought here for this reason.
If Clark is the channel's president, then there's no one who could fire him, is there? What a drag. :rolleyes:
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I've been reading the thread last night and this morning...and I agree with 95 percent of yall. I'm 36, and I remember TWC from the mid 80s. They were the one of the main reasons why I became a weather junkie.
It is quite sad to see how far this network has fallen over the last decade - from a network that folks joked about, even though the employees were proud of what they were doing (and it showed) to a network that frankly I don't even recognize anymore. The stuff they're doing now (airhead personalities, the longform programming, Top Five Videos, et al) is mind-boggling. Comcast/NBC Universal and Bain Capital has ruined a once proud network...and I let TWC know on their Facebook page on SEVERAL occasions that they aren't who they say they are.
One of my favorite weather shows podcasts - WeatherBrains - dedicated a lot of airtime on its show to the beef between DirecTV and TWC (http://weatherbrains.com/weatherbrains/ (http://weatherbrains.com/weatherbrains/) - Look for WeatherBrains 416: This Is Only The Second One). Even Accuweather made an announcement about its upcoming channel. I'm surprised it took this long for TWC to get some competition, but I guess it's better late than never. Competition is good, IMHO.
I applaud DirecTV's move to ditch the channel and welcome WeatherNation with open arms. Yes, a good chunk of their programming is taped, but every network on the air today has humble beginnings, so I expect WN to only get better and they will.
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The TitanTV Guide and my Comcast TV Guide now shows WCL airing from 11AM-2PM PT/2PM-5PM ET for Today, Tomorrow and Friday only.
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The TitanTV Guide and my Comcast TV Guide now shows WCL airing from 11AM-2PM ET for Today, Tomorrow and Friday only.
Does that mean something is changeing next week ?
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The TitanTV Guide and my Comcast TV Guide now shows WCL airing from 11AM-2PM PT/2PM-5PM ET for Today, Tomorrow and Friday only.
They need to add a primetime block as well. Not 7, 10, and 1 but 8pm - 2am. People still want weather at those times.
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Is TWC giving talking points for their OCMs to bash WeatherNation with on social media?
That would explain Kait Parker making the 3 hour loop comment. In general TWC OCMs should not be bashing other channels. Let the management do that and don't get involved.
A channel that is on tape 8pm-4am can't mock WN for airing taped loops. At least WN is doing weather forecasts in that 3 hour loop.
TWC is live at 3pm so at the very least longform is gone 3pm-5pm weekdays.
I'm interested if on the coming weekend they are live after 2pm.
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I think it's also worth mentioning that even if you have DirecTV, you can still access weather.com. Which I would argue is more accessible than a satellite channel. But then again, weather.com has also become a train wreck over the last few years. I just counted the weather and non-weather stories on the home page. There were 84 stories total with 24 or 29% of them having to do with weather, and 60 or 71% having to do with something other than the weather. Wow! :o
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If Clark is the channel's president, then there's no one who could fire him, is there? What a drag. :rolleyes:
david kenny?
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Andre Bernier posted this in a comment on weathernation's website under a post by their president.
As a member of the launch team of The Weather Channel from 1982 – 1985, I am happy to see a new network that is dedicated to the same constant 24/7 weather coverage that once made TWC a solid source for national and local weather. So many of the original (and now former) meteorologists on staff at TWC with whom I am still in touch to this day, share the same heartache when we see the path on which TWC traveled in the last decade. WNTV has a golden opportunity to recapture the wonder of meteorology that was abandoned by the agenda-driven programming that drove viewers away in disgust. Like many of the thoughtful responses above, I echo the cheer and encouragement to stay the course: weather, pure and simple, leaving sensationalism, cheap stunts (naming winter storms), and agenda-driven content out of the mix.
May God grant you all great blessing and increase in 2014.
Blessings,
André Bernier
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Hopefully we still have DTV customers on here, I would be interested in How WN is different compared to their website and roku streams. Are there commercials? Does the Alert LDL stay on all the time if needed? Could someone take video? Thanks!
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Hopefully we still have DTV customers on here, I would be interested in How WN is different compared to their website and roku streams. Are there commercials? Does the Alert LDL stay on all the time if needed? Could someone take video? Thanks!
I heard someone calling for me? :bleh:
Yes, WeatherNation does show commercials on DirecTV, but it's definitely more content than commercials, and the LDL does stay on during these commercials if there's an alert, and the commercials squeeze back. I have yet to see a time though where the LDL on WN is off during commercials on DirecTV. Haven't watched the national stream in a while though, but it may be different there than on DirecTV. I have a Sony TV with internet capability, and WN comes on that. From what I have seen, the clock is in sync on the stream to what it is on DirecTV, but the segments and the LDL cities aren't.
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I stand with DirecTV in their decision too. TWC like 90% plus of all other modern TV has became a toxic cesspool of cultural degeneration. I love WeatherNation I watch it on my computer wish i had DirecTV now that they are carrying it. The dinosaur media need to quietly fade away and never comeback, as we are moving more toward a user driven, personalized content media (which I support)
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Not confirmed...but a friend just shared this on Facebook:
HEADLINE: DirecTV returns to the table after Weather Channel promises to scale back on the reality shows and use split feeds.
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I write this with a heavy heart. Long time viewer of TWC. As a matter fact I watched it from the begin. I watched it flounder in its infancy. I watched slowly stand on its own. I watched it mature and I watched it set a new standard for reporting the weather. Its always been on in my house. If the T.V. is on, the default channel has always been TWC.
The last couple years have been very painful to watch. First came the lay-offs and the programming struggle. I believe this all happened when NBC and all its parent companies took over. Which was right around the recession. It makes sense now if Bain Capitol had something to do with it. The hatchet men were swinging wildly. Heads were rolling and jobs were lost. Those who still had a job had hours slashed. Bad enough to lose alot of great on-air personalities but at the same time the programming went down, down, down. Remember, they actually tried to air movies. They changed the programming to reduce hours of the on-air personalities.
The programs have only gotten worse. Reality shows are terrible to begin with. For them to show the same stupid episode over and over is classless and beyond cheap.
It reaks of corporate slim these days. Like so much does in our world. Its not about the quality of the product anymore. Its all about the return of the investment and the shareholders. (Nothing personal, its just business.)
As I write this, WeatherNation is on my T.V. Its just background noise but it reminds of the old days of TWC. They are just talking about weather. They show maps, give tempurature and a forecast over and over.
I sure hope the folks over at TWC are paying attention. DirectTV just might have done them a favor. Wake up Weather Channel! You are not alone in the world of weather.
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I've read over at the SatelliteGuys forums that between 1988-2001, The Weather Channel was one of the most profitable cable channels out there by percentage. Low expenses, with good return on investment. At the time, the channel was held by a private company (Landmark Communications) so the numbers did not have to be released. However the shows it was turning 50% profit for nearly two decades. In 1999, TWC had a gross revenue of nearly a quarter billion dollars against expenses of just over 100 million. The channel was still profitable, though the trend was WAY down in 2007. What was worse was that the trend was showing no signs of reversing. Eventually, Landmark decided to cash in and sell since the channel was no longer making as much money as it was. TWC went on the market and sold for 3½ BILLION dollars (including the web site which is a gigantic revenue source). Many analysts say this means the entity was still earning close to $150 million dollars in net profits a year.
Its possible that nearly five years after NBC took over TWC, Landmark likely misses their old gem.
Source: http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/326898-The-Weather-Channel-GONE?p=3353035#post3353035 (http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/326898-The-Weather-Channel-GONE?p=3353035#post3353035)
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Not confirmed...but a friend just shared this on Facebook:
HEADLINE: DirecTV returns to the table after Weather Channel promises to scale back on the reality shows and use split feeds.
Split feeds as feeding directv the alt / severe weather feed all the time?
Weather scan? Maybe even some kind of Weather scan national? Maybe even in HD?
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HEADLINE: DirecTV returns to the table after Weather Channel promises to scale back on the reality shows and use split feeds.
Even though it's speculation, from what I'm seeing the scaling back on the reality shows part might be right. Just getting rid of the afternoon block and running straight from 4am to 8pm is on the right track. There needs to be some weather presence during primetime, though, and at least a 5pm to 8pm block on weekends. (At least do a national Weather All The Time feed that runs during long form).
If there's anything to this, it tells me that someone higher up the food chain - I'm thinking 30 Rock or even 1 Comcast Center here - took notice.
Unlike most of you guys, I actually like Comcast and NBCUniversal. Probably because Comcast is, well, the largest company located in the city. Say what you will about Comcast, they're well managed and they've done a good job turning around a lot of the things they got wrong under General Electric. Since they bought NBCU in 2011, my local NBC O&O, WCAU, has experienced a remarkable increase in quality. This past week they announced that WCAU and newly-acquired WWSI will be moving downtown to a brand new studio in a new skyscraper that will be built right next door to the current corporate headquarters.
