VAX

VAX (stylized as V) was an American television channel owned by Warner Bros. Discovery (formely known as Discovery Inc.). The channel primarily broadcast live-action, animated and Weather-related programming aimed at 18–34 age group audiences.
The channel started out as a music and user-generated content channel with content made by viewers in 15-minute blocks. The channel later switched formats to its focus towards drama, comedy, news, sports programming and Weather Forecasts aimed at a more intended audience.
December 31, 2023, the channel ceased operations due to declining viewership and it being deemed "outdated" by Warner Bros. Discovery. The channel was later replaced by a Discovery version of The Weather Channel on Janurary 1, 2024.
== History ==
=== Background ===
==== Independent News Channel ====
Independent News Channel was launched on September 1, 2005.
The channel was created by Discovery Times which was owned by Discovery Communications, LLC.
=== VAX ===
Independent News Channel was replaced by VAX on September 10, 2005, keeping the same channel frequency and still owned by Discovery Communications, LLC. The channel was said to be a combination between CNN, PBS, The Weather Channel, A&E, UPN, MTV and BiteTV. The channel switched to a weather and aquried programming format in 2006 to coincide with the renewal of license the launch of its high definition feed on October 30, 2006
VAX introduced a new logo only featuring a V inside a black circle on August 25, 2007
On September 12, 2014, VAX changed its audience focus to the ages 18–34 group due to the success of its weather forecast programs.
=== Removal from Xfinity, closure and replacement ===
On November 16, 2023, VAX was removed from Xfinity, whilst Breezeline removed Discovery Life from all of their TV services a day later.
Two days later on November 18, 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery announced that the channel would be closing on December 31, 2023, owing to "challenges" in the broadcasting sector, lack of viewers and regulatory affairs deemed "outdated" by Warner Bros. Discovery. On December 31, 2023 at midnight ET, the channel quietly shutdown without ceremony after an episode of Law & Order SUV. On Janurary 1, 2024 at morning ET, Discovery Weather launched and replaced VAX.
== Programing ==
VAX currently airs a mix of weather, drama, comedy and animation programming. The channel also airs the anime series, Danganronpa: The Animation, which premiered on October 5, 2013. It was VAX and Discovery's only anime program, but not the show's North American television debut; the series originally made its debut on the Funimation Channel in July 2013.
As a news, music and user-generated content channel, the channel didn't air shows until 2006
== Controversies ==
In February 2008, the Federal Communications Commission issued a warning about Barbershop airing uncensoredly on non-pay television channels, claiming that the sitcom promote "racism and cruelty." The department warned VAX to remove the show to avoid legal issues.
Category:Fictional television networks
Category:Discovery Communications
Category:Warner Bros. Discovery
Category:Television channels and stations established in 2005
Category:United States