Regarding the top-level domain (TLD) of “WEATHERCHANNEL”, it appears to be non-existent. Top-level domains are the highest level of domain names in the root zone of the internet’s Domain Name System (DNS). They are installed in the root zone of the name space and are classified into two categories: generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs).
Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) include .com, .org, .net, .gov, .edu etc. On the other hand, country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) represent specific geographic locations. For example: .us (United States), .uk (United Kingdom), .ca (Canada), .jp (Japan), .de (Germany), .au (Australia) and so on. (Source: ICANN – Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)
In recent years, the range of TLDs has expanded considerably, with the creation of so-called “brand TLDs”. This means that companies can apply for their own brand name as a TLD. However, these brand TLDs have often been met with mixed success, due to their high cost and the challenge of getting internet users to adopt them. (Source: World Intellectual Property Organization)
According to domain registration databases such as Name.com or GoDaddy, “WEATHERCHANNEL” does not exist as a TLD. This could be due to several reasons. “WEATHERCHANNEL” might be too long or specific for a TLD. It could also be because The Weather Channel, an American-based weather forecasting service on cable and satellite television, has not applied for it or it has not been approved as a brand TLD. The Weather Channel currently operates under the domain name “weather.com”.
ICANN approves and manages all TLDs, including the application process for new TLDs. It’s important to note that applying for a new TLD is a complex process that involves a significant investment. The application fee alone for a new TLD is $185,000, with annual costs of $25,000 thereafter, excluding any legal, technical and operational costs. (Source: ICANN)
Sources used:
1. ICANN – Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. URL: https://www.icann.org/
2. World Intellectual Property Organization. URL: https://www.wipo.int/branddb/en/
3. Domain registration databases – Name.com, GoDaddy.com.
4. The Weather Channel – https://weather.com/
In conclusion, the WEATHERCHANNEL TLD does not exist, and the likely reasons could be its specificity, length, or the lack of application by The Weather Channel. The process to create a new TLD requires considerable effort and resources, factors that could deter applications. It currently operates under the “.com” TLD, a widely accepted and universally recognizable domain.
