The Weather Channel to Present New Docudrama BRAVING THE ELEMENTS

The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC) announced today it has greenlit BRAVING THE ELEMENTS a new docudrama anthology series revealing the work, subculture and characters of professions that take place outdoors and are impacted by weather, seasons and extreme locations.

The anthology will feature multiple miniseries, each comprised of four 30-minute episodes, including: "Lights Out," following crews who are the first ones on the scene to restore power during inclement - and often severe - weather; "Turbine Cowboys," featuring the men and women who are pushed to the limit both physically and emotionally as they brave extreme heights and every conceivable weather condition to work on wind turbines; and "Iron Men" (working title), profiling the iron workers who spend their days hundreds of feet above New York City, sometimes without a harness. Additional titles in the anthology will be added throughout the year.

"Working in extreme weather conditions requires a certain personality, and all of these miniseries feature a fascinating group of individuals who find their work thrilling, terrifying and rewarding all at the same time," said Bob Walker, executive vice president and general manager of networks and content, The Weather Channel. "As 'Braving the Elements' explores the daily conditions in which these courageous men and women work, viewers will no doubt gain a profound respect for their contributions to society and our everyday lives."

This original concept will take full advantage of the significant audience The Weather Channel brand has on television, the Web, mobile and tablet. Additional information on each miniseries is noted below:

LIGHTS OUT

When severe weather knocks out power and it's "lights out!," it's the unsung heroes of the Entergy Arkansas power crews who come to the rescue. "Lights Out" follows the modern day cavalry who comes to save the day when storms create havoc for communities. Winter ice storms, spring tornadoes, summer thunderstorms - they are all a part of life for these linemen, who often face perilous working conditions and tend to see more of each other than they do of their own families. Faced with the threat of danger every time they show up for work, these crews risk life and limb for their customers. Premiering in March 2012, "Lights Out" is produced by CSE.

TURBINE COWBOYS

Mother Nature is a powerful force and taming her is nearly impossible. Wind turbine workers risk their lives building, maintaining, and repairing these monolithic, modern day windmills: the wind turbines. "Turbine Cowboys" follows two teams: the would-be "wind techs" from their hardcore boot camp training through their first year in the field, and the seasoned veterans who are still challenged every day. They all face extreme weather, dizzying heights, and possible electrocution. We find out who is attracted to this job and why, and follow them as they push the envelope to wrestle electricity from the wind. Premiering in April 2012, "Turbine Cowboys" is produced by BCII ("Rides," "Overhaulin'").

IRON MEN (WT)

Ironworking is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. If you think Chicago is the windy city, you're wrong - New York is actually windier, and the higher you build, the stronger the wind. Beyond fighting the wind, snow, and rain, an iron worker in New York has to battle the East Coast's bone-chilling cold as they walk steel beams hundreds of feet off the ground. "Iron Men" follows the workers of New York's Local 361 and Local 40 unions, the world's most respected ironworking unions. We'll follow their race to stay on schedule against weather hurdles on a multitude of projects, from the first footing to the final bolt - on a skyscraper, a bridge, or stadium. Every day, each member puts his life in the hands of his co-workers and that creates an unbreakable bond as well as high stakes and natural tension. Premiering in June 2012, "Iron Men" is produced by Pipeline39 (formerly known as KPI), the producers of "The Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero," as well as "MonsterQuest" and "MegaStructures.")

"Braving the Elements" joins TWCC's stable of long-form original content, which includes its most recent additions, "Twist of Fate," "Storm Riders," "Coast Guard Alaska," and "Lifeguard!," premiering in March 2012.

About The Weather Channel Companies

The Weather Channel companies (TWCC) are made up of The Weather Channel(R) television network, The Weather Channel digital properties, and WSI. The Weather Channel is based in Atlanta and is seen in more than 100 million U.S. households. TWCC also operates Weatherscan(R), a 24-hour all-local weather network; The Weather Channel Radio Network; and The Weather Channel HD. The most popular source of weather news and information, TWCC properties reach 60 million monthly Web consumers (weather.com and Desktop) and 32 million monthly mobile users (mobile Web and applications) and offers the second most popular mobile app on all smartphones. WSI, headquartered in Andover, MA, primarily provides business-to-business weather services, particularly for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. TWCC is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital.

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