TWC Today Forums
Present - The Weather Channel 2000 => Programming and Graphics => Topic started by: Anistorm on October 25, 2010, 08:54:12 PM
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A friend of mine (@weathrlver) shared this article with me on facebook about TWC's future revamp of it's weather coverage. In a video interview with Sharon Scott, one of the executives from NBCU said that they have plans to reduce TWC's live weather programming for several reasons. This won't happen until the next year or perhaps sooner. Link to the article and video interview here (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/nbcs-weather-channel-revamp-forecasts-32414).
Well... I've seen the worst of this coming. *sigh*
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TWC has been changing for the worst so it doesn't surprise me that NBCU would be making a "money making" decision like this for the future of the network
as i would say :thumbsup: for the avg viewer and :thumbdown: for the long time viewer.
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BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! :thumbdown: :cry: :cry3:
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:facepalm:
My opinion: "For live weather, you can use this." Not everyone has "this" :rolleyes:
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So they didn't learn their lesson with Flick and a Forecast?
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isn't NBC fixing to be sold?? aren't they in bankruptcy anyway? wtf, i don't know who they think they are coming around and making dramatic changes, but this certainly isn't going to go well for the viewers...perhaps this is why the video wall is no longer being used.
someone at NBC needs a nice slap across the face, and shown the door. :club:
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Haven't local news stations across the board been providing more live weather coverage over the decades due to demand? Yes, it's way easier to find your weather online, but to explain what's happening and why along with relaying critical information requires a live segment. News stations pull in tons of ratings when there's virtually non-stop live weather coverage during an event. As Tyler hinted above, TWC better not let themselves get caught again in some non-live show while a serious weather event is looming or occurring. Even average viewers who love long-form will notice, especially if they're the ones being threatened.
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Just like people got over the MTV thing, people will get over the TWC thing as well. Trust me. You'll all eventually get over it and move on to more important "in real life" problems.
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Just like people got over the MTV thing, people will get over the TWC thing as well. Trust me. You'll all eventually get over it and move on to more important "in real life" problems.
In a way what she said makes sense. People can instantly check the weather on all of their devices and who really cares about the national forecast anyway? Really all that the general population cares about is their local weather for the next day or so which can be satisfied by a STAR.
Having said that I think they are definitely going in the wrong direction if this does turn out to be what there plan is. Weather programming is mildly interesting but I really don't see how in the long run it will save the channel. NBC is treating TWC like it would with any of its other assets. It sees that viewer ship probably has declined over the past 10 years. They automatically think that this is a problem and throw a hissy fit trying to stop it and ultimately fail. TV is becoming a smaller part of the American lifestyle and the networks are going to have to get used to it. Trying to find other content to make people interested in the channel again is not going to work.
We can compare how NBC is treating The Weather Channel to its other stations. SYFY has moved away from many of the core shows that brought true scifi fans to the network and has been pumped full of sex and drama to appeal to wider audiences. MSNBC has moved away from true news reporting and become more opinion based than anything else. The reasoning? People can get the basic news online but they have to watch TV for actual commentary and opinion. NBCU is taking drastic changes that will in the end hurt the branding of their stations. TWC nor any other NBCU station will NEVER be sold or change hands. NBCU will remain. Hopefully they will see the error in their ways at some point.
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Just like people got over the MTV thing, people will get over the TWC thing as well. Trust me. You'll all eventually get over it and move on to more important "in real life" problems.
While reading this thread, I was wondering if I was going to see your trademark "dad" answer. :P
Yes, people who were upset over MTV's choice to dump music videos got over it. Only they got over it by watching another channel. :pinch:
I love her razor-thin arguments for long-form (or as I like to call it, long-nap) programming. Yes, outdoor photography has a little to do with weather. But then again, so does buying patio furniture at Home Depot and scratching yourself in the morning. When do those Emmy-worthy programs debut? :rolleyes:
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Just as long as there's still music, and Local on the 8s, that's fine with me.
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Just as long as there's still music, and Local on the 8s, that's fine with me.
That's what Weatherscan is for. Does Weatherscan, which offers constant local weather, replace The Weather Channel? Not even close. The two compliment each other, not compete with or replace each other.
