G4 gets the boot from DirecTV

Binh Nguyen 5 Nov, 2010 at 4:22pm ET Article published in Gaming

It’s about time a television provider decided to attack the channel that host shows like Attack of the Show and X-Play. DirecTV went ahead and drop-kicked G4tv out of their line-up as of November 1st. A DirecTV rep made this statement:

“At this time we are no longer negotiating and we have no plans to put G4 back up. We are constantly evaluating our lineup in a new world where programming costs continue to rise at significant rates. Since G4 is among the lowest rated networks based on the latest Nielsen data, we decided that it made sense to focus on preserving programming that is more relevant to our larger customer base.”

As you can probably guess, G4 is not a happy camper. They responded with their own statement:

“We are very disappointed with DirecTV’s decision to drop G4 as of November 1, 2010. We have done everything in our power to reach a fair and equitable long-term extension with them to continue to carry our network. This is especially frustrating since our offer to them was the same basic deal that we’ve had with DirecTV for the past three years. However, DirecTV rejected this offer thereby denying their subscribers the only network dedicated to today’s web-inspired, tech-savvy, gamer lifestyle. We here at the Network are extremely proud of the value we bring to the millions of viewers who watch G4. Through programming like Attack of the Show, X-Play, Ninja Warrior, Web Soup or our exclusive live coverage of the E3 Gaming Expo, Comic-con, CES and the Tokyo Game Show, G4 remains committed to proving “plugged in” programming which makes this network such a unique channel.”

This is no surprise for me, as the network ratings have been dropping. Is it because Olivia Munn is not there? Probably not. Despite the eye-candy factor, she did not make Attack of the Show any better. For someone who used to watch G4 like a religion, I don’t really watch it anymore since they do not really offer anything that I can’t find on the web. The network used to be known as Tech-TV, back in the days before G4 took over and ruined it completely. In my opinion? Major props to you, DirecTV.

Editor’s PS: G4 were jerks to us during E3 2009. We had a spot on the media balcony for the Nintendo press conference, and had the same right to be there as any other journalists. G4 hogged the balcony up in a bad way with all their huge cameras and gear and basically blocked us from getting a good vantage point. Jerks.

Comments

5 Nov 2010 ~ 4:44pm Cliff_Forster You think G4 being a Comcast revenue stream had anything to do with it?
5 Nov 2010 ~ 6:39pm ardichoke As soon as they canceled The Screensavers, I lost all interest in the channel.
5 Nov 2010 ~ 11:36pm carlhenry where is olivia munn?

oh, if olivia was blocking my view, i wouldn't mind teeeheeee
5 Nov 2010 ~ 11:50pm Thrax She's off stinking up the Comedy Channel.
6 Nov 2010 ~ 4:44am Canti I miss the original X-Play, Screensavers, and Unscrewed with Martin Sargent. Of course then it was TechTv. G4 has been dead to me from the minute they took over years ago, it's about time they finally got buried.
11 Nov 2010 ~ 9:51am Arrrgh Yup, when they changed from TechTV to G4 (we love consoles and lothe PC games) that pretty much ended it for me too. If you look at most of the shows they are the wanna-be geeks not geeks. They try to dress the part, attempt to talk some tech (like ooo wireless Xbox controllers) but that is it. When is the last time you even saw a PC case on G4? You're more likely to see Pro-Wrestling or Ninja Challenge, blah blah blah than something like the Screensavers building a war-driving rig.

Death of G4 might give us a tech channel again?
Good move Direct TV.
12 Nov 2010 ~ 12:33am Chooch I do miss TechTV. Most of the shows on there was really interesting and worth watching. Even the re-runs. I hope there will be another station that will do that. Maybe we can start something? *looks at Brian*
16 Nov 2010 ~ 6:16pm jokerz4fun Great now bring back tech tv. Hate G4
21 Nov 2010 ~ 3:14pm Tyler I was a fan of G4 up until they started talking more about sex and less on tech and software. And that Olivia Munn is not hot and she's annoying. Every time i see her on the Daily Show I switch channels.
21 Nov 2010 ~ 3:38pm Canti

Tyler wrote:

I was a fan of G4 up until they started talking more about sex and less on tech and software.

So like...the 20 seconds of the intro to the first show aired after the merger?
21 Nov 2010 ~ 6:48pm cola But guyz, where else will i watch cops and cheaters?