Weathernews employs several different media to provide real-time weather information and weather-related lifestyle information to a wide range of weather content consumers that we like to think of as our "supporters" (whether individuals or the population at large). Weathernews is a vertically-integrated content provider that handles all the work involved in planning, producing and distributing content. Our supporters can access content through any of the several different media (the "channels" through which content is distributed). The management and operation of Weathernews content is based on a "trans-media" approach that lets our supporters receive content through the most convenient medium for them. "For the supporters, with the supporters" is the concept we use to describe our basic philosophy which is bringing weather content to our supporters via our own media channels 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Weathernews established "Weathernews" BS Digital Data Broadcast Channel 910 in December 1999 as a licensed broadcaster. Drawing fully on the merits of BS digital data broadcasting, Channel 910 broadcasts continuously-updated weather, disaster, and lifestyle information on a national scale 24 hours a day from our Makuhari Weather Street. Channel 910 provides viewers with weather information for their location, at whatever time is convenient for them. Various features help viewers get the latest information tailored to their local area. For example, viewers can retrieve pinpoint forecasts for anywhere in Japan by entering their postal code, and there is a function that automatically displays "My Weather" information according to settings registered in the receiver. The "My Weather" information includes a constant display of the current "M Scale" an original index Weathernews has devised to indicate natural disaster severity levels. When the index is "M3: Warning" (indicating a natural disaster could occur), the content is switched to the special disaster coverage, providing continuous live broadcasts. In these broadcasts, the company's over 140 specialized employees with weather-forecasting qualifications and its "catalysts" convey information while gauging the situation. The "catalysts" represent a new concept of "weather reporters" and "weather anchors" who occupy the position of receiving specialized content that is then digested so that "the difficult is made simple, the simple profound, and the profound more interesting." Requests and other feedback from our supporters are also given careful consideration. To ensure our programming is created with supporter input, we continually listen to the needs and wants of our supporters and apply them to the content we provide.
The Internet version of the above mentioned "Weathernews" Channel 910, CWW gives supporters and "viewsers" (a combination of viewer and user) access to the content they want, whenever they want it. From general weather forecast information, such as pinpoint weather throughout Japan, weekly forecasts, world weather and airport forecasts, users can access map-based picture information updated in real time, such as weather satellite images, weather charts, and AMeDAS (Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System) images. The site's weather information is supplemented by useful lifestyle information such as airborne pollen levels, viewing conditions for cherry blossoms or autumn leaves, firework display schedules, UV levels, stargazer information, and various leisure activity information. There is also weather information tied to local events and sightseeing. CWW's information is coupled with a complete lineup of features only Weathernews can provide. For example, the "Weather and Disasters" page is an in-depth discussion of links between weather and disasters based on investigations of past disasters. In addition, a message page allows supporters throughout Japan to share information about their local area.
As a licensed broadcaster, Weathernews offers “Weathernews” Channel 744 that broadcasts a full range of weather content programming 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.Like "Weathernews" BS Digital Data Broadcast Channel 910, our Makuhari Weather Street supplies professional weather technicians who provide in-depth analysis of various weather- and lifestyle-related information in live broadcasts. Based in particular on the policy of focusing on disaster coverage, Channel 744 broadcasts special coverage whenever typhoons, rainstorms or earthquakes occur or are predicted, with experts monitoring the weather or seismic conditions providing up-to-date report. While conventional weather forecasts only give weather conditions such as "sun" or "rain" Channel 744 also reports useful information on how weather will affect the lives of supporters, and how they should prepare. By letting supporters take an active role in shaping programming through email, mobile phone or fax submissions, Channel 744 makes the massive volume of weather content aimed at professional users (companies) useful to individual users as well.
