The History of TechTV/ZDTV

Summary

This video explores the history of Tech TV, an educational channel focused on computers and technology, which was launched in 1998 by Ziff Davis. It covers the origins of Ziff Davis, including its publishing roots and the creation of ZDNet. Tech TV offered various tech-related shows, but faced challenges, including layoffs and competition from G4. After a merger in 2004, Tech TV was phased out, with its brand disappearing in 2005. Despite its decline, Ziff Davis and ZDNet remain active, with ZDNet now under CBS, continuing as a hub for tech news and reviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 ZDTV, later renamed Tech TV, was an educational TV channel focused on technology and computers, launched in 1998.
• 😀 The history of Tech TV is deeply connected to Ziff Davis, a publishing company founded in 1927, known for magazines related to technology and hobbyist interests.
• 😀 Ziff Davis shifted its focus toward technology in the 1980s and launched an early online service, ZDNet, in 1991, which later became a major tech media brand.
• 😀 Tech TV aired a variety of shows, including 'Robot Wars', 'Max Headroom', and 'The Screen Savers', but faced challenges in the early 2000s, including massive layoffs and program cancellations.
• 😀 In 2000, ZDTV became Tech TV, and its programming expanded internationally to Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Russia, before struggling with competition from G4.
• 😀 Tech TV was eventually acquired by G4 in 2004, leading to the merger of both channels and the eventual discontinuation of the Tech TV brand in 2005.
• 😀 Despite the end of the Tech TV channel, Ziff Davis' ZDNet brand is still active today, primarily focusing on technology news, product reviews, and blogs.
• 😀 Ziff Davis diversified its business over time, eventually shifting its focus to digital media marketing and business solutions rather than traditional publishing.
• 😀 Tech TV's legacy remains with its fans who recall its influential content in the early days of tech TV programming.
• 😀 The rise and fall of Tech TV reflect the rapidly changing landscape of digital media, with technological channels and services constantly evolving and competing.

Q & A

What was Tech TV, and what type of content did it air?

Tech TV was an educational channel that focused on technology and computers. It aired shows such as Robot Wars, Max Headroom, Thunderbirds, Tomorrow's World, The Screen Savers, and GameSpot TV.

When was Tech TV launched, and who were the founders of the company behind it?

Tech TV was launched on May 11, 1998, and was created by Ziff Davis, a publishing company founded in 1927 by William SIF and Bernard George Davis.

What was Ziff Davis's business focus before it shifted to technology?

Before focusing on technology, Ziff Davis primarily published hobbyist magazines like Popular Aviation, Popular Electronics, and comics such as GI Joe and Weird Adventures.

What role did ZDNet play in the history of Tech TV?

ZDNet, initially part of Ziff Davis, played a significant role in Tech TV's history as it transitioned from a publishing company into an online platform, eventually leading to the creation of Tech TV in 1998.

Why did ZDTV change its name to Tech TV in 2000?

ZDTV was renamed Tech TV in 2000 due to a change in ownership after Ziff Davis was acquired by CNET, which was a competitor to ZDNet. The rebranding was part of the company's effort to differentiate itself from its rivals.

What was the impact of the layoffs and reduced programming on Tech TV's decline?

The massive layoffs and reduced programming, including the cancellation of shows like Silicon Spin, AudioFile, and a shift from a nine-hour news program to a shorter format, contributed to Tech TV's gradual decline.

How did the merger between G4 and Tech TV affect the channel?

In May 2004, G4 acquired Tech TV, and the two networks merged, leading to the removal of the Tech TV brand. The merger resulted in Tech TV being discontinued in some regions and scaling back its services.

What happened to Tech TV's international presence after the merger with G4?

After the merger with G4, Tech TV's international channels, such as Tech TV Australia, were scaled back and eventually discontinued, further diminishing the network's global presence.

How did the acquisition of ZDNet by CNET affect Tech TV?

The acquisition of ZDNet by CNET in 2000 led to a rebranding of ZDTV to Tech TV. CNET’s acquisition and rivalry with ZDNet prompted further restructuring, eventually resulting in the channel's decline.

What is the current status of Ziff Davis and its technology-focused initiatives?

Ziff Davis, now primarily focused on digital media marketing and business solutions, still exists today. It has shifted away from its original publishing roots and continues to be a major player in digital technology and media.