NBC Weather Plus

[Todd Wiedemann]

From AVSForum

What's the local angle .... Sean ?

Press Release
NBC Weather Plus Launches Today
Spotlight Stories
Source: NBC Universal
November 15, 2004


by Mike Doyle

Revolutionizing Digital Broadcasting

It's clear skies for NBC Weather Plus, the nation's first ever 24/7 all digital national-local broadcast network – devoted entirely to weather. NBC Weather Plus is another successful collaboration of the NBC Affiliate Future Committee and NBCU, and the first of its kind joint venture between a network and its affiliates. The effort has been championed by Brandon Burgess, NBCU Executive Vice President and Terry Mackin, Hearst-Argyle EVP and chairman of the NBC Affiliate Board – and launches today, thanks to the teamwork and dedication of countless employees and vendors from around the NBCU and affiliate network.

In keeping with NBC's trailblazing heritage, NBC Weather Plus launches today on the 78th anniversary of NBC's debut as the nation's first radio broadcast network.

From Savannah to Seattle, Denver to Dallas, we all care about the weather. But what is it that makes NBC Weather Plus such a television breakthrough? First, when viewers tune into NBC Weather Plus they will get immediate, accurate local weather information – there's no wait. Viewers will see a truly inventive design, with an "L bar" on the perimeter of the screen, providing current temperatures as well as five-day and hour-by-hour forecasts in real time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even during commercials – a first for a weather network. Second, NBC Weather Plus combines comprehensive national and local weather coverage, with in-depth weather reports throughout the day from trusted local meteorologists, backed by the strength of the NBC News network. No other network can match that, either. Third, this is the first all digital broadcast network dedicated to localized weather and information, and proof of the power of digital broadcasting.

The network will launch in fifteen markets over the next 90 days. Anchoring the launch is WNBC, which initiates coverage in New York City today, including one million digital Time Warner Cable homes. As the network rolls out across the country, NBC Weather Plus will be viewable by consumers with digital, over-the-air receivers, or via cable or satellite services.

NBC Weather Plus seems to be a perfect storm of ideas and organic growth potential. According to Burgess, "We're proving to the industry that NBCU and our affiliates are digital technology trailblazers. No other network is using the digital spectrum to deliver quality content to consumers like we are. And we're doing that by harnessing the national strength of NBC News with the depth of expertise at local NBC stations."

The fifty/fifty joint venture will be managed by its own board; Jay Ireland and Neal Shapiro will represent NBCU, and work arm-in-arm with affiliate representatives. Michael Steib and Jordan Hoffner will manage the day-to-day business and operational activities, together with leadership from SVP for News & Programming Steve Schwaid on the programming side and Bob Horner from NBC Newschannel.

The NBC Weather Plus team is thrilled to launch today with their first national advertiser W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., the makers of GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER® fabrics, whose ads will be well-suited for the long winter ahead. The joint venture also allows local stations to seek their own advertisers, thus enhancing the localized experience for NBC Weather Plus viewers.

Today's launch and the planned rollout of the NBC Weather Plus network is a true team effort. Said Burgess, "I would also like to take this opportunity to all who have supported this project over one year of planning, negotiation, and execution ... including representatives from legal, IT, finance and operations. Thanks to all for this great collaboration."

[Joseph S]

If we have to suffer through this, then please stick it on the worthless Pax bandwidth.

[oflaherty]

It's not my decision, but I certainly have NOT been pushing for doing NBC Weather Plus in Milwaukee.

The HD bandwidth reduction is my big concern.

So, don't hold your breath waiting for it to happen here in the near future.

--
Sean at TMJ

[Kevin Arnold]

Sean, this would be a good fit for Pax 55. Since they have almost a zero chance of HD broadcasting  their HD channel is a mighty good fit for the weather channel. Solves the bandwidth problem and gets additional programming on the air.  I second Joseph S suggestion.

[StarvingForHDTV]

I agree that 55-1 would be perfect for multicasting.  You could pile a whole bunch of stuff on there just like what MPTV did to 10-1 by adding 10-2, 10-3, etc.

I'm glad you have HD bandwidth concerns for 4-1.

[borghe]

glad to here sean.. I would hate to see this on 4-2 as well.... I mean don't get me wrong, I won't watch it on 55-2 either, but at least it will still be there and available for those who do want it and won't be takign away precious bandwidth from the 1080i picture on NBC.

[Todd Wiedemann]

I'm actually interested in seeing this.

... not on 4-2, however.

Anyone have the satellite, frequency and symbol rate

[tazman]

Anyone have the satellite, frequency and symbol rate

Haven't poked around the FTA stuff too much lately, been busy.  If I come across something though I'll drop you an email.  If your interested in seeing ABC-NOW 24 hour news.  Theirs a couple of Michigan stations that multicast it.  I ocassonally get those when playing my ballancing act with the antenna, trying cut down 12's signal and still being able to get 6's.   You can also find it on IA-6, it's FTA and it's always there, not an intermitant feed.  Next time I'm on IA-6 I'll jot down the freq. and SR and let you know.

[Todd Wiedemann]

Originally posted by tazman
Next time I'm on IA-6 I'll jot down the freq. and SR and let you know.

Thanks. I've been watcing ANN a bit.

I like CBS Newspath a lot. I have it on a monitor all night long.

If you do find the NBC weather stuff, though, let me know.

Todd.

[tazman]

Didn't have time yet for any serious searching on the NBC whether thing.  But here's the ABC-NEWS NOW stuff.  IA-6, 12042,  V ,  sr 3979