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Comcast Fires TechTV Staff

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the no-one-left-to-save-the-screens dept.

Bocaj writes "Looks like it's curtains for TechTV staff. A Leo Laporte article says that Comcast has let the entire staff go. '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.' No word on what will happen to all the shows or the channel."

9 of 664 comments (clear)

  1. Too bad... by Patik · · Score: 5, Informative

    The Screen Savers was one of the few informational shows that didn't cater to the lowest common denominator or sponsors. The hosts seemed honest with their opinions and they gave good tips. They also had good coverage of OSX and Linux, as well as interviews with people from the FCC and RIAA and other organizations of interest to slashdotters.

    1. Re:Too bad... by King_TJ · · Score: 5, Informative

      Personally, I find it a little insulting that Comcast would even think TechTV makes sense to merge with a *gaming channel*.

      Is that really all they think TechTV was --- a bunch of people PLAYING with their computers for fun and entertainment?

      It seems to me TechTV served a few very useful purposes, not the least of which was providing free, quality phone support to callers. (In this day and age of "prices shaved to the bone PCs", the average consumer is pretty much left in the dark if he/she has questions not covered by the instructions that came with a hardware or software product. What options do they get? Call India and have someone rattle off canned answers from a card?)

      Also, I found a number of very informative bits on TechTV over the years that even the most advanced computer user could appreciate. I remember enjoying an interview Leo did with the man who invented the first mouse (had his working prototype made out of wood on the show). I remember an interesting piece they did just recently with the site operator of rootkit.com. The list goes on, but the point is, TechTV wasn't just some show hawking the latest video games. They covered them, of course - but not without balance.

      With the original staff gone, and merging with G4, it sounds to me like it's going to get turned into a big promotional channel for selling video games and related gaming hardware, and will run off anyone just trying to be more productive with their PC, learn more about system security and administration, and so on.

  2. Press Release by Takara · · Score: 5, Informative

    Direct from the G4 press release, it looks like the only TechTV originals surviving are Anime Unleashed, X-Play, The Screen Savers, Fresh Gear, and Robot Wars. It doesn't say specifically if those are the only TechTV shows to continue or if any of the old staff will keep their position.
    As long as Adam Sessler doesn't come back I won't complain too much.

  3. This is part of a merger with G4 by TheSpoom · · Score: 4, Informative

    From the FAQ:

    Q: How does the merger expand G4's subscriber growth?
    A: The merged network will be available to 44 million cable and satellite customers, representing every major MSO and satellite provider (28 million cable and 16 million satellite). G4, launched in April, 2002, is currently available in 15 million homes in 47 of the nation's top 50 television markets.

    Q: What MSO's and satellite companies will carry the combined network?
    A: Comcast; Time Warner; Mediacom; Insight; Cablevision; Charter; Adelphia; Cox; Cable One; Dish; and DirecTV.

    Q: Who will be the network's chief executive?
    A: Charles Hirschhorn, currently founder and CEO of G4, will oversee the merged network as CEO.

    Q: Will the two services run independently of each other or be immediately combined?
    A: The two channels will merge into one network. In the meantime, both G4 and TechTV will continue to air as independent channels, pending customary regulatory approvals underway.

    Q: Where will the network be headquartered?
    A: The merged network will be headquartered in Los Angeles.

    Programming:

    Q: What will a typical programming day look like?
    A: The merged network will be the nation's premier 24/7 television network all about video games, technology and the gamer lifestyle. The G4 programming day will showcase many existing G4 and TechTV series such as G4's ICONS; PULSE; JUDGMENT DAY; PLAYERS, and CHEAT! as well as TechTV's ANIME UNLEASHED; X-PLAY; SCREEN SAVERS; FRESH GEAR; and ROBOT WARS. G4 will also premiere new original programming which will be announced at a later date.

    Q: How many hours of original programming will the merged network produce?
    A: After the networks merge, G4 will air more than 20 series and 800 episodes per year. New programs continue to be in development.

    --
    It's better to vote for what you want and not get it than to vote for what you don't want and get it.
    - E. Debs
  4. Re:The important question... by ClickWir · · Score: 5, Informative

    Well at least we got to see Cat's....

    http://stuff.ubersite.com/10596966192071809/1/Ca tC ropped.jpg

  5. Re:The important question... by ClickWir · · Score: 5, Informative

    http://hektik.org/various/cat/index.html

    Might have to go here: http://hektik.org/various/#pictures and then click on Cat's link near the top. :-)

  6. Leo's Radio Show... by huchida · · Score: 5, Informative
    For those who aren't aware, Leo's got a weekend radio show.

    That's Los Angeles, but they do stream (Realplayer, naturally.)

  7. Petition, etc... by Shaper+of+Myths · · Score: 5, Informative

    Not that I think they'll listen, but some folks went to the trouble of setting these up (they are posted on Leo's board). Hey it worked for Star Trek and Family Guy right? =)

    Petition 1
    Petition 2
    Petition 3

    Also a direct link to the Comcast complaint bucket...

    Comcast Feedback

  8. Re:Its a good thing comcast didn't buy disney.. by Mysticalfruit · · Score: 4, Informative

    Checkout an anime series called "Cowboy Bebop".

    Great story, lots of action...

    --
    Yes Francis, the world has gone crazy.