When they're engaged, they show a willingness to change things around, even at great expense. They scrapped a completed studio essentially because it sucked, they revived and reinvested in their local stations, they planned a total rebrand of one of their networks (http://"http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/730099/g4-to-be-rebranded-as-the-esquire-network-on-april-22nd/") and then switched the network it was replacing at the last hour (http://"http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nbcu-switch-up-esquire-network-624127"), and even the NBC network is doing a bit better. (A bit.)
I think that, if they realize something is wrong at The Weather Channel - and let's be honest, something is wrong - they'll move, at least in part, to fix it.
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for those who don't remember what the Dual Feeds look like here's one from 2010 courtesy cc17926
TWC Dual-Feed - Local Flooding - 3/13/2010 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9RinwDUNs0#)
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dual feed sucks, I like watching when there's severe weather in other areas, rather than be stuck watching longform.
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Just looked on zap2it, and it looks like TWC is going back to their schedule before WATT on Monday Jan 27th. Hopefully that happens.
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Well, Storm Stories wasn't that bad. At least it was weather related.
Off topic, but that outbreak featured in that SS episode is what got me into weather.
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Got a confirmation that TWC is staying live 4am-8pm from Kelly on FB.
"Kelly Cass, yes we are live throughout the day all next week!"
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I still think they should show the severe weather coverage nationally even outside of the affected area (especially for legacy STARs that are in the affected area as well as both DirecTV and Dish subscribers that are in the affected area). Because neither DirecTV nor Dish cannot beam a localized IntelliStar/IntelliStar 2 (including localized commercials and EAS messages like on most cable systems), both satellite providers would to have launch separate beams for each one of the 200 or so media markets nationwide. Think of it like the local broadcast channels and network television affiliates that both satellite providers carry (such as your local ABC, CBS, CW, Fox, NBC, PBS, etc.). That would of cost both providers millions or even billions of dollars to launch and both satellite providers doesn't even have the room to put all of that bandwidth in outer space. That's the only thing I miss from cable.
Personally, if it wasn't Comca$h's refusal to carry some of my favorite channels that they don't carry (especially when it comes to the availability of HD channels that they don't carry if they only have it in SD, I still would of been a cable subscriber. Besides, my local Comca$h system didn't even get TWC HD until around 2011 or so, DirecTV was way ahead of them.
Also, even in the severe weather affected area, your DirecTV or Dish satellite would suffer from "rain fade" anyway. Usually when there are thunderstorms, heavy downpours, or even wet heavy snow that can lose the signal. HD feeds of the same channel (including TWC) are more sensitive to "rain fade" than their SD duplicates (unless if it’s severe weather).
Even cable companies sometimes loose its signal too, but rarely in severe weather. My local Comca$h system is neglected anyway.
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I know the dual-feed is at least a step in the right direction, but I wish they wouldn't use it. I would much rather watch what the latest is on hazardous weather in some other part of the country then watch Highway Through Hell or some other stupid crap.
Hopefully the return on WCL in the evening hours on weekdays, as well as more coverage on weekends, will be a permanent change. The WATT schedule was just crappy.
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I don't care if TWC has longform but the amount they have currently is ridiculous. Hopefully the pre WATT schedule with WCL on at 4pm and 7pm (weekends) and 10pm,1am (daily) will resume. Wish they could change the music too. I can't be the only one who is tired of the same two songs playing on the LF
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I know the dual-feed is at least a step in the right direction, but I wish they wouldn't use it. I would much rather watch what the latest is on hazardous weather in some other part of the country then watch Highway Through Hell or some other stupid crap.
Hopefully the return on WCL in the evening hours on weekdays, as well as more coverage on weekends, will be a permanent change. The WATT schedule was just crappy.
I agree with you on that. If it wasn't for the IntelliStar/IntelliStar 2, we wouldn't have to deal with that reality show garbage (especially for satellite subscribers and legacy STAR models). That's what previously made TWC useful. I too have always been interested in what part of the country is getting severe weather. I also love to look at maps a lot too. As for the current music, I also agree that the same promo music being played over and over again gets really annoying. At least it beats watching Honey Boo-Boo or any other crappy reality show.
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Wish they could change the music too. I can't be the only one who is tired of the same two songs playing on the LF
I got tired of hearing the song in videos. I can't imagine what it would be like to actually watch TWC and hear that for hours on end! :o
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my comcast schedule shows WC til 1, longform til 4, WC til 7, Longform til 3 AM.. central time
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Here is a website that I found that is devoted to the DirecTV/TWC debacle:
http://droptheweatherchannel.com/ (http://droptheweatherchannel.com/)
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Here is a website that I found that is devoted to the DirecTV/TWC debacle:
[url]http://droptheweatherchannel.com/[/url] ([url]http://droptheweatherchannel.com/[/url])
Thanks for the link. The top post "The Potential of The Weather Channel" said something about them no longer naming winter storms. Interesting. I hadn't really been paying attention to that, but I would have to agree with the decision for them to cease doing it.
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According to Alex on twitter TWC is done at 2pm today so they are back to 14.5 hours of longform on weekends unless they announce TWC is back any earlier.
So much for all the TWC crowing about how much of an important vital resource they are.
No IS2 and no weather all the time on my TWC HD channel while longform is broadcast.
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So given that I'm the one that's been doing droptheweatherchannel.com, I might as well explain and respond to some stuff.
The abandoning of the winter storm names was more or less just me hypothesizing. There were blizzard warnings out a few days ago, and a winter storm warning was issued for Massachusetts today. I know they're just clippers, but given how Weather Channel was treating what seemed to be a separate storm system as the "second half" of Winter Storm Dion, the last few weeks suggests they would have used the I name for something this week.
There's been a lot of instances of them acting out of character. The 2pm WCL block was basically a telethon the first two days, but by Wednesday it was treated like a normal part of the schedule. Save for that promo for Highway Thru Hell that aired erroneously, no reality shows have been promoted. (Though I'm bummed they've gone back to the longform-heavy schedule today.)
What I will say is that I actually agree with the IDEA that storms should be named. We're in the age of Twitter, and Norcross mentioned "everything needs a hashtag". With the White House unveiling a number of standardized emergency hashtags, there's some truth to this. I'd rather have a named storm than things like SNOWPOCALYPSE, SNOWMAGEDDON, STORMZILLA, FRANKENSTORM, etc.
It should have been developed in cooperation with the NWS, however, and the Weather Channel's names are just so, so idiotic. Nemo? Hercules? Cleon? Dion? I mean, last year's list had ORKO on it. Orko might be a mythological name but mention it to anyone and the first thing that comes to mind is the EXTREMELY ANNOYING THING from He-Man.
Anyway...
I think the big thing from this is that WHEN the Weather Channel gets back on DirecTV, there will be major changes to the programming schedule. They're not going to be off the schedule forever, because they've lost a significant chunk of their potential audience, and this is just embarrassing as hell for both sides. (Though TWC is, rightfully, taking it worst.) But I think it's a near certainty that this incident will result in more - perhaps substantially more - weather coverage.
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Adding to what you said I'm ok with TWC being on tape 8pm-4am weekdays if they stay live 4am-8pm. That's adding 3 hours back in exchange for the 10pm and 1am shows they took away.
I agree they need to add shows back to the weekend. At least bring back WCL at 5pm and 7pm.
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the least TWC could do if they don't want to extend coverage is put some devotion into the Local On The 8s. the *new* format is too buggy and not enough local information is shown during the 60 second flavor. even if they make it 90 seconds long with the addition of a Metro Page and 36 hour Local Forecast Page it would make it much more watchable.
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the least TWC could do if they don't want to extend coverage is put some devotion into the Local On The 8s. the *new* format is too buggy and not enough local information is shown during the 60 second flavor. even if they make it 90 seconds long with the addition of a Metro Page and 36 hour Local Forecast Page it would make it much more watchable.
Absolutely! I remember a video about TWC where Cantore said he thinks the "Local on the 8s is the number one reason why people tune in to The Weather Channel." OK, well if that's the case, then why in the world would the channel cut back the forecast to only one minute?! So they can air more commercials for their stupid reality shows? It's also ridiculous that the updated forecast design STILL after two months has so many bugs! Ugh.
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Look 4 posts up and you will see who made that site ;)
So given that I'm the one that's been doing droptheweatherchannel.com, I might as well explain and respond to some stuff.
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Look 4 posts up and you will see who made that site ;)
So given that I'm the one that's been doing droptheweatherchannel.com, I might as well explain and respond to some stuff.
I didn't know that, that you for reminding me.
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TWC is bringing back WCL at 10pm/1AM EST starting the week of the 27th. still longform from 2-5pm. Don't know the weekend schedule yet.
