After Ratings Slip, Animal Planet Turns to Its Wilder Side

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/business/media/14animal.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Discovery+Communication ^ | January 14, 2008 | Brian Stelter

[SilvieWaldorfMD]

Animal Planet, long regarded as a gentle wildlife channel, is shedding its cute and cuddly image.

The 11-year-old channel, owned by Discovery Communications, is one of the best-known brands on cable, but its ratings have stagnated for several years. On Feb. 3 the channel will start programming specifically for adults, scrapping its previous “something for everyone” style.

“It made us unimportant to everyone,” said Marjorie Kaplan, who became general manager of Animal Planet last year.

If the old Animal Planet was defined by a voice of God narrator — Ms. Kaplan mimicked it in a recent interview, putting on a serious face and intoning “the lion is walking through the bush” — the new Animal Planet will emphasize predation programming (a friendlier term for animal death action), pet shows and immersive storytelling.

“Escape to Chimp Eden” will feature chimpanzee rescues in Africa; “Groomer Has It” will test amateur and professional animal groomers; and “Whale Wars” will cover the controversial practice of Antarctic whaling.

[SilvieWaldorfMD]

Will they add an "Entertainment Tonight" for animals? Is there an O.J. or Britney equivalent in the animal kingdom?

[krb]

but its ratings have stagnated for several years

The death of Steve Irwin wouldn't have anything to do with that, would it?

[Pharmboy]

This will also mean more shows on killing and dismemberment by lions and tigers and bears. Oh my...

[SilvieWaldorfMD]

*Ping*

Forward to interested ping lists...

[RetiredArmy]

Actually their enviro wacko programing has turned me off. I love the programs about the big cats in Africa, Griz, great whites, etc, but when they start the global warming is killing off everything, I cut it off.

[DoughtyOne]

I’ve tried watching it a few times, but I can’t stay on the channel for more than a few minutes. I love animals, but there’s only so much deification of them I can take.

[greyfoxx39]

I hope they continue the “Meerkat Manor” series.

[Nathan Zachary]

"the new Animal Planet will emphasize predation programming (a friendlier term for animal death action), pet shows and immersive storytelling.“Escape to Chimp Eden” will feature chimpanzee rescues in Africa; “Groomer Has It” will test amateur and professional animal groomers; and “Whale Wars” will cover the controversial practice of Antarctic whaling."

Sure, more loony leftist animal rights activism and Jane Goodall monkey love will make it more popular... (idiots)

[Varda]

Well this leaves me out. I HATE “predation” programming.

[Crolis]

I always was interested in the more brutal side of nature, especially when featuring insect or oceanic forms of life. Some of those undersea creatures or bugs have developed some amazing ways to catch food.

[avacado]

Don't be messin' with my Meerkat Manor show!

[Nathan Zachary]

Now there’s a good shot. 100 points if you can pick them all off with one shot.

[theDentist]

“Grizzlies: The Treadwell Diet”

[woollyone]

Here's my recommendations for new shows...

“Spotted Owl Hunting for Beginners”
“Shoot Shovel Shut-up for Property Values”
“ELF Tactics and Global Warming”
“Sail-Cat Championships”
“Gourmet Road-Kill Grill Competition”
“Survivor; Shark Infested Waters”
“Removing Nuisance Critters From Your Yard 101”
“Torturing The Girlfriend's Cat For Fun and You Tube Videos”

[avacado]

"I said... don't mess with my meerkats!"

[listenhillary]

How about Environmentalist tartare

[Cyber Liberty]

That starts about 10-11 minutes before then end of every nature show on TV now....

[reagan_fanatic]

Ratings are stagnating, huh? I guess there's only so much animal humping one can take.

Meerkat Manor was a great show, though.

[Diplomat]

Don't be messin' with my Meerkat Manor show!

I promise I won't; unless you enter my burrow and eat my children. Then all deals are null and void.