Viewers tune into this channel when it gets nasty outside. The Weather Channel operates a 24-hour cable network that reaches about 100 million US homes with a mix of regional and local weather forecasts, storm alerts, and long-range forecasts, as well as extended coverage of damaging storms and floods. The Weather Channel also operates a popular Web site that boasts an audience of more than 40 million users per month. In addition, the company provides syndicated weather information to more than 600 radio stations around the country. The company, launched by Landmark Communications in 1982, is controlled by NBC Universal (NBCU) along with private equity firms Bain Capital and The Blackstone Group.