Women--who needs 'em?
NBC Universal, that's who. The media conglomerate today announced that it has begun the acquisition of Oxygen Media, a cable network geared toward the fairer sex.
The deal will see NBCU forking over $925 million for the channel, which the company will use as a way to get into one of the most important demographics in the market.
In a statement, NBCU CEO Jeff Zucker said, "This acquisition increases our foothold in the advertiser-coveted young, upscale, female demographic and perfectly complements our current roster of cable channels and plays to our strength of running and operating cable networks."
Oxygen launched in early 2000 and was founded by Geraldine Laybourne, Oprah Winfrey, and Carsey-Werner production company members Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner, and Caryn Mandabach. Among the more popular shows on Oxygen are The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, The Bad Girls Club, Tori & Dean: Inn Love, and Campus Ladies.
The deal is expected to close in November, at which point Oxygen will be merged into NBC Universal Entertainment Cable's division. The network will join NBCU's other suite of cable channels, including USA Network, Sci-Fi Channel, and Bravo.
i agree hope the bring back campus ladies
I'll put this info in the who cares file.
I don't think much people watched the Oxygen channel, I know I didn't.
Or is this just a case of making sure women lead shows on NBC can have another life on Oxygen?
Could we see Crossing Jordan or even American Dreams movies airing on Oxygen or Bionic Woman now on NBC, SCI FI and Oxygen now?
Bring back <i>Campus Ladies</i> and i'll be even more excited.
I think NBC needs to stop buying cable channels and focus on creating better quality shows. Granted, the network has a few good shows but the rest just can't hold my interest. The only NBC show I watch is The Office. Most of the shows that I love are on CBS or FX.
wow, I didn't think Oxygen was worth that much! With Lifetime, SoapNet The Hallmark Channel leading the pack, I never thought it was worth this much. I mean Women aren't a niche, why would they need a network that caters "just to women" anyway. And what makes a "woman" show anyway? I'm a man, but I watch soaps. Although 89% of soap viewers are women. So I feel the line is thin and obselete. Men's Programming and Women's Programming, it's all so old-fashioned.
I don't think that's a good move on NBC's part. I barely watch any shows on their station besides, <i>Bionic Woman</i> and <i>Chuck</i>. Why would they go off and buy Oxygen? *shrugs*
whoa, great news for the ladies?
NBC has money
Agreed, NBC is becoming one of the worst networks on TV. I guess they want anouther channel to adverise there primetime shows.
You have got to be kidding! NBC is one of the worst networks with nothing good airing on that station in years. Instead of wasting that much money buying that stupid network, they should spend the money on making better quality shows with good actors.