This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Back in April 2013, The Weather Channel announced it was unveiling several new very short series of cross-platform videos on topics that diverge from the weather. From WSJ:
"The new series include “I am Unstoppable,” a show profiling disabled atheletes; “Virus Hunters,” a science program following the hunt for the next killer outbreak; and “Alive,” which tells the stories of people who survived manmade and natural disasters.These are not regular primetime shows on TV. Each will feature six two- to four-minute episodes, which will be available on The Weather Channel cable channel, weather.com website, as well as mobile devices and tablets. Three other series, ranging from animals on the edge of extinction to extreme explorers, were unveiled a few weeks ago, at the Weather Channel’s television upfront on April 3. They will debut this summer.
“We’re datamining our users’ passions,” said Neil Katz, the president and editor-in-chief for digital of The Weather Channel. “They love science. They love space. They love nature and the natural world, the story of Mother Earth – probably not surprising since they love weather, which is really one of the most powerful natural phenomena. They love travel…they love action and adventure. And of course they love extreme weather.”
I am very excited to announce that the series "Virus Hunters" is nearly ready to air! This short six-part web series is based on the book "Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic " by science writer David Quammen is set to air in a week or two on Weather.com
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Quammen's books are always magnificent works. Dwight Garner, reviewing “Spillover” in The New York Times, called him “not just among our best science writers but among our best writers, period.” I can't help but agree. "Spillover" is particularly engaging because of its timeliness, which I'm sure will be what will draw viewers to the web series. Check out the book trailer here:
According to a recent post at Ars Technica, Quammen is one of the executive producers of the brief mini series, which means the science should be kept intact!
In Quammen's own words (tweet form):
You can check it out HERE when it is available. I promise to keep you posted!
