NEW ORLEANS -- WDSU-TV announced today that it is introducing a new TV channel dedicated to providing updated weather information and forecasts by NewsChannel 6 meteorologists 24-hours a day to the viewers of Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

WDSU 6 Weather Plus is affiliated with the national network, NBC Weather Plus, giving local viewers access to and reports from more than 1,000 local reporters and meteorologists in more than 200 markets across the country.

“In partnership with NBC, we’ve built a new weather service that offers the local expertise and perspective that has not been available until now,” says Joel Vilmenay, WDSU-TV/DT president and general manager. “We’re pleased to offer our viewers a new reliable and comprehensive source for important weather information that allows them to track developments at anytime.”

The new channel also features constantly updated forecasts, current conditions and a five-day forecast for cities and towns in Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast that are continually displayed on the screen even during commercials.

WDSU 6 Weather Plus will roll out first to subscribers of Charter Communications in St. Tammany, Lafourche, and Terrebonne parishes and be available starting, May 7, 2007 on channel 183.

The timing of this launch is tied to the beginning of the 2007 hurricane season. According to Vilmenay, “following the devastation of Katrina, we have spent the last eighteen months taking our commitment to local weather to an even higher level. Along with having the most experienced weather team, we have invested in and built the area’s most powerful and most accurate live radar. We think that WDSU 6 Weather Plus plays an important role in keeping our viewers safe and also helping them prepare for severe weather, especially with hurricane season right around the corner.”

A preview of WDSU 6 Weather Plus has been available at WDSU.com. The live streaming will continue to be available on-line. It is part of the on going strategy of a multi-platform approach to providing WDSU-TV content to its users and viewers.

Customers wanting WDSU 6 Weather Plus in their home are encouraged to call their local cable provider and ask for it.