Celebrating 30 Years of The Weather Channel

[toxictwister00]

30 years ago today, history was made in the Cable television industry when the idea of a 24/7 Cable Network that would broadcast weather all day every day began. Critics of course saw immediate failure and embarrassment in such a concept and the first few years almost saw predictions from critics come true, but when TWC began doing live reports during Hurricane Season with Hurricane Hugo in 1989, it put the network on the map as a force to be reckoned with that obviously proved those harsh critics to be dead wrong about their quick demise. Today, TWC is one of the most powerful and influential cable networks that exists. Even if you're like me and don't like the direction the network has gone in the past years, it has proven that it can still be a reliable source during historic weather outbreaks such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards.

As a treat from TWC alum Andre Bernier, below is a Youtube video of the very first hour of TWC's broadcast from May 2, 1982. The first 30 minutes is an inauguration ceremony from Las Vegas, the second half hour is the first 30 minutes of The Weather Channel being braodcasted from their studio in Atlanta, GA.

Weather Channel's Debut May 2, 1982

[Localonthe8s]

I for one do not care about their 30th anniversary. I do however have their 25th anniversary still fresh on my mind..(I loved that lf intro they use in 2007)

[toxictwister00]

I for one do not care about their 30th anniversary. I do however have their 25th anniversary still fresh on my mind..(I loved that lf intro they use in 2007)

I didn't care for the 25th anniversary, I think the 20th was the best milestone that was focused on, but that's beside the point. I know I'm not a mod or admin. but if you're not contributing anything positive or meaningful to this thread besides a snide comment about how you don't care about the 30th anniversary I would rather you not post in this thread at all.

[Localonthe8s]

Sorry, but since when are we not allowed to make our own opinions? I said I do not care for it. I'm glad for TWC to continue their 30 years in operation. It's just that they've gone so downhill, that many of us are not into their current state anymore

[toxictwister00]

Sorry, but since when are we not allowed to make our own opinions? I said I do not care for it. I'm glad for TWC to continue their 30 years in operation. It's just that they've gone so downhill, that many of us are not into their current state anymore

That's fine and dandy that you have that opinion, the majority here including myself would agree about not liking how they are now either, but I don't want that derailing from the purpose of the thread which is to discuss the positives of TWC, not to rank what milestone is better than the other and how far off the cliff they've gone or how much they're jumped the shark.

[TWC Fan]

30 years ago today, history was made in the Cable television industry when the idea of a 24/7 Cable Network that would broadcast weather all day every day began. Critics of course saw immediate failure and embarrassment in such a concept and the first few years almost saw predictions from critics come true, but when TWC began doing live reports during Hurricane Season with Hurricane Hugo in 1989, it put the network on the map as a force to be reckoned with that obviously proved those harsh critics to be dead wrong about their quick demise. Today, TWC is one of the most powerful and influential cable networks that exists. Even if you're like me and don't like the direction the network has gone in the past years, it has proven that it can still be a reliable source during historic weather outbreaks such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards.

As a treat from TWC alum Andre Bernier, below is a Youtube video of the very first hour of TWC's broadcast from May 2, 1982. The first 30 minutes is an inauguration ceremony from Las Vegas, the second half hour is the first 30 minutes of The Weather Channel being braodcasted from their studio in Atlanta, GA.

Weather Channel's Debut May 2, 1982

Thanks for the classic video! I was 1 year old back then. Anyway, Happy Anniversary to The Weather Channel!

[WeatherWitness]

I really like the 30th Anniversary images on weather.com, especially the ones showing the logo progressions and the different slogans.

And I had no idea there were so many different logos.   In fact, according to the image (though the '80s logos looked very similar and only had slight modifications to them), the present logo has been used the longest of any logo that has been used at TWC.  So for those of you who thought a logo-change was ridiculous, you may want to think again.

[Trevor]

I recorded the entire thing in HD via DVR this morning. I'm planning on uploading the whole thing later tonight, if not tomorrow.

[yourweathertoday]

I really like the 30th Anniversary images on weather.com, especially the ones showing the logo progressions and the different slogans.

And I had no idea there were so many different logos.   In fact, according to the image (though the '80s logos looked very similar and only had slight modifications to them), the present logo has been used the longest of any logo that has been used at TWC.  So for those of you who thought a logo-change was ridiculous, you may want to think again.

Where are you seeing these images? The only ones I see are on-air meteorologist "age progression" photos.

[TWCCraig]

I really like the new 30-year anniversary design on weather.com. Very neat and great site architecture. It's very organized. Good job TWC 

[Zach]

Am I the only one not seeing a 30-year design on weather.com?

Sorry, but since when are we not allowed to make our own opinions? I said I do not care for it. I'm glad for TWC to continue their 30 years in operation. It's just that they've gone so downhill, that many of us are not into their current state anymore

I kinda have to agree with Tavores.. while you are entitled for an opinion, its the factor that you said it in a condescending tone and gives no contribution to the topic.

[TWCCraig]

Am I the only one not seeing a 30-year design on weather.com?

The homepage might not be as noticeable when you're looking for the new design. Type your zip code in the search bar and you should see it.

[toxictwister00]

I really like the 30th Anniversary images on weather.com, especially the ones showing the logo progressions and the different slogans.

And I had no idea there were so many different logos.   In fact, according to the image (though the '80s logos looked very similar and only had slight modifications to them), the present logo has been used the longest of any logo that has been used at TWC.  So for those of you who thought a logo-change was ridiculous, you may want to think again.

Where are you seeing these images? The only ones I see are on-air meteorologist "age progression" photos.

Photo #2
http://www.weather.com/news/30th-anniversary-images-a-look-back

[Zach]

Am I the only one not seeing a 30-year design on weather.com?

The homepage might not be as noticeable when you're looking for the new design. Type your zip code in the search bar and you should see it.

You completely overlooked this topic because that's a site redesign and has nothing to do with the 30th anniversary

[twcclassics]

The present logo has been used the longest of any logo that has been used at TWC.  So for those of you who thought a logo-change was ridiculous, you may want to think again.

Well, I guess if you count slight modifications as a new logo, then yes, the current one has been used the longest and is well overdue for a change. Maybe they'll make the text a little thinner? Wow!

That video was pretty cool. Lots of bad music, though. Interesting to hear "Morning Dance" and "Birdland," though. Also interesting that John Coleman thought people would enjoy the music on the local forecast. Fast forward to 1993 when I call TWC asking if they have a playlist, and they act like I'm some kind of freak. Anyway, I wonder why Andre didn't share that video with us (TWCC) back in 2004 (or so) when he sent us a DVD from 1983?