Press Releases: Discover Channel and Weather Channel

A couple of press releases have come across my desk recently (and by desk I mean in my e-mail box) for a pair of show that look interesting. First premiering this Sunday October 7th on the Discovery Channel at 9:00 is Koppel on Discover: Breaking Point where Ted Koppel looks at our current incarceration system and what need to get fixed because lets face it, housing costs per inmate is growing higher, not to mention the amount of inmates, and the rehabilitation in its current state isn’t working because people keep on going back in again and again.

The other item is a much lighter fair with the Weather Channel launching a high definition channel with a new and returning program. Seriously, how cool would watching a hurricane or tornado in high-def be? Not that I would be able to find out because I’m not cool enough to have a HDTV. One show is Epic Conditions now in its second season which also has its own broadband channel which you can find at http://www.weather.com/epic1. The new show is Weatherventure. Both shows start October 1 (oops, a little late on this) airing every weeknight from 7-8 p.m. ET and will re-air in the 11 p.m. – 112 a.m. ET hour.

Here are the press releases and some videos for each show (and if you only watch one video, I highly recommend the third):

DISCOVERY CHANNEL AND TED KOPPEL PRESENT
“KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY: BREAKING POINT”
AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE OVERLOADED AND UNDERSTAFFED CALIFORNIA PRISON SYSTEM
What does the California prison system have in common with Harvard University? It costs precisely as much to house, feed and guard one prisoner for one year in a California state prison as tuition, meals and housing cost for a student enrolled for one academic year at Harvard. As far as California taxpayers are concerned, it gets even worse. Their prison system is so overcrowded that it’s reached a breaking point. Either the state finds a long-term solution, or the federal courts have warned that they’ll begin ordering the release of inmates, just to ease the crush.

In this two-hour broadcast, Ted Koppel examines how California got to this point and presents an inside view of the crisis through in-depth interviews with inmates, guards and prison officials at California State Prison Solano in Vacaville. Koppel on Discovery: Breaking Point premieres on Discovery Channel on Sunday, October 7 at 9 PM (ET/PT).

Designed to accommodate no more than 100,000 inmates, California’s prisons now hold 173,000, each at an annual cost of $43,000. How did things get so out of control? Mandatory sentencing is a big part of the answer. When California voters threw their support behind a get-tough-on-crime bill that came to be known as “three strikes and you’re out,” the state prison system filled up and is now overflowing.

While shooting this latest installment of KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY, Koppel spent a number of days among the general population at Solano. His reporting focuses on the inhabitants of H dorm, where inmates are stacked in triple-deck bunk beds on an old indoor basketball court. Correctional officers are so badly outnumbered that prison officials keep inmates segregated by race and gang affiliation in a desperate effort to avoid friction and maintain control. Even so, Solano still sees three to four race riots a year. Using smuggled cell phones, gang bosses continue running criminal operations on the street from behind prison walls. At the same time, they’re running drug and prostitution rings inside Solano.

Koppel will introduce viewers to many of Solano’s inmates, including Travis Tippets, Joseph Mason and Brian O’Neal. Having completed a 6-year sentence for assault with a deadly weapon, Tippets is being released from Solano and sits for a brief “exit interview” with Koppel. The last time he was paroled, it took Tippets less than a day to get arrested and sent back. Knowing that a third strike could land him back in prison for life, Tippets finds out how hard it is to get a job with no skills and a criminal record. Joseph Mason is a third-striker. He’s been arrested and convicted three times for non-violent burglaries, and he won’t be eligible for parole until 2019; the ultimate irony is that he voted for the Three Strikes Law. Brian O’Neal is also a non-violent repeat offender. He has been to prison 11 times, and nine of those sentences were for violating parole. Koppel’s cameras track O’Neal’s 11th release from prison as his pregnant girlfriend picks him up and the two drive out of Solano. Within weeks, O’Neal is arrested again for violating his parole.



