Wednesday, June 29, 2005

A blind 'i'?

In a move that will affect dozens of TV viewers, PAX will be changing its name to i starting this Friday. The move is reflective of a new programming strategy that will mix PAX/i originals with other independent and/or syndicated shows. For those who like their PAX straight up, all PAX programming will continue on one of its digital cable channels (wait - PAX has digital cable channels?).

As hard as it might be to believe, this is a positive move for PAX, given that it should bring more original programming into a prime-time schedule that is heavy on reruns of Diagnosis Murder and Early Edition. It also will help scotch rumors that the network was going with an all-pay format, which is just what we would have needed - more infomercials.

Of course, the announcement and name change doesn't impact the core issue with PAX - not enough coverage (it only reaches 84 percent of households) and not enough interesting programming. I'm sure Doc and Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye have their champions, but I've not met one.

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