On Wednesday, the Weather Channel turns 30 years old.
The first network dedicated to around-the-clock weather forecasting and severe weather coverage debuted May 2, 1982. And to mark the occasion the fine folks in Atlanta sent the TVNewser crew a flashback care-package: Rubik’s Cubes with one side carrying The Weather Channel logo, pop rocks (which DID NOT lead the death of Mikey from the LIFE commercial), Billboard’s biggest hits from 1982, some assorted Wonka candies and a few “Frankie Says Relax” t-shirts. The shirts had us scratching our heads. I’m the only one in our group old enough to remember them — but didn’t. It took our editorial assistant, who wasn’t born until the late 80s, to recognize it. She’d seen it in an episode of “Friends.” Anyway, here’s the story of 80s band Frankie Goes to Hollywood and the t-shirts.
As for Weather Channel, they have some big plans for their 30th birthday next week. More about that tomorrow.