THE WEATHER CHANNEL GREENLIGHTS NEW SERIES "COAST GUARD ALASKA," PRODUCED BY AL ROKER ENTERTAINMENT

ATLANTA (July 27, 2011) - The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC) announced today it has greenlit the new series "Coast Guard Alaska" (working title), produced by Al Roker Entertainment. Premiering Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 9 p.m. ET on The Weather Channel, the series will feature seven 60-minute episodes. This original concept will take full advantage of the significant audience The Weather Channel brand has on television, web, mobile and tablet.

"Coast Guard Alaska" follows a team of Coast Guard swimmers and rescue pilots stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. Set against the awe-inspiring beauty of Kodiak's majestic peaks and rolling mountains, along with the harsh oceans and treacherous terrain, the series shows us life for these brave men and women as they balance duty versus family, and how each one deals with the pressures associated with the job. From intense training to perilous rescue missions in icy waters, the show reveals the strategy implemented in saving lives in such a harsh environment, along with the teamwork and discipline associated with the job. The series will also explore what life is like off-duty on the base, in a world so dependent on weather conditions. We'll follow the group as they enjoy nature's best offerings, from fishing trips on beautiful rivers to bear watching or barbecues with friends, family and colleagues.

"'Coast Guard Alaska' has all the elements we're looking for in original programming - great storytelling, action and adventure, and most importantly, how the weather affects someone's work and lifestyle," said Bob Walker, executive vice president and general manager of networks and content, The Weather Channel. "This series fits in perfectly with the strategy we've developed for The Weather Channel's long-form content across all platforms."

Said Al Roker, "We just celebrated the second year of 'Wake Up with Al' on The Weather Channel, so this was my anniversary gift to the network. In all seriousness, 'Coast Guard Alaska' is a compelling series and one we feel will captivate The Weather Channel audience. We feel privileged that the Coast Guard has allowed us this inside look at their awe-inspiring daily lives."

The series joins The Weather Channel's stable of long-form original content, which include its most recent additions, "Twist of Fate" and "From the Edge with Peter Lik."

About The Weather Channel Companies

The Weather Channel companies (TWCC) are made up of The Weather Channel(R) television network, The Weather Channel digital properties, and WSI. The Weather Channel is based in Atlanta and is seen in more than 100 million U.S. households. TWCC also operates Weatherscan(R), a 24-hour all-local weather network; The Weather Channel Radio Network; and The Weather Channel HD. The digital properties of TWCC, which include the weather.com(R) site, The Weather Channel Desktop and The Weather Channel Mobile, reach more than 40 million monthly unique users, are the most popular source of online weather news and information, and offer the second most popular mobile application on all smart phones. WSI, headquartered in Andover, MA, primarily provides business-to-business weather services, particularly for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. TWCC is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, visit www.weather.com/press.

About Al Roker Entertainment

Formed in 1994, Al Roker Entertainment, Inc. (ARE) is a thriving multimedia company based in NYC involved in the development and production of network, cable, home video and public television projects. Al Roker is CEO. ARE produces programming for a diverse clientele. Recent productions include: "Iced with Sylvia Weinstock" (WEtv), "Child Hunger Ends Here: A Special Report (NBC), "DEA" Seasons 1 and 2 (Spike TV), "Last Chance Highway" (Animal Planet), Celebrity Holiday Homes 2010 & 2011 (HGTV) "My Life in Food" Season 2 (Cooking Channel), "Together For Care" Telethon benefitting the Alzheimer's Foundation of America 2010 (NBC), "Al Roker Reporting" (MSNBC), "Profiles in Courage: A Kennedy Legacy" (NBC Station Group), "An Honor Deferred" (History Channel), "2007 Reader's Digest National Word Power Challenge" 2003-2007 (NBC), "Inside Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" (NBC), "Recipe for Success" (Food Network), "Renovate My Place" (TV One), "Roker on the Road" (Food Network), "Heavyweights" (Food Network), "The 2007 Quill Book Awards" 2005, 2006 & 2007 (NBC), "Diabetes: The Quiet Killer" (NBC), "Brain Attack: A Stroke Survival Guide" (NBC), "Uncovered: The Hidden Lives of Miss USA" (E! Entertainment Network), "Meth, Murder & Madness" (Court TV), "Sheila Bridges Designer Living" (Fine Living), "Tribeca Film Festival: Live From The Red Carpet" (NBC), "Whoopi Goldberg" (A&E Biography Series), "Going Places" (PBS), "Intimate Portrait: Judge Judy" (Lifetime), "I Lost It - Primetime Special" (Discovery Health). Additionally, The Humane Society of the United States honored Al Roker Entertainment's Animal Planet series, "Last Chance Highway" in the category of "Outstanding Reality Series" at the 25th Anniversary Genesis Awards (2011). For more information, visit www.alrokerentertainment.com.