Who Owns The Weather Channel: Major Shareholders

The Weather Channel is one of the most trusted names in weather forecasting and climate news. Many viewers wonder: who owns The Weather Channel today? Over the years, the network has changed hands multiple times, evolving from a cable TV channel to a multimedia weather powerhouse. Here’s a detailed look at its ownership, history, leadership, revenue, and brands.

Key Takeaways

• The Weather Channel TV network is fully owned by Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, which acquired it in 2018. Allen holds 100% control through his privately held company, overseeing all programming, operations, and strategy.
• The Weather Channel’s digital division — including weather.com, The Weather Channel app, and Weather Underground — is owned by The Weather Company, which is now controlled by Francisco Partners after being acquired from IBM in 2024.
• The two divisions operate independently: Allen Media Group manages the broadcast network, while Francisco Partners runs the data-driven digital and enterprise operations.

The Weather Channel Overview

The Weather Channel is a U.S.-based cable television network dedicated to weather forecasting, weather-related news and climate information. In its more than four decades of operation, it has grown from a niche service into a broadly recognised brand in weather media.

The channel blends live meteorologist-led programming, real-time radar and graphics, and documentary-style features about storms, climate change and severe weather. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and is known for its continuous national feed alongside localized forecast segments.

The Weather Channel launched its first broadcast on May 2, 1982. It was established to provide 24-hour weather coverage, making it among the first dedicated weather networks in the United States. Headquartered in Atlanta, it originally operated under the ownership of media firm Landmark Communications.

Over time, the company evolved its technology and distribution systems, including the deployment of the WeatherStar units that delivered local forecast inserts into the national feed. The network has also embraced digital and streaming platforms, offering apps, web presence and on-demand weather content in addition to the live channel.

Founders and Origin

The origin of The Weather Channel centers on meteorologist John Coleman and media entrepreneur Frank Batten Sr..

Coleman, who had served as the first weather anchor for ABC’s Good Morning America, believed there was a “passionate need” for around-the-clock weather information beyond the typical brief segment in television newscasts.

Batten, as chairman and CEO of Landmark Communications, recognized that weather was a primary reason many readers bought his newspapers and saw the cable medium as ripe for a dedicated weather network.

The two joined efforts and on May 2, 1982, launched The Weather Channel at 8:00 p.m. ET, with meteorologists Bruce Edwards and André Bernier appearing on the inaugural broadcast.

In its first year, the channel operated from a modest studio in Atlanta and relied on National Weather Service and NOAA data, while rolling out its local forecast terminal hardware to cable systems.

Coleman served briefly as the network’s president and CEO before departing in 1983.

Major Milestones

• 1981: Landmark Communications secures satellite transponder space for what will become TWC.
• May 2, 1982: The Weather Channel officially launches at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
• 1983: The subscriber base increases by around 44% and the network upgrades its infrastructure to remain on the air.
• June 29, 1986: TWC switches to an anchor-based format, rebranding as “The New Weather Channel”.
• March 6, 1991: Adopts a new slogan “Weather You Can Always Turn To” and updates graphics.
• January 10, 1994: Orders production of the “Weather Star Jr” local forecast unit to replace older models.
• 1996: Launch of TWC’s website (weather.com) and a significant graphics and logo overhaul.
• September 26, 2007: Commences full-HD simulcast feed for the television network.
• July 6, 2008: NBCUniversal, Bain Capital, and The Blackstone Group agree to acquire TWC from Landmark; the sale finalized later in 2008.
• November 12, 2013: New graphics package introduced; TWC moves further into modern presentation and schedules.
• March 22, 2018: Allen Media Group (via its parent company) acquires TWC television network assets.
• June 24, 2019: After a four-year absence, TWC returns to being carried on Verizon Fios.
• May 2, 2022: TWC celebrates its 40th anniversary and launches a new direct-to-consumer subscription app.
• January 2025: Allen Media Group announces that local weather coverage for many stations will be centralized through TWC’s Atlanta studio, signaling a strategic shift in operations.

Who Owns The Weather Channel: Top Shareholders

The Weather Channel’s brand and operations are split between two distinct ownership tracks. The television network (the on-air channel you watch on cable and some streaming platforms) is owned and operated by Weather Group, LLC, a unit of Allen Media Group. That part of the business is privately held and controlled by media entrepreneur Byron Allen.

