Sky News Weather Channel

For the United States weather TV channel that shares the former name for this article, see The Weather Channel.
Sky News Weather Channel
Launched 1 January 1999 (Austar)
December 2002 (Foxtel)
Owned by Foxtel Networks
(Operated by Sky News Australia)
Slogan Australia's Weather Channel
Country Australia
Language English
Headquarters Sydney
Formerly called Weather 21
The Weather Channel (until 25 January 2013)
Sister channel(s) Sky News Australia
Sky News Business Channel
A-PAC
Sky News Election Channel
Website SkyWeather.com.au
Availability
Satellite
Foxtel Channel 603
Cable
Foxtel Channel 603
Optus TV Channel 603

Sky News Weather Channel is an Australian 24-hour cable and satellite channel which broadcasts weather news and information. Sky News Weather Channel is available on Foxtel, Austar and Optus Television.

History

The Weather Channel logo prior to the Sky News Weather Channel rebrand in 2013

Sky News Weather Channel started broadcasting on 1 January 1999 under the name "Weather 21": channel 21 on the Austar channel line-up. Weather 21 was set up by Cox Inall Communications and the meteorological firm The Weather Company and was owned by Austar. The programming was pitched to Austar's largely rural and regional audience. Initial presenters on the channel were Allan Humphries, Lyndal Davies, and meteorologist Mark Hardy, broadcasting live from 6am to 10pm daily, with the overnight programming consisting of an automated loop of forecasts, satellite, and radar, accompanied by music.

In early 2000, no longer located at 21, the name was changed to "The Weather Channel". As the hours of live presentation were extended, presenters Tracey Malmborg, Jaynie Seal, Rebecca LeTourneau and Garry Youngberry were added.

In 2003 Austar sold the channel to XYZ Networks and TWC appeared on the Foxtel network, morphing to better suit the now largely metropolitan audience. Foxtel's Digitals platform extended its distribution with an Open TV interactive weather application, Weather Active.

Major changes in 2004 included logo, graphics, programming line-up and a new version of Weather Active for Foxtel Digital.

In the middle of June 2008, the Weather Channel again had a major change with its graphics as its programming line-up grew.

Weather content on the channel is provided by Metra Information Limited and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

Change of management and re-branding

In the wake of the 2012 merger of Foxtel and Austar, and the subsequent dissolution of XYZ Networks, it was announced that from 30 November 2012 management and operational responsibility for The Weather Channel would be assumed by Sky News Australia, with The Weather Channel to be re-launched as Sky News Weather in 2013.[1][2] The rebrand took place on 25 January 2013.[2]

Digital services

On Foxtel and Austar digital services, an interactive weather service is available. It provides local weather information, such as current conditions, marine and surf reports, dam information, 28-day rain forecast, capital city forecast and forecasts for the user's postcode. It also provides a state radar, national satellite and national lightning tracker.

Programming

Notable presenters

Current

Former

References

  1. ↑ "Media Research Asia.com – Sky News To Manage Weather Channel in Australia". Media Research Asia. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
  2. 1 2 "The Weather Channel to rebrand as Sky News Weather TV Tonight". David Knox. 1 December 2012. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
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