CONTACT: Terry Kelly
Tel: +1-608-274-5789
tkelly@weathercentral.tv
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Technology Partnership Delivers Network and Affiliates Weather Brand 24/7
Madison, Wis., November 18, 2004 – Weather Central Inc., provider of state-of-the-art broadcast weather solutions, announced that it has been chosen as a long-term partner by NBC’s Weather Plus. Weather Central will provide the weather graphics hardware, software, and data to power this first all digital, national-local network. The on-air debut of the NBC Weather Plus network was Monday, November 15th, 2004 with WNBC in the New York City metro area. Fourteen additional stations will launch over the next ninety days, and continued rollout is planned across the country in 2005. The Weather Central Weather Plus system is fully automated and combined with patented forecasting technology from MyWeather LLC, Weather Central’s system delivers forecasts and weather information for locations worldwide, down to hyper-local, backyard detail.
NBC owned and operated, and affiliate stations will combine the national feed with the NBC Weather Plus local weather models generated on Weather Central affiliate systems for broadcast on local digital channels and cable systems. Weather Plus will offer continuously updated coverage. This combination will deliver a unique blend of national, regional, and local weather providing viewers a hyper-local forecast, updated in real-time, every minute of the day.
“NBC Weather Plus is breaking new ground in localized weather reporting and in digital over-the-air broadcast technology, and we’re pleased to rely on Weather Central for their comprehensive and customized solutions,” said Michael Steib with NBC Universal. “It has been, and will continue to be, our pleasure to collaborate with Weather Central and deliver this first-ever digital network to viewers around the country.”
NBC Weather Plus LLC is a joint venture between NBC and its affiliates to provide weather coverage utilizing the network affiliates’ digital television bandwidth. It will provide around-the-clock weather programming, backed by the strength of NBC News for national weather stories, coupled with the local expertise of station weather teams.
“Weather Central’s groundbreaking technology will provide ‘state of the art’ weather presentations, and more timely and accurate local forecasts, backed by thirty years of experience and leadership in the industry. We are proud to partner with NBC and its affiliates,” said Terry Kelly, President of Weather Central.
NBC’s Network facility, utilizing the Weather Central Weather Plus and :LIVE™ systems, creates and delivers a national feed via satellite around the clock. The local affiliates can pass the feed straight through to the transmitter, or use a locally installed Weather Plus system powered by Weather Central to insert local weather content over all or parts of the screen. In addition to traditional advertising avails on NBC Weather Plus, the network provides on-screen sponsorship opportunities on both the national and local feeds.
About Weather Central Inc.
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Weather Central Inc., founded in 1974 by broadcasters and meteorologists, is the leader in providing professional on-air, online, and print weather systems and forecasting utilizing dynamic weather graphics, precise forecast models and data, and patented technology. More than 500 customers worldwide enjoy the benefits of Weather Central’s attention to detail and insight about serving their total weather graphics needs. Products and services available from Weather Central, and its affiliated companies – MyWeather and WCInteractive – are: :LIVE and DTV:LIVE weather presentation systems, StormSentinel™ DV storm tracking system, A.D.O.N.I.S. FutureCast® and A.D.O.N.I.S. MicroCast® proprietary forecast models, MetroVision™ forecast visualization tool, WxWarn2™ severe weather crawl system, Personal MicroCast and Live Online individualized, online weather information and forecast products, and ScreenWRITER and SportsWRITER interactive news and sports presentation systems.
About NBC Universal
NBC Universal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates the No. 1 television network, the fastest-growing Spanish-language network, a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.