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I feel like punching that executive in the face.
Well, there's nothing we can do now. Yeah, complain all you want, but it's not gonna stop them. TWC is reducing live coverage because we have the iPad app (no wonder that's the most popular app ever. :rolleyes: ) and too many people are getting their weather by their local newscasts or mobile apps. I'm more worried about the people who don't even have access to mobile apps or internet just to get their weather. If they want to make that move, let them do that. Like Jesse said, we'll get used to this like we all did before.
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Like Jesse said, we'll get used to this like we all did before.
Yes, some will, but many won't. Many will just give up on TWC and find another source for weather information (I did years ago). What NBC doesn't seem to realize (or care) is that there are still many people out there that need on up-to-the-minute weather information. And in it's heyday, the place for that was definitely TWC. The appeal was that you didn't have to wait for the 6:00 or 10:00 news. You could get your weather forecast every few minutes. You could get live coverage of an event. You didn't have to wait or settle for for a bunch of stupid boxes, with information typed in a font size that requires binoculars to read, covering up half the damn screen. But now, as time goes by, NBC is moving farther and farther away from what made TWC, well, TWC. Don't get me wrong, if they WANT to become a G4-like network, that's fine. But they're nuts if they think most or all of their loyal "weather" fan base will stick around. :thumbdown:
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Like Jesse said, we'll get used to this like we all did before.
Don't get me wrong, if they WANT to become a G4-like network, that's fine. But they're nuts if they think most or all of their loyal "weather" fan base will stick around. :thumbdown:
What's G4?
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Like Jesse said, we'll get used to this like we all did before.
Don't get me wrong, if they WANT to become a G4-like network, that's fine. But they're nuts if they think most or all of their loyal "weather" fan base will stick around. :thumbdown:
What's G4?
A tech-ish channel that's available for DirecTV/Dish subscribers (not sure if it's available for cable, too). They used to have some techy shows but now all they show is Cops and Cheaters. (not that I'm complaining or anything, I like both :P)
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Like Jesse said, we'll get used to this like we all did before.
Don't get me wrong, if they WANT to become a G4-like network, that's fine. But they're nuts if they think most or all of their loyal "weather" fan base will stick around. :thumbdown:
What's G4?
A tech-ish channel that's available for DirecTV/Dish subscribers (not sure if it's available for cable, too). They used to have some techy shows but now all they show is Cops and Cheaters. (not that I'm complaining or anything, I like both :P)
It's on WOW! here, so I'm assuming it is on cable :yes:
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Like Jesse said, we'll get used to this like we all did before.
Don't get me wrong, if they WANT to become a G4-like network, that's fine. But they're nuts if they think most or all of their loyal "weather" fan base will stick around. :thumbdown:
What's G4?
A tech-ish channel that's available for DirecTV/Dish subscribers (not sure if it's available for cable, too). They used to have some techy shows but now all they show is Cops and Cheaters. (not that I'm complaining or anything, I like both :P)
It's on WOW! here, so I'm assuming it is on cable :yes:
It's available here on Comcast too, but only on digital cable lineup.
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I feel like punching that executive in the face.
Me too. <_< In fact, I wish I could just take out a gun and... (OK sorry, I won't be THAT violent.)
As much as I hate what she said, I can believe it. Most people look at the weather on their iPhone or iPad or laptop or some other form of "mobile" technology out there. Why watch TWC? Also, although this kind of goes onto a different topic, TWC is not very reliable for "local" coverage. If a tornado was threatening my area, I would probably tune in to my local weather station rather than TWC (which, with my luck would probably be showing long-form).
So I know I agreed with the executive above, but like many of you, I still think this is a step in the wrong direction and wish it wouldn't happen. If they do intend to show long-form, at least it needs to be something interesting and not a :censored: movie. And I expect the L-Bar or some other very noticeable weather insert appears ever ten minutes to give me my local forecast. :hammer:
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Like Jesse said, we'll get used to this like we all did before.
Don't get me wrong, if they WANT to become a G4-like network, that's fine. But they're nuts if they think most or all of their loyal "weather" fan base will stick around. :thumbdown:
What's G4?
