The Weather Channel feed was switched to show WeatherNation TV just after midnight EST January 14th. the TWC logo is there still in the DirecTV channel lineup, but the content is WeatherNation.
See the proof, this screencap off my TV at 9:02PM PST (12:02 AM EST):
More here:
The explosion of ‘weather channels’ – now there’s 3
DirecTV to drop The Weather Channel?
Update: Ryan Maue caught the zero hour:
http://twitter.com/RyanMaue/status/422959765728145408
Update 2:
The Weather Channel issued this statement by the CEO David Kenny after DirecTV dropped them.
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.”
Source: http://insidecablenews.wordpress.com/2014/01/13/the-weather-channel-drops-off-directv/
Jeez, kool-aid to the very last:
“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.”
If the national safety fabric is jeopardized by 1 cent per customer then why didn’t TWC forgo the 1 cent per customer?
Why is it that “the sacrifices we will all have to make” involve transferring money from large populations to the few who determine the threat picture?
Direct TV doesn’t even work when there is stormy weather, satellite signal becomes all messed up in most cases.
TWC just like Dorothy. Carried off by a vortex.
Schaden schaden schaden freude!!
Durch des Himmels prächt’gen Plan
🙂
“…The Weather Channel network’s industry-recognized experts like tornado expert Dr. Greg Forbes and winter weather expert Tom Niziol….”
Tom Niziol is a basic alarmist:
“…the killer heatwaves…off the charts…some modeling…not very optimistic…the new normal…fresh water loss…”
I remember when you could actually get weather forecasts from The Weather Channel. For that matter, I can also remember when you could actually see bands play music on MTV. Neither serves their core purpose anymore. Good riddance TWC.
So DirecTV is switching one boring weather channel for another boring weather channel. How, um, boring. The problem might simply be that the providers don’t have enough skin in the game.
Needless to say, I have an immodest proposal:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/10465935/French-weathergirl-stuns-viewers-with-nude-report.html
Hmm. I Naked News still around? Worked for me…
Got rid of ComCast for Direct TV last summer and am happy with the change. Won’t miss The Weather Channel one bit. This trucker gets most his weather from the internet anyway. Quite frankly I am happy about it.
weatherspark.com
TWC went on Facebook to rally support instead they were slammed by people angry at their lack of weather coverage. It was amazing they were attempting to defend themselves and people didn’t want to hear it. They were called out for naming winter storms and Global Warming advocacy.
“I am shocked they have put corporate profits ahead of keeping a trusted channel that subscribers rely on every day.”
‘The Weather Channel is asking for a “negligible” increase in what DirecTV pays to air the channel, spokeswoman Shirley Powell said.’
Chutzpah.
BWTM . . . TWC is owned by NBC is owned by Comcast. Directv and Comcast are DIRECT COMPETITORS. Don’t be surprised if Directv trims more NBC affiliated programming.
Off topic a bit (and probably late) ,just saw on NZ3 news that the Russian “ice breaker” has arrived in NZ with a comment by the Expedition Leader (Aaron Russ ???) stating “I am sure the Russian sailors are happy they are back in a warmer climate”. ( the rest of the “Expedition” are still @ur momisugly Casey base, according to Russ, waiting for the ship they are on to be unloaded so they can happily return to Hobart.
I have DirecTV, and so I contacted them and told them I approve of their decision to eliminate TWC, since I stopped watching it years ago.
For historical perspective, Dish Network went through a very similar scenario a few years ago, including having its own alternative weather channel. After a few days, a new agreement was reached and TWC was back (and the alternative channel was gone.)
Let’s see, TWC provides government propaganda (“climate change”), irritatingly names winter storms (“The Denver Christmas Blizzard of 1982 means a lot more to me then Winter Storm Ralph), and all sorts of non-weather related reality shows, revamped local weather (which is worse that “local on the 8’s”), and far too many ads… the DirectTV customers should be rejoicing TWC is gone.
Wish I could edit that, I had a few typos. than rather than then, and remove ‘”‘.
The Weather Channel issued this statement by the CEO David Kenny after DirecTV dropped them.
“Put us back on, or the bunny gets it”
The arrogance of that guy
I stopped watching the Weather Channel a long time ago. They were not doing weather, just hysterics. I am surprised that only Direct-TV has dropped them.
“…at a time when the volatility and frequency of weather events *seems* to be increasing?”
Weather watchers want factual data. We definitely don’t need to hear “seems” from our data sources, especially when the raw data is available.
If it is measurable, tell us the measurements. If it is not measureable, then it isn’t empirical science.
Their subsequent squealing and weepy-eyed “what about the children?” told all.
The CEO of TWC says, “…they (DirecTV) have put corporate profits ahead…” Pot calling kettle black? Progressive political dogma showing?
Direc needs the Whats Up With the Weather Channel, I would pay extra 🙂
Sorry, I meant, “Watts Up With the Weather”
Good riddance. I’m going to have to get used to looking for weather on the television again. Could/would not bring myself to watch TWC.
who are they kidding…..field coverage!….I don’t need to see rain drops