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looks like the weekend too
(http://i.imgur.com/VmBuLWD.png)
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There's a number of things that haven't been nailed down yet regarding the schedule. It has been mentioned that the 4am-8pm schedule will return next week - but that hasn't been backed up yet by any of the TV listings sites I've been going to. Tribune (Zap2it) and TitanTV have been listing it, but TVGuide.com is listing no changes on the 27th.
Honestly we're not going to know what is airing until it's airing. I think it's safe to say they're in panic mode at the moment.
I believe the best approach is still weather coverage from 4am to 8pm, longform from then until 4. CNBC uses this structure, though mainly because market coverage doesn't do that well at night.
Thank you all for checking out the site! I'm trying to fill it with as much as I can and I'm going to address some of the issues with the design. (Posts should be easier to get to.) I also plan to continue the site once this is over and done with, but with a different address and a more general focus.
I've been trying to focus on specifics to DirecTV, but Local on the 8s is the soul of The Weather Channel and it absolutely needs some help.
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I agree, local on the 8s needs to he improved. A rushed one minute local does no good, especially if it is TWC's most important product (didn't I start a topic a few years back about what if twc had no lot8s and everyone said twc would cease to exist)
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Thank you all for checking out the site! I'm trying to fill it with as much as I can and I'm going to address some of the issues with the design. (Posts should be easier to get to.) I also plan to continue the site once this is over and done with, but with a different address and a more general focus.
I've been trying to focus on specifics to DirecTV, but Local on the 8s is the soul of The Weather Channel and it absolutely needs some help.
Hulkie, I can help you there. Overall, TWC on satellite and cable are two different things. On cable, You have the computer at the station giving you info. On satellite, We get a national feed and before this Local on the 8 really didn't do a good job of weather like the one on cable due technology that is there. So that is why DirecTV is getting mad over this for the most part Satellite customers who watch the weather channel kind of get royally screwed with local on the 8.
It is just as you describe it on your drop the weather channel site, I don't see how a dual feed would change a thing unless it's a feed that would have national weather info on screen 24/7 and more cities then they usually have. That is something I give WeatherNation props on. They at least mention a lot of cities during their regional forecast and with their local forecast as well. That don't sounds major, but the things they do like showing a national alerts map and area by area forecast helps a lot as a satellite viewer because you are getting more out of it as I've noticed recently that TWC have had a thing for the east coast more then the rest of country overall. I've been getting tired of that actually.
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better idea. make weatherscan a TWC2 of sorts, kinda like ESPNEWS where it's live weather forecasts all day and night... even if they have to do taped forecasts overnight.
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better idea. make weatherscan a TWC2 of sorts, kinda like ESPNEWS where it's live weather forecasts all day and night... even if they have to do taped forecasts overnight.
that is a great idea, that would add more of a *local* feel to WeatherScan.
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better idea. make weatherscan a TWC2 of sorts, kinda like ESPNEWS where it's live weather forecasts all day and night... even if they have to do taped forecasts overnight.
I not really a big fan of this idea, mainly because Weatherscan is a continuous, 24-hour source for hyperlocal weather information and is much more of a "life-saving utility" than the main TWC channel (though still shouldn't be counted on in an emergency situation. I've seen in some cases where the unit actually stops receiving updated information). Take my town for instance, Weatherscan as it is now is so popular my local cable company renewed the contract with TWC for TEN YEARS. And that was in 2010.
Anyway, CNN aired a taped interview with Jim Cantore this morning during Reliable Sources and brought on an expert to talk about this situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6HWMjPNijs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6HWMjPNijs)
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Everything Jim Cantore says in that CNN interview is negated by TWC being on tape 2pm to 4:30am this weekend.
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I love Stelter, so I'm quite a bit disappointed he really didn't push on the issue of long-form dominating the schedule. I know weather being a commodity is also an issue here, there are many other sources, but the key thing is that The Weather Channel is getting flack for abandoning its mission.
Weather Channel is talking around the reality show topic by focusing on it going live during severe wx, it having a huge set of meteorologists and experts., etc. That's not the issue - it's a great, tremendous resource. Problem is that it has not been making it a priority.
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As for taking WeatherScan or another network and taking an "ESPNEWS" policy with them, I should tell you that ESPNEWS really doesn't exist anymore. It used to be a channel with some live periods and rolling tape during others, and its own distinct feel from The Mothership. Then they decided that instead of doing live ESPNEWS shows, it would have SportsCenter run on the channel on the hours it wasn't running on ESPN or ESPN2. The ESPNEWS look was scrapped and the last shows that really were produced by and for ESPNEWS ended a few months ago.
Nowadays, it's SportsCenter, the one news program that I absolutely cannot stand, surrounded by their opinion shows, led by the extremely toxic First Take, pretty much the worst thing ever created that has to do with sports. The current ESPN is probably more detrimental to journalism than Fox and MSNBC ever were.
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So is it now that the TWC needs to cleanup its programming and return to the table with hopes that DiectTV will take them back? I see the WTC being so full of itself in demanding a 1 cent rate increase and DirectTV slapping them down with a little reality check. I'm pointing blame at TWC not DirectTV at this point. Are there others in agreement?
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Directv just slapped every broadcasting executive in the face and showed them not to try and haggle for more money. I agree in this case its TWC's fault though. They think wayyy too highly of themselves. Produce a crappy product, get crappy money.
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I can confirm TWC is staying live 3pm-5pm.
Nick Walker
Snow's coming! Winter Storm Watches for a lot of places, including DC, PHL and NYC. Join Julie Martin and me for Weather Center Live 11am-3pm EST today.
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Anyway, CNN aired a taped interview with Jim Cantore this morning during Reliable Sources and brought on an expert to talk about this situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6HWMjPNijs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6HWMjPNijs)
So TWC first bashes DirecTV, then WeatherNation, and now they're after the National Weather Service. What Cantore said about "your first hint about what's to come" whether you're at the NWS, or emergency management office, or a local TV station "is from The Weather Channel" is untrue. Now I can't speak for the others, but I know someone at the NWS who said that's a lie.
It's ridiculous that TWC has to flat-out lie in order to salvage themselves at this point. :rolleyes:
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Never,ind the not naming winter storms hypothesis. Because we now have warnings for the I-95 corridor, they've gone to Winter Storm Janus.
Allow me to introduce you all to Facepalm Jim..
(http://www.hulkied.com/GardnerFacepalmBig.jpg)
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Never,ind the not naming winter storms hypothesis. Because we now have warnings for the I-95 corridor, they've gone to Winter Storm Janus.
Allow me to introduce you all to Facepalm Jim..
([url]http://www.hulkied.com/GardnerFacepalmBig.jpg[/url])
LOL!! :rofl2:
Yah, I just noticed them calling the next storm Janus.
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Hulkie, after you posted that on TVNT, it became my Skype profile pic :thumbsup:
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I just about died laughing, y'all gotta see this!!!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/16/andy-richter-weather-channel-conan-video_n_4609908.html?utm_hp_ref=comedy (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/16/andy-richter-weather-channel-conan-video_n_4609908.html?utm_hp_ref=comedy)
:rofl2: :rofl2: :rofl2: :rofl2:
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The hilarious thing about that video? The Weather Channel aired the first part of it.
In other words, AN NBC-OWNED PROPERTY ACKNOWLEDGED THE EXISTENCE OF CONAN O'BRIEN.
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Anyway, for Janus, is this the type of thing D* would put emergency channels on for? Because I'm assembling a list of streams.
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TWC is in storm mode tonight staying live to at least 11pm ET.
Funny how they would not add live hours last weekend yet they stay live tonight for a storm that is not coming till Tuesday.
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The hilarious thing about that video? The Weather Channel aired the first part of it.
In other words, AN NBC-OWNED PROPERTY ACKNOWLEDGED THE EXISTENCE OF CONAN O'BRIEN.
But Conan's with TBS now.
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The hilarious thing about that video? The Weather Channel aired the first part of it.
In other words, AN NBC-OWNED PROPERTY ACKNOWLEDGED THE EXISTENCE OF CONAN O'BRIEN.
MSNBC's "Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell" routinely uses Conan clips along with other comedians coming in and out of commercial breaks.
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Never,ind the not naming winter storms hypothesis. Because we now have warnings for the I-95 corridor, they've gone to Winter Storm Janus.
Allow me to introduce you all to Facepalm Jim..
([url]http://www.hulkied.com/GardnerFacepalmBig.jpg[/url])
I love Jim Gardner! I used to visit Philadelphia every summer, and I always watched "Action News"!
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The hilarious thing about that video? The Weather Channel aired the first part of it.
In other words, AN NBC-OWNED PROPERTY ACKNOWLEDGED THE EXISTENCE OF CONAN O'BRIEN.
But Conan's with TBS now.
