Is Discovery’s Planet Green Headed For The Recycle Bin?

by Michael dEstries January 17, 2011
Categories: Film/TV.

In light of Discovery Communications most recent executive shuffle, there appears to be some talk that Planet Green, the 24/7 environmentally-themed channel, may undergo a bit of “rebranding”.

Home to such shows as “Emeril Green” and “The Fabulous Beekman Boys”, Planet Green was launched in June 2008 as a replacement for Discovery Home. Some $50M was invested in setting up the new network.

Last year, in a departure from a solely green-themed lineup, PG launched a new prime time programming block, called Verge, about “conscious living and provocative storytelling.” It was the first sign that the appeal of a 24/7 eco-focus might be waning.

According to C21Media, officials at Discovery are now “reviewing” the channel; which may include a renaming. From the site:

The spokeswoman said a decision was “to be determined.” She added: “We’re going to be taking a look at all our properties, take a look at rebranding, and we’re going to be asking: ‘Is this the best house we can build on this beachfront real-estate?’”

With metaphors like that, I think it’s time for Planet Green people to start panicking. Stay tuned.

About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

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http://www.facebook.com/people/Remy-Chevalier/754430220 Remy Chevalier

Yep, my only hope is that they don’t drag Treehugger down with them… I don’t think the Discovery Communications marketing team could have bungled the job more terribly… to the point where some poor dude committed suicide by cop in their lobby to prove the point.

Instead of waking up, they simply threw in the towel, and folded. It’s pathetic if you ask me. Planet Green had everything going for it, awesome potential, some wonderful shows in the first year, which they refused to put on the web so young people could see them.

I’m sad to see Planet Green go, but considering how hell bent they were on seeing the channel fail, how deaf they were to participatory dialog, I’m guessing they got exactly what they wanted. Was Planet Green set up to kill the green consumer movement? From the looks of it here, it would seem so.

Word to the wise, never trust big business to cradle our green movement… stay free, stay independent, and let’s grow your own network. Never put all your eggs in the same basket, which we didn’t, some other channel will surface that will take the planet by storm and do what Planet Green should have done if it allowed it to happen!
http://www.herwinsvegancafe.com herwin

o well, we still have Whale Wars rocking the TV, eh.
Made by Animal Planet.
Thanks, all ya folks from the Discovery Chanell for giving a green channel a shot and fair change !
Thanks Big Business, me welcomes you !
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