As most know, last week in a press release, Disney/ABC execs decided to take SOAPnet off the air and bring in a new demographic and more competition for Nickelodeon's Nick Jr. Channel. The channel is to be called, "Disney Jr.". The channel is set to begin January 2012.
My reaction: I have to say this was earth-shattering news. Considering that ABC, in my opinion, is trying to save this ill-fated genre. I have to say, when I first heard the news I didn't believe it. But after seeing it on CNN and Entertainment Weekly's website, I was stunned and speechless at the same time. However, I started thinking that the channel really was calling for a death wish. Over the past few years, the channel was trying to steer clear away from the genre and go towards soapy but yet not soapy dramas like, Gilmore Girls, BH90210, The OC, and One Tree Hill. So the network really was asking for it. But even with this madness, they still aired Y&R, Days, and all of ABC's soaps. The question is, why get rid of this channel? Yes, there's DVR's and online viewing. But have you ever thought about people who can't afford a DVR much less a computer? My grandmother got digital cable back in 2003 and discovered SOAPnet back in 2005-2006 ish. She quickly became amazed when they acquired the rights to Y&R. And she soon began watching the ABC soaps all over again (she quit watching them about 20 years beforehand). She loved it and when I told her the news myself, she was perplexed as I was. Now my grandmother knows nothing about using a computer and I'm sure she would be operating a DVR like a monkey solving a math problem. In fact, for years I had to program her VCR when she went out shopping or run some errands long before SOAPnet and at times I would have to bring my tape for her to watch. So this news really pissed her off. Because she watches Y&R and B&B on CBS and watches AMC on SoapNet.
Another question I have is, how many kids channels can you name off the top of your head? Let's see... Nick, Disney Channel, Noggin...err Nick Jr, TeenNick, DisneyXD, Cartoon Network, Boomerang... that's TOO MANY TO COUNT! How many drama channels can you name off the top of your head? Lifetime, SoapNet, LMN, TNT... not much is it? Kids channels have become as abundant as those stupid news channels that nobody watches. It seems like cable pampers to the kids and teens, while the parents and adults are stuck watching them. Now I don't know about you but would I be watching Hannah Montana and Spongebob all day with my kids... umm... I don't think so. Adults need entertainment for themselves not some colorful, bright, fun and steroid driven sponge that dances and laughs too much!
If it was up to me I would keep SoapNet and make rallys and celebrations for the soaps across the country and try to save the genre as well as bring more soap entertainment back to this channel. Make a protest on Good Morning America and The Early Show even come on local news stations and tell your viewers how this genre really is a great genre. Advertise on cable networks and local networks about the channel and make soaps popular again. Give school girls something to talk about, the soaps of course. Not gossip or who's dating who. This will not only boost Disney and ABC's profits but will also boost CBS and NBC's profits and could possibly bring more soaps on the air. This would be a great strategy and more and more people will watch these shows.
However, if you really are dying to just kill SoapNet then at least create a good channel for the soap viewers. Keep your viewers. Imagine, thousands of viewers who were faithful to your channel will be all gone. Make a network that will air the soaps. I don't care if you air that Breakfast in Bed crap just keep the doggone soaps!
But since the channel is going off, I will say this, the soaps still air on CBS, ABC, and NBC. My suggestion if you can't afford a DVR or just can't stand watching soaps on the internet, go to the nearest thrift store and buy you a VCR, my local Goodwill sells them for around $10 and stock up on some blank tapes at Walmart (believe it or not they still sell them). Or you could try your hand at a DVD recorder. I have a DVD recorder/VCR combo that I got for about $120 at Walmart. And trust me, it was the best investment I made in a while.