Yes, but he's at TBS because of all the crap that went down when they decided to give him The Tonight Show, then panicked and gave Jay Leno a 10pm show, and then decided to move Jay back to 11:35, at which point Conan rebelled and said he wasn't going to do it.
Since then, NBC has pretty much wiped the fact that Conan was employed by them from the Internet. Promos for the Tonight Show even make it seem like Conan hosted PRIOR TO JAY TAKING OVER IN 1992. Seriously. That's why it struck me that they aired a Conan clip.
I love Jim Gardner! I used to visit Philadelphia every summer, and I always watched "Action News"!
Jim Gardner is the greatest local news anchor in America. His twitter is an absolute must-follow, and he's let a bit more of his snarkiness appear on the air. Action News is great but I think editorially right now the best newscast is NBC 10. Comcast backed up a dumptruck of money to that station, and the extra investment is showing on-screen.
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Kim and Mark were supposed to be on 3pm-7pm. Instead they only did one hour then Maria came back on after doing her regular AM shift to co host 4pm-8pm with Sam Champion.
Odd they made Maria come back instead of using another female OCM.
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Kim and Mark were supposed to be on 3pm-7pm. Instead they only did one hour then Maria came back on after doing her regular AM shift to co host 4pm-8pm with Sam Champion.
Odd they made Maria come back instead of using another female OCM.
I'm gonna make a prediction: Sam Champion will likely have a co-host like Al Roker w/ Stephanie Abrams. Maria LaRosa is most likely at the top of the list of candidates for that position.
Tonight is probably a test run to see how well they work together, but that's just my opinion/thoughts on why Maria is there tonight.
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I'd agree on that. Especially since the relaunch Jen C. has been doing the 4am-5:30am weekday shifts and her regular 7am-11am weekend shifts while Maria stays on the current AM show with Mike.
I'd guess the new am show is going to be Sam, Maria and Mike.
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Any word on negotiations between TWC and DirectTV? Was the ball fumbled or just dropped and no one is willing to pick it up?
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Any word on negotiations between TWC and DirectTV? Was the ball fumbled or just dropped and no one is willing to pick it up?
Something just came in now - they've written an open letter asking DTV to waive cancellation fees. (http://"http://www.deadline.com/2014/01/the-weather-channel-open-letter-directv/") It's in PDF format, so I've included the text - in full - below.
Just before midnight on January 13, DIRECTV customers lost access to The Weather Channel.
Since then, over 4 million customers have come to keeptheweatherchannel.com to express their frustration. Over 400,000 have called and emailed DIRECTV. And over 90,000 have pledged to switch providers.
Many thousands have called your customer service centers asking to terminate their contracts since they are now getting less content for the same price. But DIRECTV is threatening them with termination fees of $200 to $400.
We have heard from viewers across the country, like Heather in Texas who wrote, “We just signed on with DIRECTV.…Had I known this was going to happen I would NOT have signed up. I read the fine print (too late) and found that they can do that. It’s wrong.”
We agree. Fairness ought to trump the fine print in your contracts.
The decision to switch providers is never taken lightly. Those who are trying to do so clearly believe The Weather Channel is a valued resource for their families. They are people like @jlawson2011, who tweeted “The Weather Channel saved my life when there was severe weather in my area. Tornado imminent + TWC warning to hide.”
These viewers—your customers—value the fact that since 1982 The Weather Channel has been relying upon the National Weather Service for watches and warnings, which we deliver on a hyper-local basis through our proprietary localization technology.
Your customers were never given a vote about DIRECTV’s decision to drop The Weather Channel. The least you can do is allow them to vote now with their feet by waiving termination fees for those seeking to switch to a provider that still carries The Weather Channel, as every other pay-TV company in the nation does.
Our preference would be for DIRECTV to come back to the negotiating table and restore The Weather Channel to your line up. But as you seem intent on proving a point at the expense of your customers’ interests, then at least allow them to make their own choices without unaffordable penalties.
As our team of more than 220 expert meteorologists tracks winter storms, wildfires in Southern California, and many other potential weather emergencies, a prompt reply—not to me, but to your customers—would surely be appreciated.
....excuse me one more time.
(http://hulkied.com/GardnerFacepalmBig.jpg)
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All i can say is how can you have over 220 Meteorologists and still say your a live saving source with hours of Long Form Programming? :facepalm:
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After two decades of being a TWC fan, I'm done with them. This is sick of them to do, and they don't seem like they're changing their ways... ridiculous...
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Any word on negotiations between TWC and DirectTV? Was the ball fumbled or just dropped and no one is willing to pick it up?
Something just came in now - they've written an open letter asking DTV to waive cancellation fees. (http://"[url]http://www.deadline.com/2014/01/the-weather-channel-open-letter-directv/[/url]") It's in PDF format, so I've included the text - in full - below.
Just before midnight on January 13, DIRECTV customers lost access to The Weather Channel.
Since then, over 4 million customers have come to keeptheweatherchannel.com to express their frustration. Over 400,000 have called and emailed DIRECTV. And over 90,000 have pledged to switch providers.
Many thousands have called your customer service centers asking to terminate their contracts since they are now getting less content for the same price. But DIRECTV is threatening them with termination fees of $200 to $400.
We have heard from viewers across the country, like Heather in Texas who wrote, “We just signed on with DIRECTV.…Had I known this was going to happen I would NOT have signed up. I read the fine print (too late) and found that they can do that. It’s wrong.”
We agree. Fairness ought to trump the fine print in your contracts.
The decision to switch providers is never taken lightly. Those who are trying to do so clearly believe The Weather Channel is a valued resource for their families. They are people like @jlawson2011, who tweeted “The Weather Channel saved my life when there was severe weather in my area. Tornado imminent + TWC warning to hide.”
These viewers—your customers—value the fact that since 1982 The Weather Channel has been relying upon the National Weather Service for watches and warnings, which we deliver on a hyper-local basis through our proprietary localization technology.
Your customers were never given a vote about DIRECTV’s decision to drop The Weather Channel. The least you can do is allow them to vote now with their feet by waiving termination fees for those seeking to switch to a provider that still carries The Weather Channel, as every other pay-TV company in the nation does.
Our preference would be for DIRECTV to come back to the negotiating table and restore The Weather Channel to your line up. But as you seem intent on proving a point at the expense of your customers’ interests, then at least allow them to make their own choices without unaffordable penalties.
As our team of more than 220 expert meteorologists tracks winter storms, wildfires in Southern California, and many other potential weather emergencies, a prompt reply—not to me, but to your customers—would surely be appreciated.
....excuse me one more time.
([url]http://hulkied.com/GardnerFacepalmBig.jpg[/url])
Yet, TWC stopped using the NWS data for the 36 hour forecast segments on all STAR models. I still dispute TWC's claims of saving lives.
Also for my own reaction about TWC's claims of "saving lives"...
(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/593x385q90/827/ashketchum.png)
"Gotta palm ém all!"
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Came across this afternoon.
I think David Kenny could create his own weather front with all that hot air. I think he is still missing the point. He is missing 20 million viewers. At some point the shareholders will grumble.
:club:
http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2014/01/weather_channel_directv_carriage_dispute_an_interview_with_david_kenny.html (http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2014/01/weather_channel_directv_carriage_dispute_an_interview_with_david_kenny.html)
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Something just came in now - they've written an open letter asking DTV to waive cancellation fees. ([url]http://www.deadline.com/2014/01/the-weather-channel-open-letter-directv/[/url]) It's in PDF format, so I've included the text - in full - below.
That is hysterical! :rofl: The ego of their current CEO is quite impressive.
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I just don't get TWC's rules for when they stay live and when they go to tape.
Last night they ended storm coverage at 8pm though my cable guide said they were going to be on till 11pm.
Tonight there are no active storms and TWC is staying live to 10pm.
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I just don't get TWC's rules for when they stay live and when they go to tape.
Last night they ended storm coverage at 8pm though my cable guide said they were going to be on till 11pm.
Tonight there are no active storms and TWC is staying live to 10pm.
you're forgetting the fearsome WINTER STORM KRONOS...
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Here's a very interesting analysis of how 4 national weather networks can compete and how each of them can succeed (TWC, WN, Network Weather, Accuweather)
http://hpbear149.livejournal.com/273731.html (http://hpbear149.livejournal.com/273731.html)
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I seriously wonder if he watches his own damn network.
Since 1982, we’ve invested millions of dollars in building a system to display NWS watches and warnings within minutes on a local basis. Folks with vision and hearing problems can access those weather alerts on the Weather Channel.
D* viewers don't get that alert system because they had the satellite feed only.
Also, the recent revamp removed the alert tone and vocal announcement, so those with vision problems don't get the alert. And the new scrolls are so small and go by so fast that it's impossible to make them out.
That's only one of the bullcrap things he says... seriously.
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I just don't get TWC's rules for when they stay live and when they go to tape.
Last night they ended storm coverage at 8pm though my cable guide said they were going to be on till 11pm.
