TNN: Television For Men

[TVJunkie101]

I'm surprised Pav hasn't posted any of this. The articles are too long to post here.

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/cgi/go...wswire&id=5272

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/cgi/go...wswire&id=5280

So, thoughts, everybody? Interesting. I hope they don't cut out their reruns of programs altogether, although, I haven't watched TNN since September, it'd be nice to see them add more sitcoms, etc.

We'll see what happens. Obviously, something wasn't working for TNN, and frankly, I'm not surprised, lol, but that's just my observation.

EDIT: To make it easier for everybody, I posted the articles here.

[TVJunkie101]

Article One:

Viacom's TNN, which used to call itself "America's first pop network," has a new billing -- "television's first entertainment network for men" --and a new president, Albie Hecht.

"We're planning to do for men what Lifetime has done for women," said Hecht, who will continue to run the record and motion picture divisions of Viacom's Nickelodeon. President of TNN is a new title, and Hecht in effect succeeds Diane Robina, TNN's executive VP and general manager, who is negotiating for a new corporate position within MTV Networks.

Hecht said that TNN's programming schedule evolved in the last few years from an older-skewing country-flavored network to a more general entertainment channel.

Guys galore

During the evolution, TNN began pulling in young males to regularly scheduled series like World Wrestling Entertainment's "WWE Raw," weekly reruns of "CSI" and nightly repeats of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" plus theatrical movies such as "The Godfather," "Platoon," "Mean Streets," and James Bond movies featuring Sean Connery and Roger Moore.

TNN will now go whole hog with male-oriented programs, Hecht said. The network will steer clear of purchases of movies and off-network series geared toward women, he continued, and direct all of its development toward nonfiction programming and animated series of predominant appeal to men.

Media analysts said that harvesting young males will be a tall order for TNN because it will be competing not only with other entertainment networks with male appeal such as FX and Comedy Central but with ESPN and the regional sports networks that chalk up lots of young dudes.

Lifetime has had more success with its "Television for Women" slogan because its competition is far less imposing: Oxygen is struggling to find viewers and WE: Women's Entertainment hasn't made a dent in the Nielsen cable ratings.

Hecht said TNN is not ready to lay out the big development bucks for scripted dramas, sitcoms and made-fors until the network's advertising and affiliate revenues improve.

Tooning up

Three forthcoming adult animated series on TNN, all originals, fit the male paradigm: "Stan Lee's Striperella," featuring the voice of Pamela Anderson; "Gary the Rat," with Kelsey Grammer's voice; and new episodes of cult favorite "Ren & Stimpy."

Hecht will relinquish his previous TV programming duties at Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite and TV Land. Cyma Zarghami, executive VP and G.M. of Nickelodeon, will take over all programming and production at Nickelodeon, and Larry Jones, executive VP of Nick at Nite and TV Land, will do the honors at those two networks.

All three execs report to Herb Scannell, president of Nickelodeon, TV Land and TNN.


Article 2
Viacom-owned cable network the National Network is getting new leadership and a new target audience: men.

Albie Hecht, president of film and TV entertainment at Nickelodeon and TNN, will assume the role of president of TNN. Diane Robina, senior vp and general manager of TNN, will exit the network, and her position will be terminated. She is exploring other opportunities with Viacom, according to the company.

TNN will abandon its billing as a destination for young adults and reposition itself as television's first channel for men. The move effectively puts Viacom out of the general-entertainment cable network business.

"Lifetime has a clearly established niche with women," Hecht said. "We want to do the same for men."

Since coming over to Viacom in the merger with CBS in 2000, the TNN brand has been in near-constant flux. Known as the Nashville Network when it featured country-flavored programming, MTV Networks renamed it the National Network and gave it a more mainstream focus with the tagline "We've got pop." That catchphrase was eventually scrapped, and the network was rechristened the New TNN. The network's name and on-air look may be changed yet again, Hecht said.

"It points out the difficulty in branding a network that's already been established," said Brad Adgate, senior vp and director of research at Horizon Media. "Now it just seems like TNN is going back to the drawing board."

By heavily investing in youth-friendly programming -- including three World Wrestling Entertainment series, "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" -- Viacom engineered a steep drop in the median age of its audience from 55 to 36, the lowest among general-entertainment nets. But both WWE and "Star Trek" faded last year, dropping TNN's 18-49 primetime viewership from 714,000 in the first quarter to 592,000 in the fourth quarter, according to Horizon research.

With men composing 60% of TNN's viewership, Hecht believes the new focus is more of a natural evolution than a radical shift. "We're building off a terrific base of male-skewing programming," he said. "We'll be fine-tuning our on-air look and branding to where we've naturally been going."

Although better known for his hand in launching successful Nickelodeon properties like "SpongeBob SquarePants," Hecht has overseen development on many of its recent original series, including "Slamball" and "Oblivious." None have been big ratings draws, but he has higher hopes for upcoming originals he expects to establish, including an animation block with the returning Nickelodeon classic "Ren & Stimpy" and a video game-themed awards special.

TNN will announce additional new original programming in the coming months, which could mean some portion of the existing schedule is on the way out. "There may be things that disappear," Hecht said, declining to specify particular programs.

