This was the reply to my inquiry from the President of the network:

I appreciate your passion for FamilyNet. I share your love of the classic, family-oriented sitcoms and wish that we could continue carrying that programming.

The fact of the matter is that these popular shows are being gobbled up by other channels, which are getting exclusive broadcast rights. Last year we lost the rights to Sanford & Son, Charlie’s Angels, and several other series. On June 30, our rights to many other series expire, and there is simply not enough programming being made available to us to fill a 24-hour network. Also, we could get no internet rights for the sitcoms, which is essential with cable companies in order to hold on to carriage with that system. Our only choice is to air programming where we own or control all the rights, which we have with western sports and western lifestyle. Its also something that we do well, and have worked hard to build over the past several years. There is a need for a western sports network.

I hope that you and your family will give The Cowboy Channel a chance, and check out its programming at some point. You may find something you like or interests you as I can assure you that all of the programming on TCC will be family oriented and different. This great country has a strong affection for the American cowboy and his/her tradition and values, which I think everyone agrees is desperately needed at this time in our history.

I thank you for you loyalty to FamilyNet. Our best to you and your family.

Patrick Gottsch
Founder & President

That is sad, but I am sure they could have picked up other classic shows from the 1950s to 1980s as there are plenty. I honestly do not think the Cowboy Channel is going to make it.

This was a bad move.

...and with that The Cowboy Channel rode off into the sunset, never to be seen again.

Just bring back FamilyNet.

Ok why would we just "give them a chance" if we have no interest in anything cowboy or western-related? Sorry, my sitcoms are gone and you have replaced them with something I have zero interest in. You have not earned my giving you a chance.

Ok why would we just "give them a chance" if we have no interest in anything cowboy or western-related? Sorry, my sitcoms are gone and you have replaced them with something I have zero interest in. You have not earned my giving you a chance.

Exactly!

So what networks are now airing the shows that they lost- gobbling up to use his words? :confused:

If I want to experience a rodeo, then I'll go to one. I won't watch it on cable.

A large part of me hopes that the Cowboy Channel fails spectacularly, so that they end up retooling the channel - not as FamilyNet per se - but rather a new classic tv/sitcom channel.

They'd have to scramble to acquire shows, but at least we could have some of the mainstays back, as well as some others. After Silver Spoons, I thought Punky Brewster would make a good fit for FamilyNet. All I really want is Small Wonder on a channel available on U-Verse, rather than an over-the-air station.