I was playing around on Wikipedia and came across a new network that is debuting next month called ".2 Network." It is going to air shows from the Sony library and have movies, lifestyle programming, etc. Sounds sort of like ION. Here's their website: http://dot2network.com/national/home

And Wiki info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.2_Network

They are a lot like RTN and apparently are trying to compete with them for affiliates....from a press release:

"In addition to some stations' or groups' home-grown digital services, .2 Network is competing against Retro Television Network, LATV, World Championship Sports Network and Mexicanal.

Retro Television Network, with its lineup of “classic” TV shows, is operated by Equity Media, a TV group based in Little Rock, Ark., and has done the best job in recruiting affiliates so far."

Find a source of info other than Wikipedia and I might believe it.

It's true. Their website (www.dot2network.com) has more information. They have not yet launched, but a promotional sales tape is featured on the site.

Their programming is nothing like RTN's, however. HD movies, airing three times each day, and a lot of sub-par 'original' programming, are their selling points.

My opinion? Both RTN and dot2 are not going to last. Major market stations have no interest and could do better on their own. CBS has been floating a "CBS dot2" network, which would be used to promote the mothership with shows like the 'Survivor' and 'Big Brother' internet call-ins and other behind-the-scenes stuff. They could also easily start a classics network using their Paramount programming library.

Thanks, I admit I didn't notice the other link in the first post.

Pavan, do you know anything else about this? Will you be able to provide any info about it once they get going (like RTN, ION, TV Land, WGN, etc)?

Yeah, I heard about it some months back. So far nothing really new except the stuff posted on their website. It will be exactly like RTN in airing on digital channels, but with classic TV not the main focus...although they will certainly have some such as Sony's Gidget and Flying Nun.

Once information comes on an actual launch and an actual launch schedule for affiliates, I'll let you all know. It won't be a set national schedule like say ION or TV Land...but more like customizable for local affiliates like RTN.

Thanks Pavan. Maybe they will expand and give us some more variety in local channels. Doesn't look like the best thing ever, but it'll help.

It hasn't launched yet. I think they are planning for October. I believe they only acquired 4 TV shows. I'll confirm that soon.

I know they're going to air Gidget and The Flying Nun....wonder what the others would be. Bewitched and Jeannie? It'd make a nice block.

According to wikipedia (which is not reliable), their tentative launch date is July but the website says nothing.

I spoke to a few people at .2 Network today. They are not interested in classic TV at all. They will air a show or two, but Flying Nun and Gidget are their main shows. This channel will mainly be a lifestyle and movie network unfortunately. I think Little House is another option for them.

Well that's a bummer...but we do have RTN and ION has access to older shows. I guess it's nice that there will be a digital/OTA channel dedicated to movies/lifestyle stuff.

I spoke to a few people at .2 Network today. They are not interested in classic TV at all. They will air a show or two, but Flying Nun and Gidget are their main shows. This channel will mainly be a lifestyle and movie network unfortunately. I think Little House is another option for them.

I know they're going to air Gidget and The Flying Nun....wonder what the others would be.

Does Sally Field hold a major stake in the network? Those are her two big shows.

I spoke to a few people at .2 Network today. They are not interested in classic TV at all. They will air a show or two, but Flying Nun and Gidget are their main shows. This channel will mainly be a lifestyle and movie network unfortunately. I think Little House is another option for them.
Wow...there certainly aren't enough lifestyle shows and movies being aired already! What an untapped market!

Here's the best article I've read on this network so far. Sounds like an ION clone to me.

http://dot2network.com/national/press/firstaffils

The article stated that religious network GTN (based out of Columbus in my state, by the way!) would have to change its name and begin airing the movies. I just hope this isn't code for "selling out"! I can't help but think of TNN's transition to Spike TV!

Was wondering since in the press release it says the .2 network is starting between July and October and July is just about here does anybody know when this network is starting up? Since I just got a converter box I'm looking forward to as many of these new digital channels (RTN, .2, Universal Sports, Ion Life) as possible.

October is the launch from what I heard.

Thanks for your quick reply! Much Appreciated!

Anybody have any new updates or news on this network?

According to Wikipedia (take them with a grain of salt, of course), the launch date is Monday, December 8th, 2008. Pavan....can you confirm? Have you heard this?

UPDATE: From B&C: http://www.broadcastingcable.com/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA6591278 - looks like it is true..

Yes, it is true: YES WE GO ON DECEMBER 8TH, HOWEVER THAT WILL BE INITIAL HOOKUP TO SATELITTE, EXPECT ANY BUGS OR RE-BROADCAST PROBLEMS TO BE FILTERED OUT BY MID-DECEMBER.

Hey Pav,

I know there gonna be a mostly movie network but will you be doing an interview with them anytime soon?? Would be interested to know more about there schedule such as will same movies be shown more than once a day/week to fill an all day/all hours schedule?? Just how many sitcoms/dramas have they to show?? and when will they provide a list of affliates??

bettygun...here's a list from Wikipedia that has some affiliates listed:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.2_Network#Affiliates

Is a schedule available yet?

I don't quite understand how a station will have enough bandwidth for 2 HD stations on the same channel, especially given that several of the affliates are NBC which broadcasts in 1080i.

.2 has now delayed launch until spring (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6617763.html).