Tonight there are no active storms and TWC is staying live to 10pm.
you're forgetting the fearsome WINTER STORM KRONOS...
Yeah, winter weather in south Texas and Louisiana would (well, should) warrant extra coverage. ;) I guess TWC realizes that there's another part of the country other than the Northeast?
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I just don't get TWC's rules for when they stay live and when they go to tape.
Last night they ended storm coverage at 8pm though my cable guide said they were going to be on till 11pm.
Tonight there are no active storms and TWC is staying live to 10pm.
you're forgetting the fearsome WINTER STORM KRONOS...
Yeah, winter weather in south Texas and Louisiana would (well, should) warrant extra coverage. ;) I guess TWC realizes that there's another part of the country other than the Northeast?
i live in louisiana.. we had snow.. interstates are shut down.. but all TWC cares about is Houston.. who got LESS snow than we did.
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I just don't get TWC's rules for when they stay live and when they go to tape.
Last night they ended storm coverage at 8pm though my cable guide said they were going to be on till 11pm.
Tonight there are no active storms and TWC is staying live to 10pm.
you're forgetting the fearsome WINTER STORM KRONOS...
Yeah, winter weather in south Texas and Louisiana would (well, should) warrant extra coverage. ;) I guess TWC realizes that there's another part of the country other than the Northeast?
i live in louisiana.. we had snow.. interstates are shut down.. but all TWC cares about is Houston.. who got LESS snow than we did.
Houston got snow? I thought they only got ice. There is an unfortunate bias for the Northeast region when it comes to wall to wall coverage. (I do mean 24+ hours straight) There's only a bias towards the Southeast if Atlanta is being affected. Although, I've noticed in the past couple of years, that's not always the case either...
EDIT: To be fair, I do understand the bias, that is where the largest population of people live in our country, so if any threatening weather is in that region it makes sense to be all in on it. If any region of the country feels like outsiders it's the West.
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I just got invited to take a survey on The Front that focused on DirecTV dropping TWC. It asked some pretty obvious questions, including who I thought was more to blame, reasons why, and so on.
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I just got invited to take a survey on The Front that focused on DirecTV dropping TWC. It asked some pretty obvious questions, including who I thought was more to blame, reasons why, and so on.
How did you get to take this survey? Is there a link?
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I just don't get TWC's rules for when they stay live and when they go to tape.
Last night they ended storm coverage at 8pm though my cable guide said they were going to be on till 11pm.
Tonight there are no active storms and TWC is staying live to 10pm.
you're forgetting the fearsome WINTER STORM KRONOS...
Yeah, winter weather in south Texas and Louisiana would (well, should) warrant extra coverage. ;) I guess TWC realizes that there's another part of the country other than the Northeast?
i live in louisiana.. we had snow.. interstates are shut down.. but all TWC cares about is Houston.. who got LESS snow than we did.
Houston got snow? I thought they only got ice. There is an unfortunate bias for the Northeast region when it comes to wall to wall coverage. (I do mean 24+ hours straight) There's only a bias towards the Southeast if Atlanta is being affected. Although, I've noticed in the past couple of years, that's not always the case either...
EDIT: To be fair, I do understand the bias, that is where the largest population of people live in our country, so if any threatening weather is in that region it makes sense to be all in on it. If any region of the country feels like outsiders it's the West.
The Northeast bias is one of the main reasons why I have stopped watching TWC, and while it has always been an issue, it has gotten worse ever since NBC acquired TWC (for obvious reasons). Yes, I understand that the NE is where most of the nation's population is, but often times with an ongoing storm in the central or southern Plains, for example, TWC will devote more coverage to how the storm will be affecting the Northeast in the coming days than what's actually going on with the storm at the present time (this happened with some of the winter storms last year). And even take two equally dangerous weather phenomena (i.e flooding in the Northeast and a heat wave in the south). Which is likely to get more coverage? I think you guessed it.
The Atlanta bias seems to be getting worse too. It's almost as if Atlanta is the only city in the southeastern US. Not hard to figure out where TWC's headquarters is, I bet. Probably all the people who actually think TWC is a "life saving resource" are from Atlanta. In that case, it probably would be as useful as the local news stations.
Honestly, if TWC changed their name to the "Eastern US Weather Channel," I wouldn't have a problem. Seems that more accurately reflects what they cover anyway.
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Looks like someone at HQ is wanting to get fired:
https://www.facebook.com/TheWeatherChannel/posts/10152184707230921?stream_ref=10 (https://www.facebook.com/TheWeatherChannel/posts/10152184707230921?stream_ref=10)
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For anyone that has DTV, how is WN doing? Asking because in the last 24 hours, my local WN in Milwaukee froze up(and it wasn't the first time!) and this morning, the audio has static in it. It sounds awful! What good is WN if it doesn't work well??? I HOPE WN does not have these problems on DTV!!!!!
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For anyone that has DTV, how is WN doing? Asking because in the last 24 hours, my local WN in Milwaukee froze up(and it wasn't the first time!) and this morning, the audio has static in it. It sounds awful! What good is WN if it doesn't work well??? I HOPE WN does not have these problems on DTV!!!!!
It doesn't. This sounds like a station signal issue in Milwaukee but It just runs smooth on DTV.
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For anyone that has DTV, how is WN doing? Asking because in the last 24 hours, my local WN in Milwaukee froze up(and it wasn't the first time!) and this morning, the audio has static in it. It sounds awful! What good is WN if it doesn't work well??? I HOPE WN does not have these problems on DTV!!!!!
It doesn't. This sounds like a station signal issue in Milwaukee but It just runs smooth on DTV.
Thanks! That's good to know since WN is the only one on DTV.
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I just got invited to take a survey on The Front that focused on DirecTV dropping TWC. It asked some pretty obvious questions, including who I thought was more to blame, reasons why, and so on.
How did you get to take this survey? Is there a link?
I signed up for The Front a while ago, and they send emails whenever there's a new survey to take.
https://www.thefrontpanel.com/PORTAL/default.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fPORTAL%2fmembers%2fdefault.aspx (https://www.thefrontpanel.com/PORTAL/default.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fPORTAL%2fmembers%2fdefault.aspx)
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I just got invited to take a survey on The Front that focused on DirecTV dropping TWC. It asked some pretty obvious questions, including who I thought was more to blame, reasons why, and so on.
How did you get to take this survey? Is there a link?
I signed up for The Front a while ago, and they send emails whenever there's a new survey to take.
https://www.thefrontpanel.com/PORTAL/default.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fPORTAL%2fmembers%2fdefault.aspx (https://www.thefrontpanel.com/PORTAL/default.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fPORTAL%2fmembers%2fdefault.aspx)
Thank you. Looks like they shut down the study.
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Thank you. Looks like they shut down the study.
They usually don't last long. If you sign up for an account on the website you'll get an email when the next survey is ready. They don't come all that often, however.
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Noticed that Keith said TWC is back live at 5pm ET. Saturday they were live to 7pm then went to long form.
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Noticed that Keith said TWC is back live at 5pm ET. Saturday they were live to 7pm then went to long form.
Kim just said they will be live until 9pm ET.
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TWC needs to update their guide data. They have been live 2pm-7pm since DTV dropped TWC and my cable box guide and the web TV listings still list reality shows for 2pm-7pm.
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http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/jim-cantore-caught-in-the-middle-of-directv-weather-channel-dispute_b211665 (http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/jim-cantore-caught-in-the-middle-of-directv-weather-channel-dispute_b211665)
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Funny. :lol: The irony is that DirecTV owns a show on an NBC network (NBC Sports), and of course NBC owns TWC. What a tangled web we weave. :rolleyes:
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Network Weather Channel posted this on Facebook: " *** URGENT MESSAGE FROM NETWORK WEATHER CHANNEL ***
There have been rumors running around that our company should buy The Weather Channel. Yes, we are heavily considering that option and a press release will be put out to the press explaining this situation. More in the coming days. STAY TUNED"
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Network Weather Channel posted this on Facebook: " *** URGENT MESSAGE FROM NETWORK WEATHER CHANNEL ***
There have been rumors running around that our company should buy The Weather Channel. Yes, we are heavily considering that option and a press release will be put out to the press explaining this situation. More in the coming days. STAY TUNED"
Whaaaaaaaatttttttt. Would NBC even consider that? Can't wait to hear more..
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Network Weather Channel posted this on Facebook: " *** URGENT MESSAGE FROM NETWORK WEATHER CHANNEL ***
There have been rumors running around that our company should buy The Weather Channel. Yes, we are heavily considering that option and a press release will be put out to the press explaining this situation. More in the coming days. STAY TUNED"
I'm pretty skeptical on this, so we'll just have to wait and see. I'm no expert on economics, but I fail to see how a small (I think it's small), up-and-coming company like Network Weather can buy TWC out from a power company like NBC.
