Comcast buys TechTV

[CDailey]

Today, Comcast bought TechTV. The merger of the G4 channel(Comcast) and Techtv should take place in about a month.

Here is an FAQ taken from the G4 (www.g4tv.com) website.

G4 and TechTV Merger - Quick Facts
Overall Merger:

Q: How does the merger expand G4's subscriber growth?
A: The merged network will be available to 44 million cable and satellite customers, representing every major MSO and satellite provider (28 million cable and 16 million satellite). G4, launched in April, 2002, is currently available in 15 million homes in 47 of the nation's top 50 television markets.

Q: What MSO's and satellite companies will carry the combined network?
A: Comcast; Time Warner; Mediacom; Insight; Cablevision; Charter; Adelphia; Cox; Cable One; Dish; and DirecTV.

Q: Who will be the network's chief executive?
A: Charles Hirschhorn, currently founder and CEO of G4, will oversee the merged network as CEO.

Q: Will the two services run independently of each other or be immediately combined?
A: The two channels will merge into one network. In the meantime, both G4 and TechTV will continue to air as independent channels, pending customary regulatory approvals underway.

Q: Where will the network be headquartered?
A: The merged network will be headquartered in Los Angeles.

Programming:

Q: What will a typical programming day look like?
A: The merged network will be the nation's premier 24/7 television network all about video games, technology and the gamer lifestyle. The G4 programming day will showcase many existing G4 and TechTV series such as G4's ICONS; PULSE; JUDGMENT DAY; PLAYERS, and CHEAT! as well as TechTV's ANIME UNLEASHED; X-PLAY; SCREEN SAVERS; FRESH GEAR; and ROBOT WARS. G4 will also premiere new original programming which will be announced at a later date.

Q: How many hours of original programming will the merged network produce?
A: After the networks merge, G4 will air more than 20 series and 800 episodes per year. New programs continue to be in development.

Q: Who is the network's target audience?
A: The network will target a core audience of 12-34 year olds and the 145 million people in the US who spend upwards of $11 billion annually on video games.

Andhere is the official press release.


When I first heard about this, I was kind of angry. I've heard that G4 isn't all that great and the thought of a "cheasy" gaming channel mergering with the premier technology channel didn't quite please me. All in all, I hope this merger turns out well. As the FAQ stated, some of the best shows on TechTV are staying so I'm happy.

What are your thoughts on this?

 

[Solid Fro]

As long as they keep Arena, Filter, and Judgement Day on the G4 side, I'm happy.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Cool, I never saw G4 before. I'm a Tech TV fan. I was wondering why Leo Laport(sp?) was leaving Screen Savers. Maybe this merger has something to do with it.

 

[CDailey]

Possibly. TSS is a great show with or without Leo, but Leo adds a certain humor to it that none of the other people can. As long as they keep Sarah Lane on TSS I'll be a happy!

Another cool thing is that they are moving Call For Help to 6PM est which is right before TSS at 7. This is great because now I get to watch CFH which I don't normally get to do since it's already half over once I get home from school.

 

[VIPFREAK]

TechTV sucks ass now anyway... I think G4 use to be on local tv here but they weren't all that great either.

 

[CDailey]

Originally posted by VipFREAK
TechTV sucks ass now anyway...

WTF? Why do you say TechTV sucks?

 

[Viper_Maniac]

Originally posted by Solid Lifters
I was wondering why Leo Laport(sp?) was leaving Screen Savers.

He is? Is he just leaving that show or is he leaving the station? I dont watch Techtv that much except XPlay and the occasional CFH.

 

[VIPFREAK]

Originally posted by Integra Type R
WTF? Why do you say TechTV sucks?

Well part of it was when the set changed it just felt like the whole techtv station was going downhill... kinda like speed when they changed from speedchannel.

 

[Matrixhasu77]

Since this merger is taking place maybe they will move some of the good shows like X Play and Anime Unleashed to earlier times. I never get to watch them since they are on so late at night(Especially Anime Unleashed since it is on after midnight).

 

[Solid Lifters]

Originally posted by Viper_Maniac
He is? Is he just leaving that show or is he leaving the station? I dont watch Techtv that much except XPlay and the occasional CFH.

No, he is not leaving the station, just the one show. He will do his other show(s).

I think he left the show to spend more time at home. He is very rich now, thanks to his books, and I understand he invested in some great tech companies. I think he also wanted to give the younger guys a chance at working full time for the show.

 

[CDailey]

Originally posted by Solid Lifters
No, he is not leaving the station, just the one show. He will do his other show(s).

I think he left the show to spend more time at home. He is very rich now, thanks to his books, and I understand he invested in some great tech companies. I think he also wanted to give the younger guys a chance at working full time for the show.

Exactly. 👍 I also hope that Anime Unleashed is moved to an earlier time. I already catch Xplay at 4:00 and 4:30.