The Weather Channel’s digital and product assets (the website, apps, forecasting platform, and several data technology businesses) were sold by IBM and are now owned by Francisco Partners as part of The Weather Company.

As of October 2025:

• Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group owns The Weather Channel TV network — the broadcast and cable side of the brand.
• Francisco Partners owns The Weather Company — which includes the website, mobile app, and weather data services.

Below is a breakdown of current and past owners and shareholders of The Weather Channel:

Allen Media Group

Allen Media Group fully owns the television-network side of The Weather Channel (operated via its subsidiary Weather Group, LLC). While exact equity percentages are not published, Byron Allen holds 100% of the voting control for the network business unit. In practical terms, this means the TV network is wholly controlled by Allen Media with no external shareholders disclosed.

Allen Media’s ownership gives it operational, editorial, and strategic control over the channel. All key management appointments and major business decisions flow from the parent company, led by Byron Allen.

Francisco Partners

Francisco Partners acquired the digital properties of the Weather brand—namely the consumer-facing websites and apps, forecasting platforms, and enterprise-weather-data services—which had been under IBM’s ownership. The purchase price and exact ownership stake were not publicly disclosed. Thus, Francisco Partners holds 100% of the standalone digital business as part of its portfolio. In effect, it is the sole proprietor of the digital side.

With full ownership, Francisco Partners has complete decision-making authority over the digital business: product direction, data licensing, enterprise partnerships, and monetization strategies rest under its governance.

Who is the CEO of The Weather Channel?

As of 2025, Rohit Agarwal serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Weather Company, the digital and data arm behind The Weather Channel, Weather Underground, and Storm Radar. His appointment marks a significant moment in the company’s evolution under Francisco Partners, which acquired The Weather Company from IBM in 2024. Agarwal leads the company’s global mission to deliver innovative, data-driven weather intelligence and digital experiences to both consumers and enterprises.

Rohit Agarwal – Background and Career

Rohit Agarwal is a seasoned digital executive with over two decades of experience driving product strategy, growth, and innovation in technology and media. Before joining The Weather Company, he held senior leadership positions including Chief Product & Revenue Officer at SoundCloud and Chief Product Officer at CNN Digital, where he led digital transformation and product monetization initiatives.

His career reflects deep expertise in product design, data analytics, and digital revenue development — skills that align closely with The Weather Company’s strategic focus on integrating artificial intelligence and advanced forecasting into its consumer and enterprise platforms.

Leadership Role and Responsibilities

As CEO, Rohit Agarwal oversees the entire spectrum of The Weather Company’s business, including:

• Consumer platforms: The Weather Channel app, weather.com, and Weather Underground.
• Enterprise solutions: Aviation, media, and government sectors that rely on real-time weather data and analytics.
• AI and data strategy: Leveraging machine learning and cloud technologies to improve forecast accuracy and user experience.
• Global partnerships: Building data-driven collaborations with industries dependent on weather intelligence.

Under his leadership, The Weather Company is sharpening its focus on AI-powered forecasting, data monetization, and sustainability-driven weather insights, aiming to transform how individuals and organizations prepare for environmental change.

Vision and Strategic Direction

Rohit Agarwal’s vision centers on expanding the impact of weather data beyond forecasting — positioning The Weather Company as a global hub for climate intelligence. His strategy integrates advanced data analytics with human expertise, allowing governments, airlines, and corporations to make faster, safer, and more informed decisions.

He advocates for a consumer-centric approach to weather data — combining precision forecasting with engaging storytelling through digital products like the Weather Channel app. Agarwal has also emphasized developing ethical, transparent AI systems that support weather prediction without compromising user privacy.

Salary and Compensation

As The Weather Company is a privately held business under Francisco Partners, exact compensation details are not publicly disclosed. However, executive analysts estimate that Rohit Agarwal’s annual compensation package is valued between $4 million and $7 million, comprising a competitive base salary, performance bonuses tied to revenue and innovation targets, and long-term equity incentives within the company.