A tech-ish channel that's available for DirecTV/Dish subscribers (not sure if it's available for cable, too). They used to have some techy shows but now all they show is Cops and Cheaters. (not that I'm complaining or anything, I like both :P)
It's on WOW! here, so I'm assuming it is on cable :yes:
It's available here on Comcast too, but only on digital cable lineup.
Same here, it's on 303 :)
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I HATE NBCU. They want to be dictators. This goes right along with the long-time OCM layoffs. They may eventually do away with weather coverage completely. I don't give a :censored: about a :censored: movie. :cry: :furious:
They ought to listen to their viewers. It is not fair to the viewers and weather fans!
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I could care less if TWC wants less weather coverage or not. They're going to have practically none soon at the rate they're going. As long as they have the LF music and LOT8s, then it's fine with me.
But if TWC continues at this trend and average viewers are finally acknowledging that TWC has provided less amounts of weather coverage (think of the Dish Network dispute back in May), why won't there be a second alternative 24/7 weather channel?
Weatherscan is not widely available in the US so weatherscan can't really be a decent 'replacement' for TWC.
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The sad truth is that there is a time when a network tries to appease everyone and it doesn't work and leads to changes, but really what is (the focus group) seeing that we don't to allow for a drastic change in programming? :wacko:
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I can understand her idea of people having more access to the weather through TWC's website, iPad, etc., but the problem is that's only "some" NOT "all". What are the people who do occasionally watch TWC for severe wx updates and aren't able to have availability to those sources supposed to do? Of course the obvious answer would be to watch the local news, but that's pretty much the reason why people do that now anyway because TWC isn't doing what it's supposed to do, everytime it seems like they are going forward, it's like someone comes along, hits em right in the family jewels and they fall right back on their butts again. I guess they learned Absolutely NOTHING from the FAAF incident. (sighs) :rolleyes: Sorry if it sounds like I'm ranting, I wasn't trying to. :P
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Damn it. Anyone by chance download that video?
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Damn it. Anyone by chance download that video?
Now it's a private :censored: video?? Good thing we saw it when we did...does anyone want to become the video uploader's friend? :whistling2:
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Damn it. Anyone by chance download that video?
Now it's a private :censored: video?? Good thing we saw it when we did...does anyone want to become the video uploader's friend? :whistling2:
I can't find their channel either. Wow....
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I wasn't able to see that video, but I know that lady is nutso. :club:
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I can understand her idea of people having more access to the weather through TWC's website, iPad, etc., but the problem is that's only "some" NOT "all". What are the people who do occasionally watch TWC for severe wx updates and aren't able to have availability to those sources supposed to do?
Exactly! My step-dad is a farmer (so he needs to check the forecast at least once a day) and does not use the internet. My mom often jokes about how she has to print out any emails he gets or how he never checks his text messages. When you're on the go all day long, you need the forecast now...not at 6. Which is where TWC SHOULD come in. Of course, it's NBC's network and they can do whatever they want with it. I'm just saying (again) that they're nuts if they think this move won't result in a huge loss of viewers.
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I saw the video before it was removed. All I can say is, as I've said before, nothing surprised me about them (NBC run TWC). By the way, according to NBC programming execs, 2+2=6.
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NBCU is destroying The Weather Channel. :( :cry:
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NBCU is destroying The Weather Channel. :( :cry:
I completely agree... even though it appears such sentiments are frowned upon here.
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NBCU is destroying The Weather Channel. :( :cry:
I completely agree... even though it appears such sentiments are frowned upon here.
It's only because we've all heard it before over and over. When I look at this thread overall, everyone is in agreement about how we view NBC's role with TWC, but some of us are just tired of discussing it and want to move on to something more positive.
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When I look at this thread overall, everyone is in agreement about how we view NBC's role with TWC, but some of us are just tired of discussing it and want to move on to something more positive.
Okay, let's talk about bunnies. :dance:
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When I look at this thread overall, everyone is in agreement about how we view NBC's role with TWC, but some of us are just tired of discussing it and want to move on to something more positive.
Okay, let's talk about bunnies. :dance:
What part about bunnies do you wish to talk about, Matt? :P
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NBCU is destroying The Weather Channel. :( :cry:
I completely agree... even though it appears such sentiments are frowned upon here.