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New HD programming GIVEs viewers a true weather experience
The Weather Channel® Announces New Program and New Episodes of Popular Epic Conditions
ATLANTA – September 10, 2007 – Backcountry snowboarding where only helicopters can reach the summit, ice climbing some of the most difficult routes in existence, jumping out of a plane to skydive to the ground below. Weather impacts them all, and if these are viewers’ normal weekend hobbies or if they just want to experience the vicarious thrills of these exciting activities, the new HD lineup from The Weather Channel (TWC) is made for them.

The second season of Epic Conditions features those perfect moments when the right weather creates dynamic sports opportunities, and a new series, Weatherventures, travels to the most dramatic climates in North America to showcase playgrounds of all types. Starting October 1, the two series will air every weeknight from 7-8 p.m. ET and will re-air in the 11 p.m.-12 a.m. ET hour.

“These series showcase the perfect content for high definition programming,” said Kaye Zusmann, VP of programming strategy and development at TWC. “The dramatic scenic photography and spectacular action will give viewers their daily shot of weather adrenaline.”

Epic Conditions, which will air at 7 p.m. ET, is produced by Warren Miller Productions, known for jaw-dropping visuals in the extreme sports arena. The new episodes follow world class athletes and acclaimed scientists as their worlds converge, wherever “epic conditions” occur.

In another series merging weather, geography and activity, Weatherventures offers viewers a chance to explore the most iconic landscapes in America while learning how weather has shaped them, people have been impacted by them, and nature has adapted to them. Airing at 7:30 p.m. ET and hosted by TWC meteorologist Jeff Mielcarz, the show is sponsored exclusively by Nissan during the month of October. Produced by Horizon Entertainment, Weatherventures will visit the Florida Everglades, Colorado Rockies, Grand Canyon and Catalina Island, among others.

Along with the new shows, The Weather Channel Interactive will re-launch the Epic broadband site at www.weather.com/epic in mid September. The site will include features such as video clips from each episode, some original content and an online episode guide with links to full episodes. Also available on the Epic site will be an interactive map called “Epic Escapes” charting all of the episodes’ locations and their current weather conditions as well as more information on each extreme sport. Weatherventures video will be available on weather.com®.

New Epic Conditions episodes on Ouray, CO, ice climbing, Alaska Heli-snowboarding, and freeride mountain biking in Canada, among others, will join in the programming lineup along with exhilarating episodes from last year, including Steamboat skiing, Chesapeake Bay sailing, Hawaii big wave surfing and more.



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FACT SHEET:
NEW EPISODES OF EPIC CONDITIONS
Big Mountain Skiing in Sierra Nevada, California
Living up to its name, which is Spanish for Snowy Range, California’s Sierra Nevada receives 450 inches of annual snowfall. Resorts such as Heavenly offer up big mountain skiing with legendary cliffs and chutes. However, epic snowfalls and steep terrain raise the risk of avalanches. One Tahoe local knows this all too well as he survived being buried in an avalanche. (First airing: Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. ET)

Ice Climbing in Ouray, Colorado
Ouray has been nicknamed the “Ice Climbing Capital of North America” in part due to the hugely popular Ouray Ice Park. Aside from this man-made ice climbing playground in downtown Ouray, ice climbers can find even more epic, naturally formed climbs in the surrounding San Juan Range. The 900-foot Stairway to Heaven route is one of the area’s most famous climbs with a moderately difficult WI 4 rating (out of 7). (First airing: Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. ET)

Surfing in Mavericks, California
The legendary paddle-in surf spot known as Mavericks breaks one-half mile off of the coast of Pillar Point in Half Moon Bay, Calif. Surfers use their bare hands to paddle into this fierce wave, which consistently reaches heights of 20 feet during the winter months. Its speed and steepness in addition to its size make Mavericks an exhilarating ride, but also a dangerous one. Cold water, strong currents and sharp rocks are some of the hazards surfers face at Mavericks. In 1994, legendary big wave surfer Mark Foo drowned at Mavericks. (First airing: Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. ET)

