• by adam.m , Michael Deibert , July 15, 2005

ABC Radio Networks Thursday officially launched its National Weather Networks, which allow for customization of local forecasts and presentation by meteorologists certified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The service provides a minimum of three 30-second daily weather forecasts, with more frequent updates during periods of inclement or severe weather. "It's been launched to satisfy a need for local weather provided by certified meteorologists," said Mike Jones, ABC's manager of affiliate relations. "A lot of the smaller markets don't have access to customized forecasts and this fits a need that TV doesn't always cover."

ABC Radio Networks has nearly 4,600 affiliate radio stations and reaches 116 million people age 12 and over each week. The new National Weather Networks' broadcasts will be able to accommodate five-second local billboard sponsorship advertisements.