It is fine to discuss it when there is something new to talk about. This qualifies.
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When I look at this thread overall, everyone is in agreement about how we view NBC's role with TWC, but some of us are just tired of discussing it and want to move on to something more positive.
Okay, let's talk about bunnies. :dance:
What part about bunnies do you wish to talk about, Matt? :P
The part that changes a topic that is always constantly occurring and becoming argumentative :wacko:
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The part that changes a topic that is always constantly occurring and becoming argumentative :wacko:
Since when does "bunny" = Eric ? :)
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The part that changes a topic that is always constantly occurring and becoming argumentative :wacko:
Since when does "bunny" = Eric ? :)
Doing the bunny hop? :P
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SOOOOOOO, we're getting back on topic.
I stumbled upon an interesting article from The Washington Post. Somehow, the live weather coverage will still be there, but they'll only use it WHEN NECESSARY (i.e. blizzard, severe weather, man struck by lightning, etc (kidding on the last one :P)). Shirley Powell, TWC's executive VP says that they're "going to stick with the formula, 80% live weather coverage, and 20% longform".
The article also reveals that Dr. Steve Lyons left the network to take the job at the NWS because of TWC's crappy programming changes. (So it's not the contract then?)
Link to the article here (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/2010/10/twc_says_it_is_battling_percep.html)
Oh freaking great... they're trying to turn things around again. :wacko:
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Since the first statement was from Peacock productions rather than TWC, she probably either read her assumptions or just used a script...
That one made today Ill believe for now since its direct from TWC but really... they have to quit recanting plans.... :hmm:
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Shirley Powell, TWC's executive VP says that they're "going to stick with the formula, 80% live weather coverage, and 20% longform".
Link to the article here ([url]http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/2010/10/twc_says_it_is_battling_percep.html[/url])
Oh freaking great... they're trying to turn things around again. :wacko:
I sure hope this is what they will do.
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SOOOOOOO, we're getting back on topic.
I stumbled upon an interesting article from The Washington Post. Somehow, the live weather coverage will still be there, but they'll only use it WHEN NECESSARY (i.e. blizzard, severe weather, man struck by lightning, etc (kidding on the last one :P)). Shirley Powell, TWC's executive VP says that they're "going to stick with the formula, 80% live weather coverage, and 20% longform".
The article also reveals that Dr. Steve Lyons left the network to take the job at the NWS because of TWC's crappy programming changes. (So it's not the contract then?)
Link to the article here ([url]http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/2010/10/twc_says_it_is_battling_percep.html[/url])
Oh freaking great... they're trying to turn things around again. :wacko:
The choice was not all up to him according to those I spoke to
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Shirley Powell? I'm guessing she's Darby's replacement?
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so now at least the fans get with they want but weekends (another rant for another post.)
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Interesting how some other viewers are thinking the same thing about the "corruption" of TWC as we are. :thrilled: I like it how Jim's angry post about the movie from April was brought up as well as the mention of another viewer who also didn't like movies on TWC.
Hopefully, this :censored: :censored: Peacock Productions idiot (oh, how I wish she could see how much I hate her) wasn't telling the truth or exagerating.
But it does confuse me...to see two completely contradicting sides. Is TWC defintely going pro-long-form or pro-live coverage?? :wacko:
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It seems to me that no one is sure what to do with TWC's future. We can't go all the way back to the past as things have completely changed since the 1980s. However, we can't just abandon the past completely as there are lots of useful elements that established TWC's roots, which can still be incorporated for the future. It really sounds like we're at a crossroads here with these two clashing viewpoints.
I personally think the best answer is in the middle. Live coverage is important, and there should be a minimum number of hours devoted each day for it no matter what's happening. If the weather is active, then more time should be used for live coverage. Furthermore, the quality of long-form time needs to be improved. Focus on creating shows that reflect back on recent weather events, prepare us for an upcoming season, or commemorate anniversaries of memorable weather. Overall, there needs to be far more emphasis on education in both live coverage and long-form time. Most of the public has no clue how the weather works, and it would create more interest if they explained how and why things worked more often instead of just casually breezing through the weekly planner or showing a long-form episode that's only for "eye candy" purposes. So, there's my idea.
