TechTV for sale?

[Unthinkable]

http://money.cnn.com/2003/08/27/technology/techtv.reut/index.htm?cnn=yes

TechTV on the block
Viacom and Sony reportedly have been approached; value is estimated at $250M-$300M.
August 27, 2003: 10:32 AM EDT

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Paul Allen, the entrepreneur and co-founder of software maker Microsoft Corp., is looking to sell his technology-related cable channel TechTV, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the situation.

TechTV, owned by Allen's investment firm Vulcan Ventures Inc., is worth $250 million to $300 million, the paper said, citing sources. A TechTV representative was not immediately available to comment to Reuters.

Cable channel operator Viacom Inc. (VIAB: Research, Estimates) and Sony Corp., co-owner of the Game Show Network, have been approached to buy TechTV, the Journal said. Spokespeople for Viacom and Sony declined to comment to the paper and were not immediately available to speak with Reuters.

The newspaper said a spokeswoman for TechTV declined to comment on the possibility of the channel being sold outright, and said a spokesman for Vulcan also declined to comment.

[jeffwtux]

How is this channel worth $250 - $300 million? It has gone way downhill in the last 3 years. The dotcom bust along with the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks crushed interest in this network and it has never even started to recover. This network was all about high-tech hype which has died with the plummetting of tech spending which was crushed by both the terrorist attacks and the recession. I guess the most fitting idea would be to change this into the "homeland security channel". As homeland security and defense have clearly replaced technology and the internet as the driver of our economy, kind of sad IMHO.

[Brett]

I still like some of the shows. The channel is worth that much because of its contracts it has with cable/sat providers, and the programming that the channel holds. We will be driven by better technology; I'm not sure I agree with you, indicating the channel has no future (or a crushed interest).

A group that might fit better than Viacom, would be Scripps Howard, which has more "living" type channels. Viacom has more entertainment type channels (CBS, UPN, Showtime, TMC, Nick, TV Land, Comedy Central, Spike, CMT, BET, MTV VH1); Scripps is more living orientated. They own HGTV, Food Network, DIY, and Fine Living. This channel could complement those channels as computers and technology are part of our lifestyles. Another group that might make a good fit acquiring TechTV would be Discovery.

Wasnt Comcast looking for channels to buy? They actually maybe interested in TechTV (Comcast owns G4 already). Besides Game Show Network, which channels does Sony have an interest in? Wouldnt Sony have bias towards their products?

[DmitriA]

I think this is the beginning of the end for this channel... Wouldn't be at all surprised if it's completely off the air by this time next year

[RandyAB]

I think it will continue, all though I think it will change a lot in the next year.

[Geronimo]

CNBC started when NBC bought Tempo an entertainament channel for the contracts with cable systems and completely redid it. That could be the case here. TechTV could become almost anything.

Leo Laporte has had a long career as a a commentator and a few others might be of interest to someone but I really don't think this is likely to be about the on air talent.

[Steve Mehs]

.Looking back at it, it's really sad how such a great informational channel could turn into what it is today. Back in the days of ZDTV, it was genuine, real informational, a channel about digging deep into technology, then it went to the news channel format bust with TechLive and continues to go down hill with brain dead shows liked Wired For Sex. As far as I'm concerned TechTV is an entertainment channel, with some informational content to balance things out. Back in the days of ZDTV I liked every show, except for Internet Tonight, I liked the finance show they had, Working The Web, Silicon Spin and many others, Cyber Crime is alright, but it seems to be repeats of the same old Ebay scams and kiddy porn cases. Whoever wants TechTV can have it, sink it, or turn it into something worth watching, but don’t keep a channel alive that has no purpose anymore.

[lastmanstanding]

"homeland security channel". .

Jeff,

That has a lot of potential. I can see home improvement programs like 'Decorating With Duct Tape' and an outdoor programs like 'Duck and Cover'. Maybe even 'Cooking with Anthrax' and 'Last Stand in the Home and Garden'.

I'm for it.

LMS

[Jacob S]

I also think this channel will last because computers and technology is advancing at a rapid pace and has a big impact on our lives. Perhaps if some additional programming was added to pertain to certain subjects then it will expands the channel's offerings and attract more viewers that way. As technology grows so will this channel with the information and knowledge that there will be to share.