Comcast buys TechTV, plans to merge with G4TV

[unoproph]

"Comcast Corporation announced today that it has signed an agreement with Vulcan Programming Inc. to acquire TechTV, Inc. Upon closing, Comcast will merge TechTV with G4, the Comcast-owned television network devoted to video games and the gamer lifestyle.

Building on the complementary strengths of two niche programming networks that combine the worlds of technology and entertainment, the acquisition of TechTV would create a network that complements Comcast's growing content portfolio and expands G4's distribution. The combined channel would be available to 44 million cable and satellite customers nationwide.

Charles Hirschhorn, founder and CEO of G4, will be the CEO of the combined network. "This merger is a win for G4; a win for TechTV; and a win for our advertising and affiliate partners," said Hirschhorn. "The result will be one compelling TV channel that showcases the fun and entertaining side of games and technology with the distribution necessary to achieve broad appeal."

EchoStar Communications Corporation will have an equity interest in the combined entity and has agreed to make the channel available to its DISH Network customers who subscribe to its mid-level America's Top 120 programming package or greater.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Launched in 2002, G4 is currently seen in 15 million cable homes nationwide and was created for the 145 million gamers in the United States who spend upwards of $11 billion annually on video games. TechTV, previously known as Ziff-Davis TV (ZDTV), was launched in 1998, was purchased by Vulcan Programming Inc. in 2000 and is now available in 43 million homes in the United States."

News Source: Yahoo FInance

This comes as a blow for me being a fan of both stations throughout the years and a loyal fan of The Screen Savers since TechTV (orginally ZDTV) came on the air 6 years ago. This along with the fact that Leo Laporte is leaving TSS makes this a very sad time for any fan of the networks. Hopefully the merge won't affect the programming I've come to enjoy, but I seriously doubt it.

[AlienTiger]

SEE DARK, told you it was popular, lol, my jawdroped reading this, any word on the new channel name, and if it will be available to basic cable subscribers yea that sux that leos leaving, and chris is already gone, whos next kevin or martin:alien2:

[Dark Hero]

And the Apocalypse has begun.

Damn Comcast being lead by the Antichrist =( lol

[AlienTiger]

in addition to this, apparentally leo has left techtv too, something about tryin to be forced to give up his shares, he wants to come back after the merge, since new ppl will be incharge

[AlienTiger]

beahahah, hes back

I'm very pleased to say that thanks to your overwhelming show of support and to a strong desire on both our parts to come to an agreement, TechTV has improved its offer and I've decided to climb back aboard the good ship Call for Help.  

I'll be back on the air starting next Tuesday, April 20.

The future is still a little cloudy, however. Comcast assumes ownership of the channel a few weeks later and I have no idea what will happen after that. I am certain they've been impressed by your support for the show, however, and if that doesn't convince them to keep it on the air, I don't know what could.  

I can never thank you all enough for your incredible outpouring of encouragement and support. You really made a difference. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

[UPDATE: Vulcan doesn't want me in the studio until the contract takes effect so I won't be back until a week later: April 27. Wil Wheaton will guest host Friday, April 23 and Monday, April 26. UPDATE to the UPDATE: Never mind. It's April 20 again. But Wil will still guest host Friday and Monday. Welcome to my world.]

[AlienTiger]

back only to leav again BAWH!!!!!!
this sux

According to Leo Laporte's blog, Comcast has given the TechTV staff their 60 day notices. Jobs are being relocated to Los Angeles, where the G4 network has been headquartered. No indication has been given as to what shows or hosts will be retained, except for what has been listed on G4tv.com's merger FAQ for a few weeks now.

:eeks:

[unoproph]

Yah here's teh full quote from Leo's Blog:

"I've just learned that G4 has fired the entire staff of TechTV.

Per the WARN Act (governing plant closings) all the employees of TechTV have been given 60 days notice. The San Francisco operation will be shuttered by July. 100 of the existing jobs will be posted for those willing to relocate to LA.

Outgoing COO, Joe Gillespie will say good-bye to the troops tomorrow. Incoming CEO Charles Hirschorn will say hello (and good-bye) on Monday.

No word on which shows G4 will keep or which hosts will be kept on."

Sucks, all those guys on TechTV rock, well I knew this was coming since it was announced though.

[Dark Hero]

Heh, Comcast Comsumes and Destroys.