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It seems to me that no one is sure what to do with TWC's future. We can't go all the way back to the past as things have completely changed since the 1980s. However, we can't just abandon the past completely as there are lots of useful elements that established TWC's roots, which can still be incorporated for the future. It really sounds like we're at a crossroads here with these two clashing viewpoints.
I personally think the best answer is in the middle. Live coverage is important, and there should be a minimum number of hours devoted each day for it no matter what's happening. If the weather is active, then more time should be used for live coverage. Furthermore, the quality of long-form time needs to be improved. Focus on creating shows that reflect back on recent weather events, prepare us for an upcoming season, or commemorate anniversaries of memorable weather. Overall, there needs to be far more emphasis on education in both live coverage and long-form time. Most of the public has no clue how the weather works, and it would create more interest if they explained how and why things worked more often instead of just casually breezing through the weekly planner or showing a long-form episode that's only for "eye candy" purposes. So, there's my idea.
That, my friend, is an awesome idea! :thumbsup:
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It's been discussed many times before, but I think it's worth repeating...
Have two channels. One for people that use TWC for weather information and another for people who don't wanna think. One with 24/7 weather and another for weather reality, oh excuse me, ACTUALITY TV! :P
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ACTUALITY TV! :P
Tru TV much? ;)
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they should get rid of the repeated late night forecasts and run a long LOT8's or a weather scan like setup on the main channel over night.
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they should get rid of the repeated late night forecasts and run a long LOT8's or a weather scan like setup on the main channel over night.
It doesn't really matter b/c the main forecasters go home during the night, so the forecast data doesn't really get updated until they get back in the mornings and make a new forecast.
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Storm Stories, Twist of Fate, Weather Caught on Camera, and Storm Riders aren't bad programs and very much weather related. Garbage like Epic Conditions, Weather Ventures, and Peter Lik(which sucks :D) are things that belong on Travel Channel. NBC is part owner of that channel and should move those dookie stains over there
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Storm Stories, Twist of Fate, Weather Caught on Camera, and Storm Riders aren't bad programs and very much weather related. Garbage like Epic Conditions, Weather Ventures, and Peter Lik(which sucks :D) are things that belong on Travel Channel. NBC is part owner of that channel and should move those dookie stains over there
I see your point there. But my main concern is that they show those programs too much, and especially during hours that weather coverage is really necessary.
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One show that I would often watch on TWC was Tornado Road. It's probably considered one of the Travel Channel-related ones, but at least it had something to do with weather.
IMO, Peter Lik is the one that really needs to go. :thumbdown:
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Storm Stories, Twist of Fate, Weather Caught on Camera, and Storm Riders aren't bad programs and very much weather related. Garbage like Epic Conditions, Weather Ventures, and Peter Lik(which sucks :D) are things that belong on Travel Channel. NBC is part owner of that channel and should move those dookie stains over there
I see your point there. But my main concern is that they show those programs too much, and especially during hours that weather coverage is really necessary.
It seems that these programs aren't preempted unless there is a tornado or other really serious weather event. I was disgusted when I turned to TWC today, when there actually was severe weather, with warnings in the midwest, TWC went on with its regularly scheduled programming. :nono: Peter Lik is the worst idea TWC has come up with, and that's saying a lot, because there have been several bad ideas since 2008. :wacko:
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I really want to see how TWC and their stubborn and arrogant entertainment/reality agenda are going to handle the hurricane season, if it is as active as predicted.
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I really want to see how TWC and their stubborn and arrogant entertainment/reality agenda are going to handle the hurricane season, if it is as active as predicted.
I am sure that in the case of a US landfall, they will preempt programming.
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I really want to see how TWC and their stubborn and arrogant entertainment/reality agenda are going to handle the hurricane season, if it is as active as predicted.
I am sure that in the case of a US landfall, they will preempt programming.
