Some Channels on TV just dont get it.

This is a bit of an elaboration of my last blog post.

We all remember the days before cable. We had the major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX was still a lightweight), public television, and then the other UHF channels. Not a lot of choices, but then again, not a lot of shows. But there was variety on each of the channels. A little bit news, a little comedy, a little sports, etc (you get the idea).

Somewhere along the lines, we wanted more channels, so cable, and eventually satellite tv come along. New stations started popping up that were of similar mind of major networks like TBS, USA, etc. They were obviously different, but with the idea of variety.

Some television channels producers made a decision along the line to be selective in their new channel they had created. ESPN, MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, HBO- you get the idea.

As time went on, more and more channels popped up being even more selective. Science channel, history channel, animal planet, game show network, reality channel, etc.

Keep in mind, I do not mind the variety. This next part is where I have issues.

Then something happened. I noticed it first with MTV. MTV- Music televison. They started showing shows like the real world, road rules, etc. Where in the hell did the music go? The name MTV (music television) implies that the intention of the channel is to show MUSIC. Then what went wrong? Obviously everyone knows now that MTV strays away from music now. I mean obviously just music videos wasnt working, so they tried something new. But what bugs me is that their whole original intention of the channel went to the wayside. The second they stopped showing music 24/7, there should have been a name change. If they were having trouble with people not watching, get creative and show some shows music related. Im not saying they have to show music videos ALL the time, but at least show music relevant stuff ALL the time. Heck, how about a show that teaches you (gasp) how to play music????  I mean come on.

Channels all over now are showing totally irrelevant stuff to the name of their station. ESPN shows dominos, poker, and other ridiculous "non-sporting" activities.  MTV, MTV2, VH1 are showing "non-music" crap. This next one kinda baffles me. Cartoon Network has been starting to program tv shows that have no cartoon aspect to them. They showed "Saved by the Bell", and will be actually showing "Pee Wees Playhouse". Even G4 tv doesnt even show programming that has anything to do with gaming.

It all leads to this: why focus on one selective topic, if youre going to stray away from it. It just seems executives are getting lazy. Stick with the topic of your channel! If youre not getting enough viewers b/c of the topic, theres 2 things it leads to: 1) the topic isnt worth having a whole channel to, or 2) youre not being creative enough with your programming. I tend to think many of the channels on cable fall under catagory 2.

All Im asking is that these channels stick to the damn theme of the channel. ESPN- Show sports, MTV- show music, Cartoon Network- show cartoons.

If you cant stick to the theme, then change the name of the channel. Based on trends, ESPN should be the Sports and Games Network, MTV should either be called Pop culture tv (thats probably more fit for VH1) or Teenybopper television. Cartoon Network should be the "Animation and random crazy ass shows you really dont care to see again, but what the hell, well show em anyway" television. 

Just stick to why you created the channel.

Is that really too much to ask?