NBC Universal has decided to rebrand the channel older and more hip, in the vein of the magazine GQ. The change is likely to begin in 2013.
Variety broke the news of the change though a spokesperson for the network wouldn’t comment.
For those that don't know, G4 is a tv channel known for their popular (and pimped a lot) show Attack of the Show. They are also known for X-Play, a half hour video game show that is new on weekdays. Otherwise, they have one other show that they are involved with, and that is Ninja Warrior and American Ninja Warrior. Finally, other shows that they play are re runs of Cops and sometimes new episodes/reruns of Cheaters and Campus PD. Otherwise, there isn't that many shows that they play on the channel.
The news story says that they wish for G4 to remain similar to its roots, but but will begin to adapt them to a “modern male” audience “whose interests span beyond the dorm room or messy bachelor pad.”
What this might mean is that G4's coverage of events such as E3 and Comic Con might go away, and this was one of the main reasons why this channel is still used by some people. In fact, this is probably the only channel on television at the moment that even covered E3. Personally, I remembered watching G4 for coverage of Sony's E3 press conference from last year, not the E3 that passed a few months ago. If the future G4 doesn't focus on such events, that opens a door for someone to step in. Whether that’ll be an Internet channel like Nerdist or something else should be interesting to watch.
I can’t help but feel a little sad today that a channel that came close to sharing my passions is finally going away. Are you upset that G4 will be going away? Were you a fan of the shows? Did you consider it must watch for pop culture news? Let me know of your thoughts in the comments below.