I hope so, because they don't sure don't cover severe weather like they used to, unless tornadoes occur or are forecasted. Yesterday, there was severe weather, with warnings in the midwest. They continued to show programming, only with the update every 30 min. A few days ago, the same situation happened. There were strong thunderstorms somewhere, and during the update the OCM (can't remember who it is) casually said "there could be damaging winds and some hail" as if it's no big deal. They then continued with regularly scheduled programming. :hammer:
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Hopefully they learned from their "Flick and a Forecast" fiasco last year.
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My idea: Dump the "Top 5" video segment. That is so pointless. They could take that time and focus on the weather in a specific region, especially if severe weather is present. Let whoever is in the media center do a tease on videos and direct them to weather.com.
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Hopefully they learned from their "Flick and a Forecast" fiasco last year.
They didn't. :no:
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Hopefully they learned from their "Flick and a Forecast" fiasco last year.
They didn't. :no:
Whilst this is true, at least they preempted very frequently from the time of the 33% LDL disappearing through the premiere of Peter lik
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Hopefully they learned from their "Flick and a Forecast" fiasco last year.
They didn't. :no:
Is there something wrong with the people now in charge of TWC's programming? I mean... is there something seriously wrong with them?
Either they are too stupid to realize what TWC's whole purpose is, or they actually made the conscious decision to remove the idea of warning people about hazardous weather and replace the channel's whole purpose with just another general entertainment format that every other cable channel has.
I feel sorry for the tiny remaining few who work there who remember what TWC used to be... and SHOULD be.
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I feel sorry for the tiny remaining few who work there who remember what TWC used to be... and SHOULD be.
We all should be!! :yes:
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My idea: Dump the "Top 5" video segment. That is so pointless. They could take that time and focus on the weather in a specific region, especially if severe weather is present. Let whoever is in the media center do a tease on videos and direct them to weather.com.
I agree with you on that. However, instead of dumping the Top 5, why just make it the top five videos of the week and play it every Friday instead? Otherwise it just loses its meaning and freshness.
Also, why does TWC show all these episodes of Storm Stories, Cantore Stories, etc. over and over again? Is it to save money or do a lot of people actually watch those shows? It also irritates me that they sometimes show the same one several times a day. There was even a tornado warning somewhere in Nebraska and Vivian Brown had to quickly rush the Live Weather Update so It Could Happen Tomorrow could commence. I despise their off-air programming; I watch for the weather and only the weather.
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My idea: Dump the "Top 5" video segment. That is so pointless. They could take that time and focus on the weather in a specific region, especially if severe weather is present. Let whoever is in the media center do a tease on videos and direct them to weather.com.
I agree with you on that. However, instead of dumping the Top 5, why just make it the top five videos of the week and play it every Friday instead? Otherwise it just loses its meaning and freshness.
Also, why does TWC show all these episodes of Storm Stories, Cantore Stories, etc. over and over again? Is it to save money or do a lot of people actually watch those shows? It also irritates me that they sometimes show the same one several times a day. There was even a tornado warning somewhere in Nebraska and Vivian Brown had to quickly rush the Live Weather Update so It Could Happen Tomorrow could commence. I despise their off-air programming; I watch for the weather and only the weather.
That disgusts me too. There were severe thunderstorm warning all over yesterday, and they didn't even bother to preempt the programming. <_< I understand if there isn'[t much going on, or if there are just a few thunderstorms. But when there is severe weather all over the place, with warnings, you can't interrupt these precious reruns until the weather clears up? This is so ignorant and arrogant of TWC. They so want to be a reality and entertainment network, that they'll ignore severe thunderstorm warnings in numerous states just to show another crappy rerun of Peter Lik or Storm Stories. :noexpression:
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My idea: Dump the "Top 5" video segment. That is so pointless. They could take that time and focus on the weather in a specific region, especially if severe weather is present. Let whoever is in the media center do a tease on videos and direct them to weather.com.
I agree with you on that. However, instead of dumping the Top 5, why just make it the top five videos of the week and play it every Friday instead? Otherwise it just loses its meaning and freshness.
Also, why does TWC show all these episodes of Storm Stories, Cantore Stories, etc. over and over again? Is it to save money or do a lot of people actually watch those shows? It also irritates me that they sometimes show the same one several times a day. There was even a tornado warning somewhere in Nebraska and Vivian Brown had to quickly rush the Live Weather Update so It Could Happen Tomorrow could commence. I despise their off-air programming; I watch for the weather and only the weather.
