gmster
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#1
The long-rumored takeover and rebranding of the children’s network is about to take place, The Wall Street Journal reports. Discovery would acquire some of Hasbro’s share in the struggling joint venture — but still leave the toymaker with a sizable stake — and then likely rename it Discovery Family. It would target parents as well as kids, and still enable Hasbro to program the channel from 9 AM to 3 PM.
https://deadline.com/2014/09/discovery-run-rebrand-hub-835759/
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Mandouga
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#2
Well, as the old saying goes: "There goes the neighborhood".

In all seriousness though, I don't like the ramifications of this; ramifications that I've brought up in the past, so I'll just leave it at that.
Cartoons aren't "just for kids"...but they're not just for adults either. They're for everyone.
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Trombone77
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#3
I was actually thinking what Hub would do if Hasbro's stake in it decreased or was overtaken by Hasbro. While it seems as though it could lose a little bit of the fun that Hub started with, I look forward to seeing what Discovery plans to make of it. I hope that not only the programs that made Hub stay on it, but that more original programming (scripted preferably) comes to the network. However, I am wondering if it will be like Discovery Familia, which airs preschooler programming during the day and light reality shows and programming at night.
Have a Blessed Day!
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Looney Tunes Fan
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#4
I have a feeling Hasbro will throw in the towel altogether eventually. Overall though, sad news. Even sadder when you think that Discovery Kids outlasted The Hub.
Stay gold, Toonami Faithful.

After Nick and More shut down the first time, I continued writing Toonami articles on my own blog! It'd mean a lot to me if you stopped by and checked it out: toonamiabsolution.blogspot.com
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Goldstar!
Goldstar!
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#5
Well, this is unexpected. I can't say that I'm sad to read this news, seeing as how the only shows that I'm currently watching on The Hub (Now that The Aquabats Super Show! was given the boot) are My Littlle Pony: Friendship is Magic and Littlest Pet Shop, and even then, that's only when it's a new episode. However, if a re-braning means that the channel will finally get some decent programming at night and offer more than just forgettable family movies and nostalgic family sitcoms, then I'm all for it. I just really hope that Discovery Family won't go the reality TV route the way that A&E, TLC, ABC Family and Syfy have.
Twin Images: The Star Twins' twisted take on the world of cartoons and all things geeky.
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Mandouga
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#6
I should also mention that most of the Deadline article is speculation, but still should be "taken with a grain of salt" as they say.
Cartoons aren't "just for kids"...but they're not just for adults either. They're for everyone.
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Goldstar!
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#7
If the article is accurate, then this means that Hasbro will be in control of the channel from 8 AM to 3 PM, so the daytime schedule will likely remain the same, for the most part. I've been saying that the channel needs to expand it's horizons beyond ponies, pets and nostalgia. Perhaps this could lead to a better lineup with some more potential breakout hits which don't have the word "pony" in the title. Of course, that's being optimistic.
Twin Images: The Star Twins' twisted take on the world of cartoons and all things geeky.
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Silverstar
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#8
Eh, it was to be expected. The channel was hemorrhaging money, and yes, the kids' entertainment market is indeed crowded right now with the Big Three (Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network) but they still could've managed to cut a swath or at least carved a niche for themselves had they not chosen to rely solely on My Little Pony and 80's nostalgia to carry them along. Hasbro really needed to step out of its' comfort zone and step their game up with new, innovative and original programming that appealed to more people than just Pony fans and broadcast network sitcom enthusiasts. A breakout cross-culture hit like a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers or a Pee-Wee's Playhouse or some quality original productions like the Nicktoons or the Cartoon-Cartoons would have truly helped The Hub, had they dared to try anything like that. It's truly a shame: The Hub was more diverse and offered more of a variety when it launched 4 years ago.

Oh, well, according to that article, Hasbro is likely to keep hold of the channel's daytime schedule. If Hasbro wasn't able or willing to put anything original or high-quality on during the prime time (the hours that make or break a channel) then they really don't need to retain control beyond that. I just hope the rebranded channel has more to offer in prime time besides just 2 steps above public access shows like Kid President and Parents Just Don't Understand and old domcoms. They never should have dropped Dan VS or The Aquabats' Super Show!. Hopefully we'll get more scripted shows instead of this channel becoming yet another reality show dumping ground.
Like cartoons, comedy, riffs, wisecracks, funny video clips and humorous commentary on animation and geek culture? Check out Twin Images, the Star Twins' blog.
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aegisrawks
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#9
This is so very sad. I know the channel was nothing but MLP at this point but DANG. I was hoping more upcoming varied programming could save it.
Like Quote Reply. Write a continuation forum conversation asking what state the channel is in right now as of Sep 2014, a user says it's mostly cutesy shows and toyetic shows (and a LOT of Yu Gi Oh)

CartoonFanatic
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#10
With all this speculation about the takeover and rebranding, I'm really curious to know what the current state of the channel is as of now. I've heard mixed opinions, but it would be nice to get a clear picture. Are there any notable changes in the programming lineup, or is it still pretty much the same?

SunnyDays
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#11
From what I've seen lately, the channel's programming is mostly focused on cutesy shows and toyetic series. As expected, My Little Pony is still holding strong (it seems like that show isn't going anywhere soon), but beyond that, a lot of it feels like filler meant to drive toy sales. And yes, there's A LOT of Yu-Gi-Oh, it's almost like the channel’s dependent on it! It's kind of overwhelming because it feels like it's on every time I tune in.

What do you all think? Could this blend of content be part of the reason why the channel was struggling financially?

ToonEnthusiast
ToonEnthusiast
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#12
I must agree with SunnyDays. It seems like they've gone for a very niche approach that's heavily reliant on brands like Yu-Gi-Oh! and other similar properties to fill in the gaps. I think the lack of variety—especially in primetime when viewers expect something more diverse or engaging—is a big part of the problem. I miss the days when the channel showed more unique content like Dan Vs. and The Aquabats Super Show! Those really brought something different to the table.

I’m hoping with the possible rebrand to Discovery Family, they might finally branch out and target a broader audience. We need more than just a toy commercial lineup, don’t you think?

RetroRanger
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#13
I agree, ToonEnthusiast. The reliance on toy-based shows might work for daytime during kids' programming blocks, but it's not doing them any favors the rest of the time. The nostalgia factor with 80s shows was a good call initially, but that can only sustain interest for so long.

A broader range of programming, perhaps with some educational or informative family-friendly content, could help balance things out. I'm just hoping Discovery Family doesn’t just become another reality TV station. We've already got plenty of those; fingers crossed they avoid going down that route.

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Write a conversation asking for all the cutesy/whimsical shows currently on the network