New HiRAD Technology From The Weather Channel(R) to Offer One-Of-A-Kind Weather Reports with Unmatched Detail, Accuracy and Localization

New HiRAD Technology From The Weather Channel(R) to Offer One-Of-A-Kind Weather Reports with Unmatched Detail, Accuracy and Localization

On the Spot Weather(TM) Generates Accurate, Detailed Weather Reports for Virtually any Location in the Country

ATLANTA, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Weather Channel (TWC), the nation's leading provider of trusted weather information, today announced that it is revolutionizing the weather reporting process and technology through the launch of its new HiRAD(TM) (High Resolution Aggregated Data) technology. This groundbreaking advance in the synthesis of weather information will enable The Weather Channel to deliver a comprehensive and accurate weather report for 1,000 times more locations than what was previously available.*1 For the first time, consumers will be able to easily view On the Spot Weather information for their "livinghood." TWC defines livinghood as the set of locations throughout the country that are most important to an individual, such as a child's little league field several miles away or a city across the U.S. to which he or she frequently travels on business. By delivering weather information for landmarks within a city (such as shopping malls, parks, schools and intersections) The Weather Channel fills a void left by traditional weather reports, which may be generated from stations separated by a distance of up to 50 miles.

By focusing on recognizable and relevant points within their livinghood, consumers have more control of how they use weather information. They can now easily track the conditions that will affect them throughout their day or quickly check on loved ones both near and far. Since these new reports also provide details about current conditions such as snow, rain and fog, individuals can be prepared for what's to come, including potentially dangerous weather conditions. The technology will also benefit many professionals, such as those in transportation management and construction, where a difference of even a few degrees can be crucial.

"People have a need for comprehensive and accurate local weather reports and through HiRAD they will now have a far superior alternative than what they have been able to receive in the past," said Debora Wilson, president of The Weather Channel Companies. "On the Spot Weather is the ultimate planning tool for those who want to take control of their weather information. They can now easily track the conditions that will affect them throughout their busy day or quickly check on loved ones both near and far. In both cases, they can be prepared for what's to come, including potentially dangerous weather conditions. Also with our On the Spot Weather reports, consumers will finally get a true picture of what is happening at the locations within their livinghood that matter most -- whether down the street or across the country."

The new HiRAD technology was developed by a team of expert scientists led by Ian Miller and Dr. Bruce Rose at The Weather Channel and Dr. Peter Neilley at Weather Services International (TWC's sister company). It carefully aggregates weather information from existing sensors (such as National Weather Service stations and others) and satellite and radar images and applies proprietary formulas to create an exclusive report that will reflect the actual conditions less than one mile away from any point of interest.*1

"Not only have we provided consumers with more relevant information, but we have successfully addressed a need for advances in the assessment of local weather conditions, which has experienced little change in the past 200 years, despite significant investments funded by American taxpayers," said Ray Ban, executive vice president of meteorology science and strategy for The Weather Channel. "Before we developed this system, there was a tremendous amount of existing data that was not being fully utilized. As a result of our efforts we believe that people will never look at a weather report the same way again. Conditions that originate from a point several miles away will no longer be good enough for educated consumers."

Ban further remarked that since this technology does not rely on the low- end weather stations, which are commonly used by other commercial weather providers and are often improperly located and poorly maintained, consumers can rest assured that TWC's HiRAD technology delivers reports that are both incredibly relevant and of the highest quality possible.

"Whenever we launch a new product or especially a technology as complex as this one, our main concern is our commitment to quality and accuracy," Wilson added. "For 23 years we have earned the trust and respect of our consumers and there is nothing more important to us. We maintain a staff of scientists and software engineers at the top of their fields in order to remain on the cutting edge of technology and support our mission to help consumers prepare for developing weather conditions. As a result, not only can consumers receive On the Spot Weather reports, unlike what any other weather provider can deliver, but they will also know that they are getting their information from the most trusted source around."

The Weather Channel is committed to ensuring that consumers have access to its respected weather reports via the device of their choice. The company will initially roll out On the Spot Weather reports on weather.com(R), which was recently selected as the most trusted source of online weather information by respondents of a Nielsen Media Research study. The reports will later be incorporated into the company's other interactive products and popular cable network.

About The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel, a 24-hour weather network, is seen in over 87 million U.S. households. Its Web site, weather.com, attracts more than 25 million unique users per month and is currently ranked number 10 among all Web sites by Nielsen//NetRatings. The Weather Channel also operates Weatherscan(R), a 24-hour, all-local weather network distributed to almost 7 million households, The Weather Channel Radio Network, The Weather Channel Newspaper Services and is the leading weather information provider for emerging technologies. This includes broadband and interactive television applications, with wireless weather products accessible through high-speed Internet services, phones, pagers, Palm Pilots, and other personal digital assistants. The Weather Channel is owned by Landmark Communications, Inc., a Norfolk, VA-based, privately-held media company.

*1 The HiRAD technology and On the Spot Weather reports will be
implemented gradually, with full functionality available by December
2005.

For More Information Contact:

Stacy Kirk Vu Chung
The Weather Channel Euro RSCG Magnet
770-226-2611 212-367-6921
skirk@weather.comvu.chung@eurorscg.com


Source: The Weather Channel

CONTACT: Stacy Kirk of The Weather Channel, +1-770-226-2611, or
skirk@weather.com ; or Vu Chung of Euro RSCG Magnet, +1-212-367-6921, or
vu.chung@eurorscg.com

Web site: http://www.weather.com/


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