Arena (TV channel) explained

Arena
Launch Date:22 April 1995[1] [2]
Picture Format:576i (SDTV)
1080i (HDTV)
Country:Australia
Language:English
Former Names:Arena (1995-2020)
FOX Arena (2020-2023)
Timeshift Service:Arena +2
Owner:Foxtel Networks
Sister Channels:Foxtel Networks channels
Website:www.arenatv.com.au
Online Serv 1:Foxtel Go
Online Chan 1:Channel 111
Online Serv 2:Binge
Online Chan 2:binge.com.au

Arena (formerly Fox Arena) is an Australian general entertainment cable and satellite channel available on Foxtel, Austar, and Optus Television's subscription platforms.

History

In the late 1990s, Arena had the slogan "The Art of Television". It ran a mix of programs, including UK serial Coronation Street, and cult horror and science fictions films presented by Tabitha Clutterbuck. This included programs from E! prior to the launch of E! in Australia.

On 1 March 2001 it relaunched, with an added focus on talk shows and celebrity.[3] [4]

On 31 July 2005, its look was again updated, with a new logo and the new slogan, "Great TV Any time".[5]

It was owned and operated by XYZnetworks until 1 October 2007 when management and programming were taken over by Foxtel,[6] with XYZ Networks still retaining ownership.

In April 2008, Foxtel announced a partnership with Universal Networks International, where Arena would be re-branded as an Australian version of the American channel Bravofeaturing original series from the network, and adopting a variation of Bravo's branding and slogan, whilst retaining the previous Arena name.[7]

On 1 June 2010, Arena TV switched from standard 4:3 to 16:9 widescreen programming. Many of Arena's programmes like Gilmore Girls, Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother and One Tree Hill amongst other shows are originally presented in widescreen. Arena TV's switch to widescreen is part of Foxtel's plan to have every channel in widescreen by the end of 2010.On 3 November 2014, Arena launched a HD feed. In addition, Arena + 2 moved from channel 154 to channel 151.[8]

On 1 July 2020, the channel rebranded as FOX Arena with a new logo and tagline ‘Live Out Loud.’[9] [10] The channel now operates as part of Foxtel's LifeStyle suite of television networks.

On 28 September 2023, the channel rebranded to its former name Arena with a new logo.[11]

Slogans

SloganYear(s)
The Art of Television1995–2001
Get Into It2001–2005
Great TV Any Time2005–2008
Watch What Happens2008–2020
Live Out Loud2020–present

Programming

Current original programming

Current syndicated programming

Former original programming

Former syndicated programming

References

  1. News: Galaxy takes knife to fees . Rachel . Browne . . . . 22 April 1995 . 23 . 21 December 2009 . XYZ Entertainment is launching the other four Galaxy channels today. They are a documentary channel Quest, children's and cult TV channel Max, general entertainment channel Arena and music channel Red..
  2. Web site: CPEU:Australis Background . https://web.archive.org/web/20041224044738/http://apro.techno.net.au/cepu/toa405.htm . 24 December 2004 . 5 September 2009 .
  3. News: New Arena for female viewers . Shane . Danielsen . 8 March 2001 . . . Sydney, Australia.
  4. News: Arena's Soft Landing . Pam . Brown . 27 February 2001 . . . Perth, Australia.
  5. News: Lee Lewes . Jacqeuline . A driving force . . . . 20 July 2005 .
  6. Web site: Foxtel takes Arena | TV Tonight. Neil. says. 21 September 2007.
  7. Web site: Ratings. https://web.archive.org/web/20080625141224/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2008/04/new-arena.html. dead. 25 June 2008.
  8. Web site: Knox. David. BoxSets, Discovery Kids launch on Foxtel.. TV Tonight. 3 November 2014. 5 November 2014.
  9. Web site: Smooth joins axed music channels, Arena to be renamed. | TV Tonight. 4 June 2020 .
  10. Web site: Arena rebrands to FOX Arena | TV Tonight. July 2020 .
  11. Web site: Foxtel Magazine (October 2023) - Your monthly guide to a world of entertainment . 2023-09-28 . Foxtel Magazine . 32.
  12. Web site: Foxtel to fast-track Days of Our Lives. TV Tonight. Knox. David. 2014-02-24. 2014-02-24.

External links