The Weather Channel Posted Year-Over-Year Audience Growth For January

Despite absence of DIRECTV subscribers for more than half the month, delivery rises for the network.

ATLANTA (Feb. 5, 2014) - The Weather Channel(R), the world's leading weather authority, exceeded year-ago audience levels for January. The network posted an increase in viewership, attracted a more affluent audience and posted increases in time spent viewing. Momentum drivers include the relaunch of the network that went into effect early November 2013, the introduction of "Local all the time" and increased focus on weather storytelling.

"Despite the loss of 20 million DIRECTV subscribers, we experienced impressive year-over-year growth in January," said David Clark, president of The Weather Channel. "What DIRECTV has completely misunderstood is that during storms, people turn first, second and third to their televisions, and that for better or worse, demand for our deep, round-the-clock, expert storm coverage is increasing."

Solid network year-over-year growth

The Weather Channel closed out January 2014 with a P25-54 delivery of 82K, up 8% versus one year ago. Similarly, P2+ climbed 4% to 236K. The network reached 88 million P2+ viewers in January, up 4% versus one year ago. Among P25-54, the reach was 34 million; Drivers of growth include improvements in engagement metrics, with Time Spent Viewing climbing 11% versus one year ago.

The Weather Channel continues to provide the best, most comprehensive, around-the-clock weather coverage 24/7. Every day, millions of households rely on The Weather Channel to provide critical and accurate real-time weather-related information. With more than 220 meteorologists, forecasting covers the entire United States from the national and regional level, all the way down to the hyperlocal street level. Since January 14, 2014, DIRECTV customers have lost access to The Weather Channel's programming.

The Weather Company: Where the World Gets its Weather

Through The Weather Channel, weather.com, Weather Underground, Intellicast.com, and third-party publishing partners, the company provides millions of people every day with the world's best weather forecasts, content and data, connecting with them through television, online, mobile and tablet screens. Through WSI and Weather Central, the company delivers superior professional weather services for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. The Weather Company is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital.