Birmingham, Ala. – Alabama’s trusted weatherman, James Spann, has fulfilled a longtime dream with the launch of the Alabama Weather Network (AWN)—a groundbreaking, 24/7 digital channel dedicated to delivering high-quality, hyperlocal weather coverage to all 67 counties of the state.
A Vision Realized
Since his early days volunteering during the 1974 tornado outbreaks, James Spann has built a reputation as a meteorologist deeply committed to public safety. Now, with AWN, he’s shedding traditional market limitations to focus on delivering critical weather updates and comprehensive coverage wherever you live in Alabama.
“It’s long been a dream of mine… the logical stopping point is the state line,” Spann shared in a recent interview .
What AWN Offers
Round‑the‑clock streaming on platforms like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more .
A mobile app and website built for seamless access, launching August 11, 2025, delivering live streams and alerts .
Updated forecasts every 20 minutes, plus dedicated features such as beach forecasts, gameday prep, and the “CurrentCast on the 7s”—a quick, statewide update loop .
Coverage amplified by a statewide Skycam network, fixed cameras, drones, and contributions from viewers—building a real-time picture of weather, county by county .
Serving Underserved Communities
A key goal of AWN is to fill the gap in weather coverage that many rural and smaller communities experience. Spann emphasizes that no part of Alabama will be ignored.
“Every county will be treated equally… you will get long-form coverage for every tornado warning and other high-impact events.” .
Deep Community Roots
Spann hasn’t gone solo—AWN is co-founded with Bill Murray (his longtime partner on the Alabama Weather Blog), meteorologist John Oldshue, and Bill Hardekopf, known for his leadership in Alabama sports and business . Their combined expertise ensures AWN isn’t just weather forecasting—it’s trusted, locally grounded news that connects.
How You Can Watch
Streaming platforms: Search “Alabama Weather Network” or “AWN” on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire .
Mobile app: Available starting August 11, 2025, on iOS and Android—offering live streaming, customized alerts, and user-submitted content .
Website: Visit AlabamaWeatherNetwork.com for live radar, blogs, podcasts, forecasts, and more .
Social media: AWN streams on YouTube, with additional live coverage on Facebook, plus active presence on Instagram, X, and TikTok .
A Smart, Serious Weather Channel—Built for Alabama
The network’s motto says it all: “Always on, always local.” With stylish live-feeds, tools like the “Weather Classroom,” the WeatherBrains podcast, and region-specific segments like The Beach Forecast, AWN seamlessly blends life-saving updates with community relevance .
Why It Matters for Our Readers
For everyday Alabamians—especially those in Blount and other rural counties—AWN means faster alerts, relevant local reporting, and real-time updates on the severe weather that so often impacts our lives. The mobile app and streaming access mean help is always a tap away, whether you’re at home, out in the hills, or at a high school football game.
Looking Ahead
The Alabama Weather Network isn’t just another weather channel—it’s a powerful new tool for community safety, empowerment, and connection. As Alabama’s most beloved meteorologist brings the entire state under one umbrella, every county—big or small—wins.
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