Leadership Impact

Since taking office, Agarwal has led initiatives to:

• Integrate AI-enhanced forecasting models into consumer products.
• Expand global enterprise partnerships in aviation, defense, and broadcasting.
• Strengthen The Weather Company’s commitment to climate risk solutions for governments and corporations.
• Modernize digital experiences across all Weather Channel platforms.

His leadership represents a blend of innovation and precision — a continuation of The Weather Company’s legacy as a pioneer in weather technology and a push toward a smarter, more data-connected future.

The Weather Channel Annual Revenue and Net Worth

As of October 2025, the combined annual revenue of The Weather Channel brand—including both its television network and digital divisions—stands at an estimated $1.5 billion, with an overall net worth exceeding $3 billion.

This valuation includes the television operations owned by Allen Media Group and the digital and data business under The Weather Company, owned by Francisco Partners. Together, these two divisions form one of the most valuable and recognizable weather-focused media and technology brands in the world.

Television Network Revenue (Allen Media Group)

The television side of the business — the network you see on cable and streaming under the Weather Channel name — generated approximately $750 million in annual revenue for Allen Media Group in 2025. This revenue stems from advertising sales, carriage fees paid by cable and satellite platforms, and distribution agreements with streaming services.

The robust figure reflects the network’s enduring brand strength, its broad audience reach, and its ability to command premium rates despite industry headwinds such as cord-cutting and platform fragmentation. The network’s profitability benefits from strong brand identity, established weather-focused content, and the strategic amalgamation of news, forecasting, and entertainment elements, which attract both viewers and advertisers.

Digital / Enterprise Business Net Worth and Valuation (The Weather Company)

On the digital side — which includes weather.com, the Weather Channel mobile app, Weather Underground, and enterprise forecasting services — The Weather Company is estimated to have generated annual revenues reaching around $750 million in 2025, although these figures are approximate due to the private nature of ownership and incomplete public disclosure.

As of 2025, the enterprise valuation of The Weather Company (under its private-equity owner) is estimated to be in the range of $2 billion to $3 billion, reflecting its global platform reach, data-licensing contracts, and AI-driven forecasting assets. The business model extends beyond consumer apps into high-value B2B segments such as aviation, media, energy, and insurance — sectors that pay for real-time weather intelligence and analytics. This diversification increases the net worth of the digital asset arm, making its value significantly higher than a traditional consumer media business alone.

Combined Asset Value and Strategic Position

Considering both the television network and the digital division together, the Weather Channel brand in 2025 comprises a dual-platform business structure: a well-known linear TV network with deep heritage and a cutting-edge digital/data enterprise facing global markets. The combined estimated revenues across both sides approach $1.5 billion annually, with total portfolio valuation comfortably above $3 billion when factoring strategic real-estate, brand equity, and long-term contracts.

This dual structure gives the brand resilience and flexibility: the television business benefits from visual brand strength and live content, while the digital business leverages scalable global data services and recurring enterprise revenue.

Outlook and Growth Drivers

Key growth drivers for the next phase include:

• Further monetization of enterprise weather-intelligence products in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, aviation, and insurance, which underpin the digital business net worth.
• Continued innovation in meteorology-driven content and immersive weather storytelling that bolsters the television network’s value and revenue potential.
• Expansion of streaming and over-the-top distribution channels to offset declines in traditional cable viewership, helping maintain or grow revenue for the TV network.
• Strategic licensing and data-partnership deals internationally, which enhance both revenue and valuation of the digital side.

Analysis of 10-Year Growth

Over the past decade, The Weather Channel’s combined revenue has grown from roughly $900 million in 2015 to about $1.5 billion in 2025, representing an average annual growth rate of 5.2%.
The television network, despite challenges from cord-cutting, has remained profitable due to its dominant brand position and diversified distribution. Its valuation has held steady between $1–2 billion, supported by stable ad revenue and licensing deals.

The digital division, initially part of IBM’s AI-based Weather Company, has seen stronger growth. Its net worth increased from $1.5 billion in 2015 to up to $3 billion in 2025, largely due to enterprise weather-data expansion, cloud-based forecasting platforms, and AI adoption.