Wrestling will still play a key role for TNN. The network's average primetime rating last year among males 18-34 was a 0.71, according to Nielsen; without wrestling in the lineup, that figure drops 34%.

But with the WWE flagship series "Raw" down 17% in households versus the previous year, wrestling may not make the ideal foundation.

"USA had one of the biggest hits in cable for many years with wrestling but found it as impossible as TNN is to build upon it," USA Network president Doug Herzog said. "It's a very particular audience that comes for a very particular thing, and they aren't interested in anything else."

Although TNN is staking a claim as the first male-targeted network, it's not entirely without precedent. Boasting the tagline "It's a guy thing," TBS remade itself as an entertainment haven for men three years ago.

But in 2001, the network backed off from the positioning in part because it alienated such major female-friendly advertisers as Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson, according to an executive familiar with the situation.

"A lot of advertisers were not happy," the source said. "Suddenly there were problems selling that position to the marketplace."

[TJL]

Hmmm.

It seems like a good idea, but i'm not so sure.

Let's hope their idea for "televsion for men" doesn't warp into a 24 hour version of "The Man Show;" a cartoon featuring Pam Anderson seems more like T&A than entertainment.

Heck, as long as they keep showing reruns of Next Generation; with reruns of DS9 and Voyager coming soon, I'll tune in!

[TVJunkie101]

Oh, I'm pretty sure they'll continue on with the Star Trek franchise, they need to add the original too, since Sci Fi dropped it. They made it a point to mention it (ST: TNG) in the articles, so it most likely will stick around, but, LOL, that's just speculation on my part.

[TJL]

Originally posted by TVJunkie101
Oh, I'm pretty sure they'll continue on with the Star Trek franchise,

TNN paid a hell of a lot of money to secure the rights to Next Generation, DS9 and Voyager, so I hope they will build their linup around these shows.

[Pavan]

Originally posted by TVJunkie101
[B]I'm surprised Pav hasn't posted any of this. The articles are too long to post here.

I didn't think it was too newsworthy, since there was no mention of any sitcoms. Anyway here is the full release, Diane Robina leaves:

- Hecht Brings New Positioning For The Channel, Making It Television's First Entertainment Network For Men
- Award-winning TV Hitmaker and Oscar-Nominated Film Producer Will Lead Network Forward with Men-First Programming

NEW YORK, Jan. 9 -- Albie Hecht, the veteran producer
responsible for bringing pop culture phenomenon "SpongeBob SquarePants" to television, and for introducing some of the brightest young stars in film and TV, including Amanda Bynes ("Big Fat Liar"/"The Amanda Show") and Nick Cannon
("Drumline"/"The Nick Cannon Show"), has been appointed President of The New TNN. The announcement was made today by Herb Scannell, President of Nickelodeon, TV Land and The New TNN, to whom Mr. Hecht will report.
As the new president of the 86 million subscriber basic cable network, Mr. Hecht announced today that TNN will embark on a new positioning and become television's first entertainment network for men, building upon its existing predominantly male audience composition. The network will be dedicated to
super-serving men with an emphasis on original, brand-defining programming from a broad spectrum of genres, including animation, video games, men's health, finance and reality programming. In the coming weeks, Mr. Hecht will introduce a new development and production slate for 2003.
As part of this transition, Diane Robina will leave her current role as General Manager of the network.
"During the past two years, with Diane Robina at the helm, we have converted TNN from a regional country lifestyle network to a top-10 national entertainment network with an audience that is younger, more affluent and mostly male," Mr. Scannell said. "TNN is now primed to enter its next phase, and Albie Hecht will be its agent of change and growth. Albie has a new vision for the network which we are all excited about and eager to move forward with, and has the leadership and production experience to bring this vision to reality."
Said Mr. Hecht: "We are going to present a channel that speaks to and listens to men. "Our look, sense of humor, and style will all come from a male point of view. Our future original series will be developed through a men-first filter, as will our specials, such as the Video Game Awards and our acquired programming. We are already building from a strong male base, with franchises such as "Star Trek," "CSI," the James Bond film library, the WWE and our upcoming original adult animation block. There are 100 million men in this country, and when they turn on our channel moving forward, they are going to know that this is a network for them."
Added Mr. Scannell: "If you examine the existing television landscape, there is no entertainment channel that dedicates itself to a male audience," he said. "There are multiple networks dedicated to women, networks dedicated to sports fans, weather fans, comedy fans and movie lovers, but until now there hasn't been a basic cable entertainment network made specifically for
men. TNN will fill that niche."
In 2002, The New TNN finished with its largest audience ever in the key 18-49 year old demographic, growing 9% in delivery in prime time and 10% in total day. Since its acquisition by MTV Networks in 2000, The New TNN has had 25 straight months of ratings growth with a 100% increase in ratings in prime
time among 18-49 year olds. It has lowered its median audience age from 55 to 36 years old, giving it the youngest audience among basic cable's entertainment networks.
In 2003 the channel will premiere it most ambitious original programming effort to date with a provocative new adult animation block anchored by Stan Lee's "Striperella," starring Pamela Anderson; "Gary the Rat," starring Kelsey Grammer; and the return of the breakthrough series "Ren & Stimpy," featuring
new original episodes from the mind of John Krisfaluci. Additional animated series will be announced at a later date. Later this year, TNN will televise the first Video Game Awards, honoring the best video games as voted by players and fans across the country. It will also continue to feature uncut movies
with special appeal to men such as the James Bond franchise, "The Godfather," "Mean Streets" and "Platoon," among others.
Before joining MTV Networks in 1993, Mr. Hecht was the founding principal and executive producer for Chauncey Street Productions, a New York-based television production company that produced series and specials for CBS, HBO, ESPN, Comedy Central, MTV and VH1. Since joining MTVN, Mr. Hecht has overseen
the development and production of some of the biggest pop culture hits in recent TV history, including "Rugrats" and "SpongeBob SquarePants." He created the "Kids Choice Awards" and turned it into a "must-be-at" event in Hollywood,
attracting celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Robert DeNiro, Cameron Diaz and Madonna. In 1997 he built Nickelodeon Animation Studios, the first TV animation studio in Burbank, CA, in 35 years, and has presided over an original animation renaissance with shows such as "The Wild Thornberrys," "Hey Arnold," "Catdog," "Rocket Power," "ChalkZone," "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius" and "The Fairly OddParents." His live action studios became a hit factory that has introduced some of the brightest young stars in entertainment on shows such as "All That!," "The Secret World of Alex Mack," "Keenan and Kel," "The Amanda Show," "The Brothers Garcia" and "The Nick Cannon Show."
Additionally, in 1997 Mr. Hecht took over Nickelodeon Movies and has since created a winning slate of live-action and animated features including "Good Burger," the blockbusters "The Rugrats Movie" (the first non-Disney animated feature to gross over $100 million at the box office) and "Rugrats in Paris,"
"Snowday," the Oscar nominated "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius"and the Golden Globe nominated "The Wild Thornberrys Movie." In his new role Mr. Hecht will continue to oversee Nickelodeon movies.
A native of Queens, NY, Mr. Hecht holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University. He lives in Montclair, NJ, with his wife, Susan, and his two children.

