Sky News Weather Channel
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television broadcasting |
| Predecessor | Weather 21, The Weather Channel |
| Founded | January 1, 1999 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Weather forecasts, weather news programming |
| Owner | News Corp Australia |
| Parent | Australian News Channel |
Sky News Weather Channel is an Australian television outlet operated by Australian News Channel, a division of News Corp Australia. Since its inception on 1 January 1999, the channel has delivered continuous weather updates and related news around the clock.
The programming consists of a 15-minute cycle featuring forecasts for local, national, and regional areas, alongside dam levels and rainfall information. It also provides nonstop coverage during severe weather occurrences and seasonal updates. Weekday mornings from 6am to 8:30am include the breakfast show Sky News Breakfast, produced by Sky News Regional.
History
Originally launched on 1 January 1999 under the name "Weather 21," the channel was available on Austar’s channel 21. Developed by Cox Inall Communications in partnership with The Weather Company, it primarily served Austar’s rural and regional viewers. Live broadcasts initially ran daily from 6am until 10pm, with automated forecast loops and radar images airing overnight.
In early 2000, the channel adopted the name "The Weather Channel" and extended its live broadcast hours, introducing new presenters such as Tracey Malmborg and Jaynie Seal.
In 2003, ownership transferred from Austar to XYZ Networks. Following this change, the channel launched on Foxtel and shifted its focus towards metropolitan audiences. Foxtel Digital also rolled out the interactive weather platform Weather Active.
The year 2004 saw major enhancements including updated logos, refreshed graphics, programming adjustments, and an upgraded Weather Active application. A further substantial redesign of graphics occurred in mid-2008 as programming expanded.
Weather information is provided by Metra Information Limited in conjunction with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
Management Transition and Rebranding
After Foxtel merged with Austar in 2012 and XYZ Networks was dissolved, operational control of The Weather Channel was assumed by Sky News Australia on 30 November 2012. The channel was subsequently rebranded as Sky News Weather in January 2013 to align with Sky News Australia’s broader media objectives.
App & Streaming (2024–present)
The Sky News App offers complimentary access to current weather forecasts and includes a subscription-based live streaming option for Sky News Weather, thereby broadening its digital footprint.
Current Presenters (as of October 2024)
- Jaynie Seal (1999–2004 & 2012–present; weekday host of News Breakfast)
- Rob Sharpe – Meteorologist (2017–present)
- Alison Osborne – Meteorologist (2019–present)
- Rhiannon Elston (2020–present)
- Emma Wightman (2017–present)
- James Preston (2022–present)
- Nikolina Kharoufeh (2022–present)
- Stevie Jacobs (2024–present)
- Wendy John (2024–present)
- Julia Seymour (2024–present)
- Marina Neuman – Meteorologist (2024–present)
Former Presenters
- Graham Creed – Meteorologist (2000–2007; transitioned to ABC Sydney, now retired)
- Allan Humphries
- Mark Hardy – Meteorologist
- Tracey Malmborg
- Sally Ayhan
- Christina Birtles
- Kyly Boldy
- Lee Brooks
- Lyndal Davies
- Amanda Duval
- Josh Holt (now at Network 10 Sydney)
- Rose Jacobs
- Dave Kirwan
- Danielle Bowern
- Amy Greenbank (2011–2018; moved to ABC Sydney)
- Gavin Morris
- Reuben Mourad
- Ed Phillips (2004–2005; hosted Temptation on Nine Network)
- Magdalena Roze
- Angela Tsun
- Jane Bunn – Meteorologist (formerly WIN TV; currently with Seven News Melbourne)
- Danielle Robertson
- Tom Saunders – Meteorologist (1999–2009; moved to ABC Sydney)
- Ben Domensino – Meteorologist (Weatherzone)
- Richard Whitaker
- Bradlyn Oaks – Meteorologist (2023–2024)
- Vanessa O'Hanlon (previous ABC News Breakfast Weather Presenter, 2023)
- Fouad Haidar (2023–2024)