Comcast Writes Down Value of Weather Channel by $250 Million

[rdale]

I used to watch them too in the day... Not anymore. But the numbers don't lie: http://www.theweathercompany.com/ne...finale-popular-survival-series-fat-guys-woods

 

[John Olexa]

While 1.5 million might be good numbers for TWC in the ratings game those are terrible numbers. The top shows weekly are in the 4+ million range ( which shows how bad TV has become) The Walking Dead draws 10+ million weekly when it's on. The republican debate last week drew 23+ million viewers.

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/20...hip-for-the-week-ending-august-9-2015/446774/

 

[rdale]

I don't expect TWC to ever challenge The Walking Dead - even in their prime

 

[Bill Hark]

In the last couple of years, I have been impressed with The Weather Channel's coverage during severe weather outbreaks. They show radar loops and satellite images along with detailed explanations. They even discuss some of the different model outputs and how they relate to the forecast. I have seen coverage when I have been sitting at home and DVR'd coverage while out chasing. This is a significant improvement over TWC from several years ago and earlier. Unfortunately, one can't sustain a channel on infrequent severe weather. Also, for the general local forecast, it is much easier and quicker to look online. The internet is their main competitor. Thus the switch to reality shows many of which have dubious relationship to the weather. I don't mind the weather related shows as long as they don't interrupt severe weather coverage. I also have a vested interest as I've made some money selling video. The more outlets for video sales, the better for storm chasers.

Bill Hark

 

[Doren Berge]

Business models do not concern me, staying on mission and maintaining focus does. Therein lies the problem with TWC, it has lost focus from its original core mission, which is what brought it to prominence in the first place. TWC's focus on profit has ruined it for many. WN may be recorded, but it at least is current and it stays on mission. NOAA Weather Radio, albeit an automated government service, at least stays on its focus. And, do not tell me how no one listens to NWR, as it is a proven life saver for late night emergencies when TWC's "business model" wouldn't let them even think about going live.

TWC was always a "for profit" venture. It was never a public utility. It came to prominence long before the internet, when "real-time-ish" weather was only available to the masses for 5 mins in the morning, noon or evening TV news. When it was launched it made sense and was quite popular. Real-time weather anytime = $$$. It actually didn't make a lot of money, but it was a huge value in cable bundling and "tier up-sell". Great idea at the time. And now that business model is obsolete. Long gone.

Today Real-time weather is a commodity. Less than a commodity actually. It's on your phone's welcome screen, your alarm clock, your desktop, your car's dashboard, your smart-watch, if it's not on the screen you are looking at it's just a click or two away. TWC's original model, it's "core mission" (it never had any other mission than making bank for it's investors), that opportunity is long gone. Smarter people than you or I are working hard to keep it profitable, and to keep it's brand alive....

Ladies and Gentlemen, place your bets.