IBM has finalized an agreement to acquire the Weather Channel’s product and technology business.
The Weather Channel’s cable network will continue to be a separate entity owned by NBCUniversal, the Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. The initial agreement had been announced in October.
“Heading into this new chapter as The Weather Channel Television Network, we have heightened focus on innovation, first-class storm coverage and hyper-localized weather information available through our various TV platforms including: The Weather Channel, WeatherScan and Local Now,” Weather Channel CEO Dave Shull said in a statement.
The Weather Channel initiated major programming changes last fall, removing star talent Sam Champion from morning show “AMHQ” and refocusing on weather coverage. The network also laid off 40 employees in November.
ABC announced earlier this month that Champion would return as weather anchor for “Good Morning America.”