And honestly, I feel competition for TWC is better anyway. With more "weather channels" out there, TWC should adjust its programming rather than doing whatever it wants because it is eh hem, it thinks, it's the only source of weather information out there.
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...well this is novel.
The Weather Channel properties cost about $3.5 billion to acquire. How Network Weather, a very small startup, would be able to swallow such a big fish is beyond me. It has happened - tiny Capital Cities Communications ended up buying ABC, thanks in large part to Warren Buffet - but it's still unlikely.
That said, I can see The Weather Channel being sold.
Network Weather Channel posted this on Facebook: " *** URGENT MESSAGE FROM NETWORK WEATHER CHANNEL ***
There have been rumors running around that our company should buy The Weather Channel. Yes, we are heavily considering that option and a press release will be put out to the press explaining this situation. More in the coming days. STAY TUNED"
Whaaaaaaaatttttttt. Would NBC even consider that? Can't wait to hear more..
The one thing that I keep saying is that NBCUniversal does not own The Weather Channel. It owns a stake in The Weather Channel. Bain Capital and Blackstone Group hold the rest. In fact, I've heard NBC's stake referred to as a MINORITY one, meaning that Bain and Blackstone probably have more control of the company than NBC.
That said, Bain and Blackstone are private equity firms. They buy companies, they invest into them, and then they eventually sell their stakes or take the company public. They don't own companies forever. At some point they're gonna sell.
What I can see, more than any other outcome, is Bain and Blackstone selling their stakes to NBC/Comcast, giving them 100% control.
And hopefully some adult supervision.
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Network Weather Channel posted this on Facebook: " *** URGENT MESSAGE FROM NETWORK WEATHER CHANNEL ***
There have been rumors running around that our company should buy The Weather Channel. Yes, we are heavily considering that option and a press release will be put out to the press explaining this situation. More in the coming days. STAY TUNED"
And I called Total BS on this looking at their facebook page. Honestly, I'll say they don't have the money to do anything big unless they got MAJOR money behind them... And I HIGHLY doubt that!
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Not that I believe such a sale would ever happen even in my wildest dreams, but I would be all for NBC selling the channel to someone who might be able to fix the problems. The way I look at it, things couldn't get much worse than they have been at TWC, so a change at this point might be good. I don't see it happening, though.
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Network Weather Channel posted this on Facebook: " *** URGENT MESSAGE FROM NETWORK WEATHER CHANNEL ***
There have been rumors running around that our company should buy The Weather Channel. Yes, we are heavily considering that option and a press release will be put out to the press explaining this situation. More in the coming days. STAY TUNED"
Whaaaaaaaatttttttt. Would NBC even consider that? Can't wait to hear more..
Once again...
(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/593x385q90/827/ashketchum.png)
I can't believe it, Network Weather Channel considering buying TWC?! They haven't even launched yet!
...well this is novel.
The Weather Channel properties cost about $3.5 billion to acquire. How Network Weather, a very small startup, would be able to swallow such a big fish is beyond me. It has happened - tiny Capital Cities Communications ended up buying ABC, thanks in large part to Warren Buffet - but it's still unlikely.
That said, I can see The Weather Channel being sold.
Yet, not only did Capital Cities acquired ABC, but the Walt Disney Company eventually swallowed up both Capital Cities and ABC with it in 1995, like what Comca$h did to NBC back in 2011. I feel sorry for Network Weather Channel. I just hope TWC doesn't acquire WeatherNation TV like what they did to WeatherUnderground, IntelliCast, and WSI. Either way, it seems like TWC is becoming a monopoly to the television weather business like how ESPN and Fox Sports are to the sports television business.
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I think you misread. NETWORK WEATHER wants to acquire TWC.
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I passed the news on to my FB friends, and I couldn't believe it myself, I thought this was an early April Fool's joke. How they have the capital to even acquire TWC blows my mind, but Dave Schwartz and his partners aren't wasting their time for nothing. These are experienced (likely wealthy) individuals who are giving a run for their money, I hope something works out for them. Who knows what TWC's current evaluation is but I am eager to hear about this on press release, if they do indeed have one coming.
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I think you misread. NETWORK WEATHER wants to acquire TWC.
Ooops... :rolleyes: Thank you for correcting that.
Anyways, I don't even think that Network Weather Channel even has the money to buy TWC. Either way, they might already be doomed.
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I hate to break it to you folks but The Weather Network isn't happening.
Lets look at the clues on their website:
"The Weather Newspaper" shows a sample cover coming out on Feb 14, 2014. The article talks about a tornado that hit a school "nearly seventeen and a half years ago". The event happened in 1989... thats 24 years ago. The article was clearly copied from somewhere.
Founders: Michael E. Smith, Steven W. Smith, Eric Welch..... for successful entrepreneurs they are pretty absent online. The largest weekly publication they claim to own is the OC Post Sentinel. The website is copyrighted in 2011 and very poorly designed. Yes there are a few current blog posts but thats about it.
They have no graphics system, no professional equipment, nothing. Perhaps they'll have a 24/7 subchannel in TV market #200 but nothing mainstream. If this was a serious operation... upon any type of press release or announcement, there would be something out there other than a website that looks like it was built in Geocities. The post on their Facebook page just goes to further prove its a joke.
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I hate to break it to you folks but The Weather Network isn't happening.
Lets look at the clues on their website:
"The Weather Newspaper" shows a sample cover coming out on Feb 14, 2014. The article talks about a tornado that hit a school "nearly seventeen and a half years ago". The event happened in 1989... thats 24 years ago. The article was clearly copied from somewhere.
Founders: Michael E. Smith, Steven W. Smith, Eric Welch..... for successful entrepreneurs they are pretty absent online. The largest weekly publication they claim to own is the OC Post Sentinel. The website is copyrighted in 2011 and very poorly designed. Yes there are a few current blog posts but thats about it.
They have no graphics system, no professional equipment, nothing. Perhaps they'll have a 24/7 subchannel in TV market #200 but nothing mainstream. If this was a serious operation... upon any type of press release or announcement, there would be something out there other than a website that looks like it was built in Geocities. The post on their Facebook page just goes to further prove its a joke.
That the feel I get from it as well. I think this one is dead on arrival and for it to be taken seriously is shocking to me.
Right now, TWC's biggest competitor is WeatherNationTV and soon AccuWeather's New Channel. I feel those two in itself is scary situation for TWC. You could call WeatherNation an Upstart, but that won't fly for Accuweather as they been in weather forecasting since 1966. I could see a situation where DirecTV have up both and get AccuWeather as major weather provider for digital interactive apps, and it's active channel. That could be a death nail for TWC speaking for Satelitte. This is just me going off of what could make DirecTV money and sticking it to TWC
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I hate to break it to you folks but The Weather Network isn't happening.
I'm assuming you meant Network Weather? Isn't The Weather Network Canada's version of TWC? (Ha, maybe the fact that they couldn't even come up with an original name is a bad sign.)
Anyway, while I agree with what you said, I am a little confused as to why they would make all this stuff up. It appears they have a lot of followers - I think it would be such a stab in the back to say that this was all a joke. But does that mean that the entire "company" is vanishing, or just the fact that going 24/7 on air just won't become a reality while they still do online, quick forecasts?
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Weather Nations maps are much better than TWCs over simplified no terrain maps.
For those who are members of The Front Panel the survey on TWC being dropped by DTV is back.
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I actually like the new TWC maps.
A lot of weather apps on smartphones and tablets use those kinds of maps, mostly because they're the default look that Google/Apple/Bing/whatever use. Forecast.io (http://"http://forecast.io/#/f/39.9523,-75.1638") is one of the examples I'd use. Hell, weather.gov uses those styles of maps.
I really like TWC's graphical look as opposed to, say, what WPVI is doing with their whiz-bang WSI/VizRT setup. They can generate an accurate map of all of Atlantic City's casinos, or they can do a morning rush forecast with cars whizzing under an overpass with absolutely no lag... and there's so much flying around that I can't understand the forecast. WCAU's a bit better (actually a lot of the NBC O&Os have really good weather presentation).
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http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/accuweather-advertises-24-hour-channel-on-atlanta-billboard_b212419 (http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/accuweather-advertises-24-hour-channel-on-atlanta-billboard_b212419)
AccuWeather Advertises New Network in Weather Channel’s Backyard
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The new TWC promo that says DTV dropped TWC without warning is comical.
What was TWC doing in the days before DTV dropped TWC? Warning people that the channel was going to be dropped.
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According to The Weather Channel, this is what "without warning" means.
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TWC just ran a super lame promo mocking the DTV don't switch to cable TV ads.
In the midst of their Storm coverage it's not appropriate and childish.
http://bcove.me/j5zg8cqj (http://bcove.me/j5zg8cqj)
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I thought TWC's DirecTV commercial parody was funny. I laughed when I watched it on the channel earlier today. :lol:
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TWC just ran a super lame promo mocking the DTV don't switch to cable TV ads.