[Scoobiedoo30]

It is about time that there is a Cable Station For Men


Take Care
Aaron

[DarleneIllyria]

Originally posted by TVJunkie101
Oh, I'm pretty sure they'll continue on with the Star Trek franchise, they need to add the original too, since Sci Fi dropped it. They made it a point to mention it (ST: TNG) in the articles, so it most likely will stick around, but, LOL, that's just speculation on my part.

If they ever add the original Star Trek show, I'll watch it. If they should ever add Beavis and Butthead, I'll watch it. I'd record both shows. The other stuff doesn't really appeal to me. I'm a chick so I don't really get a thrill seeing Pam Anderson.

[Kitt]

No profound statement or opnion from me on this one. I just think it 's dopey. Television for men? What men? Who makes up this pablum anyway?

[egregiousgirl]

Well apparently I'm a man because I watch TNN a lot more than Lifetime. It seems like all I ever see on Lifetime are reruns of terrible made-for-tv movies. The only time I've ever watched Lifetime on a regular basis was when they were showing episodes of Homicide: Life on the Street. But then on TNN I only really watch Star Trek and some movies. Whatever.

Frankly, I think it's pretty insulting that they even have Television for Women or Men. Like just because they say "Television for Women" I'm immediately supposed to start watching reruns of The Nanny?

[Chad22]

As long as they keep WWE ill still watch it. The new Ren and Stimpy sounds cool too

[Sitcomwriter]

Originally posted by Jenny

I'm a chick so I don't really get a thrill seeing Pam Anderson.

I'm a guy and I don't really get a thrill seeing Pam Anderson!

[SBTB Geek]

I think is a good idea. It's about time that we get our own network.

If they air any sitcoms... which of them will "fit" into their "male-network" schedule?

"Three's Company," "The Odd Couple," "That 70s Show," "Grounded For Life," "Titus," "The Simpsons," "Married With Children," "Unhappily Ever After"?

Maybe "ALF" could fit too. You know he works for 10-10-220, and the NFL now.

[Jimbo]

There are already a number of networks with programming targeted to men: ESPN, ESPN2, The Speed Channel, just to name a few. But hey....I'll humor them, and go along with the gimmick.

If they're serious about turning TNN into "Television for Men", then they damn well better find a time slot for The Three Stooges!!!....and they'd better not cut out scenes like AMC did when they aired the Stooges last year! I want all of the violence left intact!!!

[DarleneIllyria]

I'd really love to know who draws the lines between the shows. Is Star Trek considered a guy show? I'm not a guy, but I love the show. Well, I like the eps I seen before Scifi took the show off. What about Beavis and Butthead, is that considered a guy show too? I know society considers fart jokes and sex jokes to be something men enjoy, but I love fart and sex jokes.

Really, why can't they just show a tv show or a movie and lay it out that way? Hey you, do you like this show? Well, sit down and watch it. It doesn't matter if you are a man or a woman, you can enjoy this show.