Analysis of Forecast (2026–2030)

From 2026 through 2030, The Weather Channel’s total annual revenue is expected to grow from approximately $1.5 billion to nearly $1.9 billion, representing an average annual growth rate of 5–6%. This growth will largely come from:

• Expanding digital products and enterprise weather services under The Weather Company, particularly in aviation, agriculture, and insurance sectors.
• Continued audience engagement and streaming expansion of The Weather Channel TV network under Allen Media Group.
• Increased global partnerships, data licensing, and AI-driven weather prediction technologies.

By 2030, The Weather Channel brand’s combined net worth is projected to exceed $5.5 billion, solidifying its position as both a leading weather media company and a top-tier data intelligence enterprise.

Companies Owned by The Weather Channel

As of 2025, The Weather Channel owns multiple brands and divisions. Below is a list of the brands owned by The Weather Channel:

The Weather Channel (Digital)

The Weather Channel’s digital platform is the most recognized component of The Weather Company. It includes the weather.com website and The Weather Channel app, both of which serve hundreds of millions of users globally. The platform delivers real-time forecasts, severe weather alerts, radar imagery, and climate news, while leveraging AI-based forecasting models for hyperlocal accuracy. As of 2025, the app has over 400 million downloads, making it one of the most-used weather applications in the world. The Weather Channel digital platform also supports advertising, branded content, and premium data services for partners and advertisers.

Weather Underground

Acquired by The Weather Company in 2012, Weather Underground operates as a specialized digital platform focused on hyperlocal weather data. It relies on a vast network of over 250,000 personal weather stations contributed by users globally. Weather Underground caters to tech-savvy audiences who value detailed, data-driven forecasts, weather models, and local analytics. The platform also serves professional clients in agriculture, energy, and logistics who require highly localized climate intelligence. In 2025, it continues to operate independently under The Weather Company’s structure, maintaining its community-driven approach and precise weather modeling.

Storm Radar

Storm Radar is a mobile and tablet application developed and maintained by The Weather Company. It provides interactive storm-tracking capabilities, real-time severe weather updates, and predictive radar visualization. The app is designed for users who need detailed storm trajectories and hazard alerts, particularly in areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Storm Radar uses data from NOAA, Doppler systems, and AI-enhanced forecast models from The Weather Company’s enterprise systems to deliver precision tracking in real time.

WeatherFX

WeatherFX is The Weather Company’s advertising and marketing analytics division. It allows businesses to use real-time weather data to optimize marketing campaigns, product placements, and consumer engagement strategies. The platform merges meteorological data with behavioral analytics to predict how weather patterns influence buying habits. Retail, automotive, and travel industries use WeatherFX to plan campaigns based on local weather triggers. In 2025, WeatherFX remains one of the company’s most successful B2B offerings, integrating with leading ad platforms and data management systems.

Max Ecosystem (Weather Graphics and Broadcasting Technology)

The Max Ecosystem is a suite of broadcast and visualization tools used by television stations and meteorologists worldwide. It includes Max Storm, Max Sky, and Max Traffic, which deliver dynamic weather graphics, data integration, and interactive maps for live broadcasts. Originally developed to enhance The Weather Channel’s own on-air graphics, it has since become a commercial product offered to other broadcasters. In 2025, the Max Ecosystem is a key revenue generator within The Weather Company’s enterprise portfolio, serving more than 700 broadcast outlets globally.

The Weather Company Enterprise Solutions

The Weather Company Enterprise Solutions provides large-scale meteorological intelligence to industries that rely on weather forecasting for operations. Its services cater to aviation, energy, logistics, insurance, agriculture, and government sectors. The division uses AI and machine learning to deliver predictive insights, enabling organizations to reduce weather-related risks and operational disruptions. In 2025, this enterprise arm represents one of the company’s fastest-growing segments, with clients spanning 60 countries. It operates independently within The Weather Company’s structure, supported by its proprietary data infrastructure and API platforms.

The Weather Company API and Data Services

The Weather Company API is a global platform providing access to real-time weather data, forecasts, radar imagery, and historical climate information. Used by developers, corporations, and government agencies, the API supports millions of daily requests and powers numerous third-party applications. Its scalability and data accuracy have made it a critical service in the company’s ecosystem, generating steady subscription-based revenue. The API infrastructure also underpins The Weather Channel’s consumer apps and third-party integrations, ensuring consistency in data across platforms.