That disgusts me too. There were severe thunderstorm warning all over yesterday, and they didn't even bother to preempt the programming. <_< I understand if there isn'[t much going on, or if there are just a few thunderstorms. But when there is severe weather all over the place, with warnings, you can't interrupt these precious reruns until the weather clears up? This is so ignorant and arrogant of TWC. They so want to be a reality and entertainment network, that they'll ignore severe thunderstorm warnings in numerous states just to show another crappy rerun of Peter Lik or Storm Stories. :noexpression:
I think some of them just don't realize that not every place in the US has that warning scroll. If i didn't have a phone or computer and there was a tornado warning out, I'd never know about it.
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They seem to be very inconsistent with severe weather coverage. Last night, they preempted the regularly scheduled programming when severe weather was heading toward Chicago. Tonight, at 9 and 9:30 pm, they rushed through the update, even though there is severe weather with tornado damage in Kentucky as we speak. All I see is some dinky weather alert below the screen while Twist of Fate is going on. They just had to show that program tonight, no matter what. Why can't they stop their programming and show us what is happening in Kentucky!!!
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"which can be satisfied by a STAR"
If this is the case, TWC should distribute Weatherscan systems to all cable providers, not exclusive ones. How much does a Weatherscan go for, on average? Not much then the small-town ones can even buy them. I'm sick of watching the crap programming on TWC now to only see a national forecast every 10 minutes because my cable system is owned by a bunch of cheap jack :censored: es, or having to wait 30 minutes for the actual local forecast. It is either gonna be a total Weatherscan distribution or I am going mobile and computer for good. I'm done playing games, NBC.
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I don't have Weatherscan in my area, even though I have Comcast. My parents do have it, but that's probably because they're in a more metropolitan area. They actually stopped watching the main TWC altogether and get all their weather info from Weatherscan. Smaller towns and rural areas are at a definite disadvantage.
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I don't know what the "real" statistics are, but if severe weather were to hit my area, I would NOT be watching TWC. Instead I would tune in to my local news station because 99.99% of the time, TWC is not talking about the storms that are affecting my area, and even if they were, they would only talk about them for a couple of seconds and talk about other storms elsewhere in the U.S. or show more long-form. I don't why TWC calls themselves the "Severe Weather Authority" when I think most people find their local news stations more reliable for severe weather coverage anyway. :blink:
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I don't know what the "real" statistics are, but if severe weather were to hit my area, I would NOT be watching TWC. Instead I would tune in to my local news station because 99.99% of the time, TWC is not talking about the storms that are affecting my area, and even if they were, they would only talk about them for a couple of seconds and talk about other storms elsewhere in the U.S. or show more long-form. I don't why TWC calls themselves the "Severe Weather Authority" when I think most people find their local news stations more reliable for severe weather coverage anyway. :blink:
It's really impossible for a national network to cover in specific detail what's happening in one very small area. Brief exceptions can be made for extraordinary circumstances, but, otherwise, it's really just not possible. That's the nature of national broadcasting.
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I don't have Weatherscan in my area, even though I have Comcast. My parents do have it, but that's probably because they're in a more metropolitan area. They actually stopped watching the main TWC altogether and get all their weather info from Weatherscan. Smaller towns and rural areas are at a definite disadvantage.
Right on that last part... only major areas such as prone coastal areas, tourist traps, and metropolitan areas are getting WSCANS and everybody else (except those with an Intellistar) are forced to wait usually 30 minutes to see local weather on longform...
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I would also tune into a local news station when severe weather occurs in my area. However, I am glued to The Weather Channel when there is a severe weather outbreak elsewhere in the nation. The Weather Channel does a fine job covering severe weather as it is happening (especially when Dr. Forbes is in). They also have phenominal coverage of the aftermath of some of the bigger events (i.e. St. Louis, Alabama, Joplin etc.).
Severe weather sells, no matter what kind it is. I am pretty sure stats have been posted on this message board about ratings after blizzards and hurricanes. People tune in. I can understand why they call themselves "The Severe Weather Authority." (when they are on air covering it..)