History channel streamlines name, broadens view | ajc.com

History channel streamlines name, broadens view | ajc.com: "The History Channel is now history.

Make that History. The cable network quietly dropped 'the' and 'channel' from its name recently, claiming History for itself.

'Our brand is, in the media landscape, synonymous with the genre of history, so I don't think it's presumptuous of us to call ourselves History,' said Nancy Dubuc, the network's executive vice president.

That's how many viewers already refer to it, she said. 'Channel' is a drag on efforts to establish the brand in other media, like on the Internet. There were no licensing issues involved in the switch, she said.

The network has even changed its 'H' logo to make it look bolder, less ancient.

Once dubbed 'The Hitler Channel' for all of its World War II documentaries, History has switched to a more 'immersive' style that tries to show rather than tell, she said. Adventure-seeking is in. Sitting in an armchair telling war stories is out."

Okay, I'm going to make a rare comment. This trend really bugs me with cable channels. The History Ch-- I mean History now runs programs like "Ax-men" and "Gangland", sort of reality documentaries. Cartoon Network runs live-action programs. AMC is airing new series. Sci-Fi, are they still airing wrestling or whatever it was? I don't get it. Stick with your niche. At this rate every channel will be like every other channel.