Ion Television: History and Programming
Ion Television, originally launched as Pax TV, is a prominent American broadcast television network known for its diverse programming and extensive reach. Owned by Scripps Networks, it first began broadcasting on August 31, 1998, with a focus on family-oriented entertainment. Over the years, the network has undergone several transformations, both in branding and programming strategy.
Historical Overview
The network was initially branded as Pax TV and was designed to offer content suitable for family audiences. On July 1, 2005, it rebranded to i: Independent Television, commonly referred to as "i". This transformation marked a shift towards a general entertainment format featuring a mix of recent and older acquired programs. The network adopted its current identity, Ion Television, on January 29, 2007.
Ion Television has experienced financial challenges, most notably filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 19, 2009. This was the second time in its history that the network faced bankruptcy. During this period, Ion Media Networks reached an agreement with creditors, addressing its substantial $2.7 billion debt and recapitalizing with new funding.
Programming Strategy
Ion Television's programming is characterized by its strategic acquisition of off-network reruns, particularly favoring procedural dramas. The network often broadcasts marathon blocks of popular series, along with occasional films, including a notable slate of television movies during the Christmas season. In its early days, Ion acquired first-run airings of Canadian series not picked up by other American networks and devoted significant airtime to infomercials.
Under the ownership of Scripps Networks, Ion Television has expanded its content, introducing national sports programming from the Scripps Sports division. This includes broadcasts of the Women's National Basketball Association and the National Women's Soccer League.
Network Reach and Operations
Ion Television operates with the most owned-and-operated stations of any commercial broadcast network in the United States. It reaches 64.8% of the U.S. population, surpassing the Federal Communications Commission's coverage-based national ownership limit of 39%. This extensive coverage is made possible by its stations operating on the UHF television band, which benefits from a legal discount regarding population coverage limits.
The network's ownership structure is unique in the U.S. commercial broadcast landscape, with nearly all stations being network-owned, akin to the ownership models seen in Europe, Canada, Latin America, Asia, and Australia. This model is also common among U.S.-based religious broadcast networks.