The Weather Channel® Has Lost Its Way

By -
Another giant layoff announced today.

In the nearly three year history of this blog, I don't think I've posted about The Weather Channel. I used to watch them quite frequently (five or more years ago) but I doubt I've watched them -- cumulatively -- ten minutes in the past year.

Its endless repeats of cheesy documentaries (with fake footage), behind-the-curve storm forecasting, and constant turnover have made it irrelevant to many.

Out of curiosity, I just turned over there and they are showing a documentary about... a road construction project in NYC??!!  Guess they don't need meteorologists for that.

The Weather Channel used to be a very powerful brand. Now, it seems to stand for nothing. It is a shame.

Comments

  1. NoahOctober 16, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    Same thing happened to the Discovery Channel. It's all "Swamp Something" now.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mike BOctober 16, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    Sounds like MTV. I don't think they even play any music videos anymore. I no longer change over to TWC as they are always running some show that doesn't allow "Weather on the 8's", or what they show is 1/2 the country away.

    ReplyDelete
  3. salineweatherOctober 16, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    I agree Mike, it is a shame of what they have become. Not even a shadow of what it used to be. Like, you, I can't remember the last time I watched them for ANY length of time for just weather. Also, I find it is interesting that I came across an article stating that TWC was laying off 7% of its workforce. I know Jeff Morrow had announced his retirement within the last 2 weeks after 26 years and one other meteorologist had announced they were leaving also. I wonder how many of those being laid off are current employees of Weather Underground and/or TWC?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mike SmithOctober 16, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    Hi Saline, I don't know the answer to your question.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousOctober 16, 2012 at 10:02 PM

    Weather? Not on the 8's...on the "what's the weather" channel.
    Some of the weather, some of the time...but not when you want it....on the used-to-be-weather channel.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Forecaster Mike EstwickOctober 16, 2012 at 11:18 PM

    The Weather Channel has become a mere husk of itself. The brand used to stand for accurate forecasts with people that would explain the why behind the what. Now, if you want that, you have to e-mail your local broadcast met or try to start a dialogue with your local NWS office. I get my weather from the NWS and analyzing data on my own so I can become a met. TWC=WOT (Waste Of Time)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn...
Read more

Updated Freezing Rain and Heavy Rain Forecast

By -
Image
Note: An Updated Forecast is Available HERE Freezing Rain The National Weather Service has now issued winter weather advisories, two warnings and a watch. It may be a bit too large but, when it comes to freezing rain and slick roads, caution is usually the better course of action.  Here's a color code: Deep purple is an ice storm warning; serious condition where power outages are possible. Pink is a winter storm warning for significant icing. Deep green is a winter storm watch. I don't know why this is still a watch. If I were on the forecast desk I would have a winter storm warning for icing.  Dark blue is a winter weather advisory, a lesser condition, for icing.  Here is a view of the entire watch/warning/advisory area. The small area of green in Illinois is for flooding and, in Nebraska, for snow.  Here is a forecast of freezing rain amounts; totals to 6am Tuesday.  Color codes: Yellow is 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Power outages may occur in this areas. Deep blue i...
Read more