The Weather Company Aviation Services

This division specializes in providing precision weather data and flight planning tools for the aviation industry. Airlines and air traffic management organizations use The Weather Company’s aviation products to improve flight safety, reduce fuel consumption, and optimize route planning. In 2025, the aviation division remains a leading provider of weather solutions for global carriers and private aviation operators, with partnerships that integrate weather data directly into cockpit and control systems.

Climate and Sustainability Intelligence

Introduced in the early 2020s, The Weather Company’s Climate Intelligence division focuses on providing actionable insights for businesses and governments dealing with climate change and environmental risks. The platform uses long-term modeling to forecast climate patterns, helping organizations adapt to shifting conditions in agriculture, infrastructure, and energy. In 2025, this division has expanded significantly, offering climate scenario modeling and risk-management dashboards for corporations focused on sustainability reporting.

Weather Company Research and Innovation Labs

Weather Company Labs functions as the R&D center of The Weather Company, responsible for developing new forecasting algorithms, climate modeling systems, and AI-driven weather intelligence solutions. Its innovations have contributed to advances in radar accuracy, atmospheric simulation, and short-term severe weather prediction. The lab collaborates with academic institutions and national meteorological services to continually refine its models. In 2025, it plays a central role in advancing climate-data technology and supporting The Weather Company’s enterprise strategy.

Weather Data Cloud Infrastructure

The Weather Data Cloud is The Weather Company’s proprietary cloud computing system that manages billions of weather observations daily. Built on high-performance computing and AI frameworks, the Weather Data Cloud supports all of the company’s consumer and enterprise products. It integrates atmospheric data, satellite imagery, and predictive modeling, distributing forecasts with near-real-time latency. This infrastructure serves as the backbone of The Weather Company’s digital ecosystem, ensuring reliability, scalability, and precision.

Conclusion

As of 2025, The Weather Channel remains the world’s leading source for reliable weather forecasting, backed by decades of trust and innovation. For those wondering who owns The Weather Channel, the television network is owned by Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, while its digital division — including weather.com and the mobile app — is operated by The Weather Company under Francisco Partners.

Together, they’ve transformed the brand into a global powerhouse that blends live weather reporting, AI-driven forecasting, and enterprise climate intelligence. Even after more than forty years, The Weather Channel continues to shape how the world understands and prepares for weather — combining accuracy, technology, and authority like no other.

FAQs

Who currently owns The Weather Channel?

As of 2025, The Weather Channel TV network is owned by Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, while its digital assets — including weather.com, The Weather Channel app, and Weather Underground — are owned and operated by The Weather Company, a subsidiary of Francisco Partners.

Who is the new owner of The Weather Channel?

The latest ownership change occurred in 2024 when Francisco Partners acquired The Weather Company (which manages the digital division) from IBM. However, the television network remains under Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, which purchased it back in 2018.

Who is the owner of The Weather Channel?

Ownership is divided: Byron Allen owns the TV network, and Francisco Partners owns the digital operations through The Weather Company. Both entities operate independently under their respective parent companies.

Who runs The Weather Channel?

The TV network is run by Byron Allen, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Allen Media Group. The digital division is led by Rohit Agarwal, CEO of The Weather Company, who oversees all online platforms and enterprise weather data operations.

Who funds The Weather Channel?

The Weather Channel TV network is privately funded by Allen Media Group, which uses revenue from advertising, cable carriage fees, and streaming partnerships to sustain operations. The digital arm, owned by Francisco Partners, is funded through private equity investments, enterprise data licensing, and subscription-based weather services.

Who was the original owner of The Weather Channel?

The Weather Channel was originally founded and owned by Landmark Communications, a media company led by Frank Batten Sr., alongside meteorologist John Coleman, who first conceptualized the 24-hour weather network. The channel launched in 1982 under their ownership.

How much is Byron Allen worth in 2025?

In 2025, Byron Allen’s net worth is estimated at around $1 billion. His wealth comes primarily from his ownership of Allen Media Group, which includes The Weather Channel TV network, Local Now, The Grio, and several cable networks and digital media ventures.