In the midst of their Storm coverage it's not appropriate and childish.
[url]http://bcove.me/j5zg8cqj[/url] ([url]http://bcove.me/j5zg8cqj[/url])
wow thats lame.. they think way to highly of their crappy channel
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I thought TWC's DirecTV commercial parody was funny. I laughed when I watched it on the channel earlier today. :lol:
I also thought it was funny :rofl2:
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TWC just ran a super lame promo mocking the DTV don't switch to cable TV ads.
In the midst of their Storm coverage it's not appropriate and childish.
[url]http://bcove.me/j5zg8cqj[/url] ([url]http://bcove.me/j5zg8cqj[/url])
wow thats lame.. they think way to highly of their crappy channel
they are full of them self's Comcast needs to stop this before it's like G4 TV.
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Here is a thought.
If WeatherNation continues down their new path, chances are good that they will only improve.
If TWC continues down their path, chances are great that they continue to suck.
Its been a month and I don't miss the stupid reality programming that makes up so much of TWC.
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The Network Weather Channel page on FB has been deleted. I wonder if there's more to this.
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The website is still up. http://www.networkweathercompany.com/ (http://www.networkweathercompany.com/)
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Network Weather is really confusing me right now. :wacko: I really can't tell if they're serious about anything or not. I know the on-air network probably isn't happening anymore, but the website (which apparently has been re-designed) is very "messy" looking and not professional.
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I thought maybe the non weather related reality shows might not come back since DTV dropped TWC but tonight TWC is airing old episodes of Reel Rivals. A show that has nothing to do with weather.
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I hate to break it to you folks but The Weather Network isn't happening.
I'm assuming you meant Network Weather? Isn't The Weather Network Canada's version of TWC? (Ha, maybe the fact that they couldn't even come up with an original name is a bad sign.)
Anyway, while I agree with what you said, I am a little confused as to why they would make all this stuff up. It appears they have a lot of followers - I think it would be such a stab in the back to say that this was all a joke. But does that mean that the entire "company" is vanishing, or just the fact that going 24/7 on air just won't become a reality while they still do online, quick forecasts?
Lol yes thats what I meant. :P
If it was a professional operation with real capital and financial backers... then you would see a professional website and marketing. Why would someone do it? Sadly for the same reason there are so many false stories on the internet... to get attention. TWC was going through an unpopular time and claiming that a competing product with more weather info was about to premiere was bound to get a lot of attention. :noexpression:
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Accuweather is the only competition TWC needs to be worried about as far as I see it...
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Accuweather is the only competition TWC needs to be worried about as far as I see it...
And WeatherNation as well. I see those two as the big competitors to TWC.
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Accuweather is the only competition TWC needs to be worried about as far as I see it...
And WeatherNation as well. I see those two as the big competitors to TWC.
I disagree. I've watched a bit of WeatherNation. Looks like a joke to me.
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I disagree. I've watched a bit of WeatherNation. Looks like a joke to me.
I agree. I'm not impressed with WeatherNation. I wish I was. Of course, they're a new company, so I'm willing to wait and see if they improve.
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I disagree. I've watched a bit of WeatherNation. Looks like a joke to me.
I agree. I'm not impressed with WeatherNation. I wish I was. Of course, they're a new company, so I'm willing to wait and see if they improve.
Give them time, they may be small for now, but I'm sure WeatherNation will eventually grow a few years from now. That's exactly how TWC started back in 1982. DirecTV at least finally got the local weather feature working again.
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If anyone has DirecTV could you post a pic or video of the new LWN app? Also probably not, but it just sounded like they played David Robidoux on WeatherNation. Nothing I ever heard. Again probably not but it did sound similar.
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Accuweather is the only competition TWC needs to be worried about as far as I see it...
I'm not looking forward to the launch of AccuWeather. :no: As far as I see it, they're going to be just as bad as TWC (or worse) when it comes to a Northeast/East Coast coverage bias (their website is already a great example of this). At least WeatherNation seems to devote equal time in covering each region of the US.
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I'm not looking forward to the launch of AccuWeather. :no: As far as I see it, they're going to be just as bad as TWC (or worse) when it comes to a Northeast/East Coast coverage bias (their website is already a great example of this). At least WeatherNation seems to devote equal time in covering each region of the US.
AccuWeather is also not so "accu." At least in my area. They sometimes don't even get the current conditions right! :o
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I'm not looking forward to the launch of AccuWeather. :no: As far as I see it, they're going to be just as bad as TWC (or worse) when it comes to a Northeast/East Coast coverage bias (their website is already a great example of this). At least WeatherNation seems to devote equal time in covering each region of the US.
AccuWeather is also not so "accu." At least in my area. They sometimes don't even get the current conditions right! :o
Yes, I would agree with you there also. I think AccuWeather needs to stop focusing so much on extending their forecast to over a month and at least concentrate on getting the 7-day right! :hammer:
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Didn't Dish Network also drop TWC?
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Didn't Dish Network also drop TWC?
They almost did drop the channel back in 2010 when they launched The Weather Cast (a precursor to WeatherNation) which was intended to replace The Weather Channel because of a carriage dispute at the time. However, an agreement was reached between the two parties and TWC was never removed from Dish's lineup. The Weather Cast, on the other hand, was discontinued after being on the air for four days.
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You've got Jim Cantore saying that TWC is a life-saving network, providing up to the minute information. Yet when TWC was on DirecTV, you would not get local weather information on any severe weather alerts such as watches or warnings due to the non-locality of Satellite, unless you paid to have local information based on your zip code.
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You've got Jim Cantore saying that TWC is a life-saving network, providing up to the minute information. Yet when TWC was on DirecTV, you would not get local weather information on any severe weather alerts such as watches or warnings due to the non-locality of Satellite, unless you paid to have local information based on your zip code.
You had to pay extra for that?!
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I'm almost 100% sure that service came with TWC. We NEVER had to pay for it when we had DirecTV...
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Big plans for Weather Nation starting with the spring severe weather season. It's a Capital Weather Gang story featuring WN president Michael Norton.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2014/03/10/the-future-of-weathernation-interview-with-president-michael-norton/ (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2014/03/10/the-future-of-weathernation-interview-with-president-michael-norton/)
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I see some of you dont like WeatherNation, but they are certainly better than TWC is today, thats for sure. Like someone else said earlier in this thread, they are still relatively new, but they will get better. I love the music on their LF's
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Big plans for Weather Nation starting with the spring severe weather season. It's a Capital Weather Gang story featuring WN president Michael Norton.
[url]http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2014/03/10/the-future-of-weathernation-interview-with-president-michael-norton/[/url] ([url]http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2014/03/10/the-future-of-weathernation-interview-with-president-michael-norton/[/url])
I already posted this:
https://twctodayforums.com/forums/general-discussion/weathernation/msg188845/#msg188845 (https://twctodayforums.com/forums/general-discussion/weathernation/msg188845/#msg188845)
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You've got Jim Cantore saying that TWC is a life-saving network, providing up to the minute information. Yet when TWC was on DirecTV, you would not get local weather information on any severe weather alerts such as watches or warnings due to the non-locality of Satellite, unless you paid to have local information based on your zip code.
You had to pay extra for that?!
I was going by what I read on wikipedia.
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Um, I don't recall paying extra to get alerts on TWC. What dummy typed that on Wikipedia? :nono:
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http://ftvlive.com/todays-news/2014/3/28/is-this-the-weather-channel-or-entertainment-tonight (http://ftvlive.com/todays-news/2014/3/28/is-this-the-weather-channel-or-entertainment-tonight)
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A deal has been struck.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/weather-channel-returns-directv-183200850.html (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/weather-channel-returns-directv-183200850.html)
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A deal has been struck.
[url]http://finance.yahoo.com/news/weather-channel-returns-directv-183200850.html[/url] ([url]http://finance.yahoo.com/news/weather-channel-returns-directv-183200850.html[/url])
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/weather-channel-to-return-to-directv_b220756 (http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/weather-channel-to-return-to-directv_b220756)
"WSJ reports the Weather Channel has also agreed to increase the airtime it gives to weather-related news"
It looks like the WCL hours that were cut in November may return.
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Oh well. :( It sounds like some people who have DirecTV have truly missed The Weather Channel, but I have a feeling this supposed cutting of reality shows will only last a short time before TWC decides to do their own thing again.
Does this mean WeatherNation will disappear from DirecTV, I wonder?
