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Forecast Sunny Indeed for Weather Channel Sale

Private cable channel could attract $5B from big industry name

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 3, 2008 12:05 PM CST
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(Newser) – Some big companies are taking an interest in the newly for-sale Weather Channel, one of the last privately owned cable channels. NBC, News Corporation and Comcast are rumored to be eying the popular source of meteorology one prospective buyer dubbed "beachfront property" on the basic-cable landscape. The channel could go for $5 billion, the New York Times reports.

Family-owned Landmark Communications looks to be selling off its other media assets, including daily newspapers like the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot and Roanoke (Va.) Times. The company has 12,000 employees; the Weather Channel has 800, including 125 meteorologists. The channel's success has coincided with increased coverage of extreme weather events and special—and often controversial—programs on climate change.

Spring Arrives In Chicago
Spring Arrives In Chicago   (Getty Images)
In this photograph provided by The Weather Channel, Dr. Marcus Eriksen, of The Weather Channel, left, and high school student Trevor van Voorthuijsen, 15, of LeCanto, Fla., row a raft made from recyclable materials in the Potomac River across from the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington Saturday,...
In this photograph provided by The Weather Channel, Dr. Marcus Eriksen, of The Weather Channel, left, and high school student Trevor van Voorthuijsen, 15, of LeCanto, Fla., row a raft made from recyclable...   (Associated Press)
The Weather Channel's album The Weather Channel Presents: Smooth Jazz.
The Weather Channel's album "The Weather Channel Presents: Smooth Jazz."   (Associated Press)
Tropical Storm Brings High Winds To Florida
Tropical Storm Brings High Winds To Florida   (Getty Images)
A palm tree is hit by winds near the beach during heavy rain.
A palm tree is hit by winds near the beach during heavy rain.   (Getty Images)
Athenians play racquets on a beach near Athens centre, during...
Athenians play racquets on a beach near Athens centre, during...   (Getty Images)
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Pilot might be sold, reports Pilot
Virginian-Pilot

 
Comcast • NBC • Weather Channel • Batten Family • Landmark Communications • News Corp

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