Heli Snowboarding in Valdez, Alaska
Some of the most epic snowboarding conditions in the world can be found in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains outside of the port town of Valdez. Positioned along the Gulf of Alaska, the Chugach Mountains receive over 600 inches of high-quality powder snow. These amazing 3,000 to 4,000 vertical runs are only accessible by helicopter. Some of the best snowboarders in the world ride helicopters to the top of these jagged summits to ride acres and acres of untouched powder. (First airing: Monday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. ET)

Skydiving in Arizona
Arizona is home to the largest skydiving center in the world, Skydive Arizona. With over 340 days of prime flying conditions, the desert location offers a perfect drop zone year round. As weather plays a prominent role in their safety, Arizona has suitable conditions where clear skies and low breeze levels occur on a regular basis. Top athletes and novices alike use Arizona as a training ground because of its supreme year-round conditions. (First airing: Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. ET)

Whitewater Kayaking in Montana
Montana is home to countless creeks and rivers for world class kayakers to explore. Free-flowing rivers in Montana, such as the Yellowstone, are not controlled by manmade obstructions and rely solely on the weather. There are many hazards, including log jams, huge boulders and floating debris, on Montana’s wild rivers. One mistake could lead to being sucked into holes or swimming in frigid water. (First airing: Monday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. ET)

Rock Climbing in El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California
For many climbers, El Capitan is the ultimate big-wall climb. Located in Yosemite National Park, this 3,000-foot granite monolith tests climbers with dozens of long and difficult routes. Climbing has inherent risks including loose rocks, gear failure and rapidly changing weather conditions. The park service conducts 15-25 climbing rescues out of more than 100 climbing accidents in Yosemite each year. (First airing: Monday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. ET)

Mountain Biking in Whistler, Canada
In the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler Mountain is home to one of the first – and best – mountain bike parks in the world. British Columbia is recognized as the birthplace of “freeriding” – a discipline of mountain biking that combines the skills of downhilling, jumps and stunts. Weather conditions in the North Shore Mountains can vary drastically from the usually mild weather of nearby Vancouver, so mountain bikers must come prepared. (First airing: Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. ET)

Windsurfing in Hood River, Oregon
The Columbia River Gorge has become a mecca for windsurfing, and the town of Hood River is the center of all of the action. With over 30 popular launch sites within minutes of Hood River and a 50-mile stretch of sailable riverfront, it’s a windsurfer’s dream. With daytime temperatures averaging in the mid to upper 80s and water temperatures in the 70s, windsurfing conditions here are ideal. (Air date TBD)

Kiteboarding in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Kiteboarding is a water sport that involves using a power kite to pull a rider through the water on a small kiteboard. Kiteboarders are fully dependent on reliable and strong winds, and Cape Hatteras is one of the best places in the country to find such conditions. Cape Hatteras has been noted for its susceptibility to hurricanes, which tempt the most extreme kiteboarders to brave incredible winds generated by impending storms. (Air date TBD)



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FACT SHEET:
WEATHERVENTURES EPISODE LIST
The Rockies, Colorado
From northwestern Canada to New Mexico, the Continental Divide creates a unique weather environment in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The Rockies boast dueling weather personalities – east versus west. Weather can change rapidly here, and weather prediction is nearly impossible. Elevation, strong winds and an average snowfall of 150 inches in some areas can aid in creating avalanche conditions. Ride the highest chairlift in North America, snow shoe with a ranger, ski jore with dogs and snow kite across the terrain. (First airing: Friday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m. ET)

The Everglades, Florida
The Everglades, a subtropical river of grass that is part of a large watershed near Orlanda, FL, is a truly wild landscape. Weatherventures visits the rugged area to celebrate its natural heritage, recreational activities and unique weather. An airboat tour on Lake Trafford, the lake with the state’s highest density population of alligators, covers the Everglades’ ecology and wildlife as well as the wet and dry seasons. Visit “the Orchid Capital of North America” among a cypress tree canopy and learn about alligator wrestling at the Miccosukee Indian Village. Enjoy kayak fishing, stone crabbing and shelling. (First airing: Tuesday, October 2, at 7:30 p.m. ET)