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No, WeatherNation and DirecTV struck a multi-year deal already.
http://www.denverpost.com/weathernews/ci_25478910/directv-and-denver-based-weathernation-sign-multi-year (http://www.denverpost.com/weathernews/ci_25478910/directv-and-denver-based-weathernation-sign-multi-year)
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More links on the deal: http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/weather-channel-cuts-reality-shows-in-directv-deal/2014/04/08/4c6bd938-bf50-11e3-9ee7-02c1e10a03f0_story.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/weather-channel-cuts-reality-shows-in-directv-deal/2014/04/08/4c6bd938-bf50-11e3-9ee7-02c1e10a03f0_story.html)
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Official press release: http://press.weather.com/press-releases/weather-channel-returns-directv/ (http://press.weather.com/press-releases/weather-channel-returns-directv/)
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A deal has been struck.
[url]http://finance.yahoo.com/news/weather-channel-returns-directv-183200850.html[/url] ([url]http://finance.yahoo.com/news/weather-channel-returns-directv-183200850.html[/url])
[url]http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/weather-channel-to-return-to-directv_b220756[/url] ([url]http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/weather-channel-to-return-to-directv_b220756[/url])
"WSJ reports the Weather Channel has also agreed to increase the airtime it gives to weather-related news"
It looks like the WCL hours that were cut in November may return.
Far more likely that quote is in reference to the WCL hours already restored during the afternoon/early evening.
Weekdays, to me, means something different than weeknights.
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I'd agree the TWC concession of adding more weather news was already done by adding WCL back 2pm-5pm.
This means the schedule is going to stay live programming 4am-8pm and long form 8pm-4am.
16 hours live 8 hours non live.
There was no mention of weekends where TWC has no live shows 2pm to 4am.
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GLAD that this is over! I wonder how many people reacted to DTV when Sam started and now that Dave is coming back?
I'm also proud of DTV for the fact that WN gets to keep its promontion! Hopefully, this is the start of more than one weather channel, not just one.
As for cutting longform, I saw in one article that this will not affect TWC's Primetime Lineup, Of Course!!! So, has the cutting been done already? Or, is DTV expecting more?
Hopefully, People are getting good service from WN now. I haven't found much if anything on YT about WN on DTV. Tried to view WN DTV other places, no luck!
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Definitely The Weather Channel is cutting prime time shows on weekdays. Otherwise what's the point of the new agreement. Plus the press release said they will be cutting more hours. If they counted 2-5pm as part of the coverage The Weather Channel can only air 5 hours of long form a night instead of 8. Which probably means and no this is not an actual schedule, just an example
4am - 8pm (Weather Coverage)
8pm - 11pm (Long Form)
11-1 am (Weather Coverage)
2-4 am (Long Form)
or
4am - 8pm (Weather Coverage)
8pm -10pm (Long Form)
10-12am (Weather Coverge)
1-4am (Long Form)
EDIT:
10 and 1 shows probably return. At least it's 4-8, 10-11, and 1-2, we get an overnight playlist now probably
hopefully they will listen enough now to at the very least bring back the instrumentals back in 2013. I'll keep
requesting.
If 2-5pm is counted that's 3 hours out of 11 so, 11 divided by 2 is 5.5 so about 5 hours is left for primetime.
The Bottom is more likely to be the one if entertainment focused.
HOWEVER if DirecTV still found a problem long form will be reduced to 4 hours a night on weekdays.
I sure hope this is the case.
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Excuse me for a moment...
(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/593x385q90/827/ashketchum.png)
Why DirecTV? Why?! Something tells me that TWC is likely lying about promising to restore more live weather coverage now that DirecTV has reached a new deal. Great, more money out of our DirecTV bills. :wall:
Believe it or not, I hate to say this (even on a TWC fan site), but because of NBC/Comcrap's recent corporate treatment of TWC, I was hoping for TWC to crash, burn, and die like what happened to G4 on most providers. DirecTV was the first major provider to drop G4 back in 2010 and other providers followed suit recently (even Comcast). I bet two days from now, TWC is going to acquire the rights to Honey Boo-Boo and break their promise of covering the weather. :censored: DirecTV has lost, those corporate demons at NBC/Comcast have won. There goes our money in our DirecTV bills.
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Hopefully TWC stays true to their word and goes back to more weather coverage (after all it is THE WEATHER CHANNEL).
So I wonder if DirecTV still has IS 24131, or another STAR?
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Hopefully TWC stays true to their word and goes back to more weather coverage (after all it is THE WEATHER CHANNEL).
So I wonder if DirecTV still has IS 24131, or another STAR?
They always had an app but never a STAR system of any kind since they take the national feed.
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Saw this article on Yahoo! Sounds like TWC finally folded to DirecTV...
The Weather Channel Returns To DirecTV
https://tv.yahoo.com/news/weather-channel-returns-directv-184115273.html
Yep, DirecTV put a good hurtin' on their pockets, they had to concede. :lol:
Here's another arcticle that discusses that DirecTV agreed to a deal with TWC on one condition: slashing reality programming in half with live programming in it's place. Service will be restored to DTV customers today. WN will also remain on DTV.
Weather Channel cuts reality shows in DirecTV deal
https://tv.yahoo.com/news/weather-channel-cuts-reality-shows-directv-deal-190028001.html
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So, this whole issue has now made a complete full circle in the past three months. What a waste of time and money, and who says this story won't repeat again in the future? The only real leverage gained here is that DirecTV now airs a competitor against TWC when there were previously none. I feel like this whole matter could have been solved in a week if cooperation and compromise would have been executed properly. It didn't really help both sides well in the public eye of opinion.
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Here's another arcticle that discusses that DirecTV agreed to a deal with TWC on one condition: slashing reality programming in half with live programming in it's place.
The good thing about this settlement is that it not only benefits those who have DirecTV by allowing them to once again watch TWC, but it also helps out the newly-minted non-DirecTV cable subscribers by improving the TWC experience for them.
Why DirecTV? Why?! Something tells me that TWC is likely lying about promising to restore more live weather coverage now that DirecTV has reached a new deal. Great, more money out of our DirecTV bills.
It goes to show that "permanent" channel drops don't go that far. I gather that there is a sizable community out there which disapproved of DTV dropping TWC, with some even going as far as to claim they switched providers over the move. Those viewers would supposedly be thrilled to be able to watch TWC on DTV, except for the fact that they've already switched. Does DTV expect to magically get them back?
The only real leverage gained here is that DirecTV now airs a competitor against TWC when there were previously none.
Competition is generally a good thing. WN certainly seemed good to me at the time because TWC had gone downhill, but that was before this dispute came to a head. Even immediately before and just after TWC's forced exit from DTV, the channel made a considerable effort to trim the longform back in exchange for live coverage. TWC is the established network here with the name recognition, and if that constant gets coupled with improvements, WN will suddenly pale in comparison.
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WeatherNation is on Channel 361 while TWC has Channel 362 back. No local weather is on there yet, but I suspect the Intellistar they used before the dispute is coming back, perhaps with a new look.
Going live until 8pm Eastern is a much better scenario that I could live with. However, this is TWC. I don't trust them one bit to hold on to the agreement. I do watch WN and I like what they're doing. I do however, wish they do improve their severe weather coverage, which I do understand is coming. I do watch them in the morning, for I saw Sam Champion's show this morning and I hate it...a lot. Competition IS a beautiful thing.
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DirecTV still has 24131 (or another IntelliStar), because this is currently active..
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I don't know if it's another STAR, but the interactive forecast isn't back yet (using the red button).
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I don't know if it's another STAR, but the interactive forecast isn't back yet (using the red button).
The local weather app we all know and love isnt a star at all, it was put up by the receiver itself..
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It goes to show that "permanent" channel drops don't go that far. I gather that there is a sizable community out there which disapproved of DTV dropping TWC, with some even going as far as to claim they switched providers over the move. Those viewers would supposedly be thrilled to be able to watch TWC on DTV, except for the fact that they've already switched. Does DTV expect to magically get them back?
But if you look at what happened to G4 in 2010 as I previously mentioned, DirecTV thought at the time that they no longer saw any value in G4's programing or ad revenue. G4 hasn't returned to DirecTV since November 1, 2010. Time Warner Cable later followed suit three years later, and then most other cable providers (plus Dish and even Comcast) eventually created a "domino effect" on dropping G4. G4 after all was originally a video game and technology-themed channel that even merged with TechTV in 2004. The downfall of G4 (or at least in my own opinion) started around 2006 or so when they slowly began to phase out most of the video game and technology-related programs in favor of reality shows. The Weather Channel by comparison also eventually became a lot like how G4 has become. That's not how you would run a cable network business.
I just hope they at least bring back the 90 second/two minute Local on the 8s flavors again as well as playing non-vocalized music (but I doubt they are ever going to do that again).
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Just tuned in for the first time since back on DTV. Local on the 8s (not yet) 6 minutes commercials, blurb about farm bill, top 5 videos, local on the 8s. So this is what everyone wanted on?
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Let's keep the subject of this thread the same please even though the circumstances have changed. I had to modify the last post to do so.