DirecTV spars with The Weather Channel over takedown
The satellite service, which eliminated The Weather Channel from its lineup, says the channel is overrun with reality TV and isn't the only good source of weather news.
The Weather Channel and DirecTV are at odds after the channel was removed from the satellite provider's service this week.
DirecTV customers who search for the channel formerly reserved for The Weather Channel will find it missing. DirecTV is recommending that subscribers find their weather news and information on WeatherNation instead.
That networks and television providers can't get along is nothing new. However, DirecTV on Monday said that its decision to ban The Weather Channel was in part due to its increase in reality television and, thus, its reduction in weather information.
"Consumers understand there are now a variety of other ways to get weather coverage, free of reality show clutter, and that The Weather Channel does not have an exclusive on weather coverage -- the weather belongs to everyone," DirecTV said in a statement. "Most consumers don't want to watch a weather information channel with a forecast of a 40 percent chance of reality TV."
Of course, a disagreement over money is the real issue. The removal of the channel is the result of a dispute over fees.
As a result, DirecTV isn't ready to completely turn its back on The Weather Channel just yet. The company said in a statement that it's "in the process of discussing an agreement to return the network to our line-up at the right value for our customers."
The Weather Channel has of course responded to the action, urging viewers to "demand" DirecTV bring back its network. The network also posted a video from meteorologist Jim Cantore in which he explains the benefits of his network.
"For 30+ years, The Weather Channel has been the most trusted resource for disseminating timely information to help prepare and protect families across the nation against weather-related emergencies," the network said in a statement. "But now DirecTV has removed this critical life-saving community resource from 20 million households. We're working hard to let DirecTV know how crucial The Weather Channel is to your family, your community, and your safety."