Upfronts 2009: Sci Fi Channel Goes Syfy
NBC Universal-owned cable channel rebrands with tagline "Imagine Greater" in effort to broaden programming profile
By Joel Topcik -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/16/2009 9:45:14 AM
Upfronts 2009: Complete Coverage from B&C
Sci Fi Channel announced Monday that it will rebrand itself as Syfy in an effort to broaden its programming profile beyond science fiction while retaining—phonetically, at least—its sci-fi roots.
The announcement comes on the day of the NBC
Universal-owned cable channel's upfront presentation to advertisers, where
executives will discuss the planned rebrand, which includes the new tagline
"Imagine Greater." The channel, which reaches some 95 million households, has
long strived to show its range with "imagination-based entertainment" that
includes paranormal series like Ghost
Hunters and supernatural shows like Eureka, as well as traditional sci-fi series
like Battlestar
Galactica.
"Without abandoning our legacy or our core audience, we needed to cultivate a distinct point of view with a name that we could own that invites more people in and recognizes our broader range of programming with literally something for everyone," said Sci Fi president David Howe in a statement. "Syfy allows us to build on our 16-year heritage of success with a new brand built on the power that fuels our genre: the imagination. Syfy ushers in a new era of unlimited imagination, exceptional experiences and greater entertainment that paves the way for us to truly become a global lifestyle brand."
The rebrand is set for July, when it will launch in tandem with the premiere of new scripted series Warehouse 13 on both the linear channel and scifi.com.
The network explained that the rebrand also enables it to trademark the name Syfy and leverage the brand through extensions like Syfy Games, Syfy Films and Syfy Kids. However, the network will not change the name of its standalone news forum, Sci Fi Wire.
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dear b and c / my name is david b conway i just read about the new change name just for the scifi channel and i feel sorry for the fans as well , i know it is to late just for me picking the name just what i what is / starlong channel ./ love david
david b conway - 3/30/2009 12:57:07 AM EDT -
Si-fee?
Lamar Henderson - 3/17/2009 12:12:23 AM EDT
Name Game Blame
02/03/2008SciFiWire.com to Become Standalone News Site
01/04/2009Sci Fi Scares Up Viewers On Halloween
11/03/2008