The Grand Canyon, Arizona
The well known U.S. landscape landmark showcases a natural intersection of weather and geology. Weather impacts the area – and the people who come here – but the area also affects the weather. Weather conditions here include monsoon and flash floods, thermals, lightning, rock falls, and heat and temperature gradients. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Grand Canyon continues to evolve as weather and the forces of erosion constantly shape it. Take a mule ride, watch as California condors soar through the canyon, learn about the intoxicating smell of “desert rain,” and meet the “Lightning Lady.” (First airing: Wednesday, October 3, at 7:30 p.m. ET)

The San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest boast “247 days of sunshine and half the rain of Seattle,” thanks to a rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains to the south. Learn about weather conditions on both the wet side and the dry side of Olympic National Park, fly with a sea plane pilot, stroll through an alpaca farm, and visit a rare lavender farm to see the effects of weather on the area. The environment supports the endangered Marbled Murrelet bird species as well as culinary truffle hunting. (First airing: Monday, October 1, at 7:30 p.m. ET)

Denali National Park and Alaska
Alaska is truly a climate of extremes. At more than 20,000 feet, Mt. McKinley in Denali National Park creates its own weather conditions. Climbing the peak requires battling extreme elements and preparing for danger. Discover glaciers in the state’s coastal region while taking a glacier hike, canoeing in a glacier lake, and surfing on the waves created by bore tides. With the sun staying up nearly all summer, interior Alaska boasts giant vegetables, rivers of salmon and hot air balloon rides under the midnight sun. (First airing: Wednesday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m. ET)

Catalina Island, California
During this trip to Catalina Island, host Jeff Meilcarz takes an Eco Tour of the island to discover the island’s “near-perfect” climate and why it’s considered a “geographic anomaly.” Enjoy this island paradise’s pastimes of diving, kiteboarding and whale watching and visit an underwater kelp forest. (First airing: Thursday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m. ET)

Mackinac Island/Great Lakes, Michigan
The Great Lakes have a big influence on the climate. Acting as a giant heat sink, the lakes moderate the temperatures of the surrounding land, cooling the summers and warming the winters. The shores of Lake Superior are prone to "lake effect" snow and have recorded up to 350 inches of snow in a single year. Dive and scour some of the area’s thousands of shipwrecks, take a bike tour, go on a horse and buggy ride and sail Lake Huron. In addition to visiting the ferry that is one of the only ways to reach the island, learn about “The Mighty Mac” suspension bridge and the foreseeing power of chipmunks. (First airing: Thursday, October 25, at 7:30 p.m. ET)

The Big Island, Hawaii
Tourists and meteorologists alike universally describe Hawaii’s weather as “nearly perfect all year round.” With sunshine, ample rain, gentle breezes and moderate temperatures, it’s easy to understand why. A helicopter tour takes in the vast landscape that is home to 11 of the world’s 13 different climate zones, ranging from tropical rainforest to desert lava-scapes to snowy peaks. Learn how volcanoes impact climate on the island, why Hilo is famous for breathtaking waterfalls and expansive rainbows, and who the cowboys of Hawaii are. (First airing: Monday, October 22, at 7:30 p.m. ET)

The Badlands/Great Plains, South Dakota
With 130 degree temperature swings, extremely high winds and no shade for miles, the Great Plains can be an unforgiving, yet intriguing landscape. The episode will focus on weather’s impact on the Badlands, including the effect on excavated fossils at the Big Pig Dig and on the collection of fairburn agates, South Dakota’s state stone. Discover small burrowing mammals, go on a prairie hike, tour tunnels in Wind Cave National Park, and meet local tornado chasers. (First airing: TBD)

The White Mountains, New Hampshire
The climate in the White Mountains is known for its unpredictability. But despite its variable conditions, four distinct seasons are responsible for producing the region’s characteristic charm. The landscape inspires hikers, rock climbers, and even zip liners. Host Jeff Meilcarz explores weather’s impact on the famous fall foliage, maple syrup production and New Hampshire’s loon population. Sites visited include the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather” on Mt. Washington, Huntington Ravine and Lake Winnipesaukee. (First airing: TBD)