Specialty Channels: A Little Bit of Something for Everyone

Gone are the days of flipping through a few network channels in an attempt to find something interesting to watch. We have now entered into the world of specialty channels.

Sure, to a certain extent specialty channels have been around for at least a couple decades. MTV was originally created to provide music videos and information to America’s youth. And ESPN provides sports coverage and news twenty-four hours a day. But rather than these types of channels being the extras in a sea of ABC, NBC, and CBS programming, they are becoming more and more abundant. Not to mention more specific in their genres.

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) used to be the place to go when you wanted to learn something on television. And while many children today would probably benefit from less cartoons and more Sesame Street, it seems like many cable channels are doing what PBS has always tried to do- teach viewers. Only they are doing a much better job.

Why watch a PBS documentary on meerkats when you can watch a whole season of Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet? Why watch a one-hour special on the art and industry of tattoos when you can watch Miami Ink and LA Ink on The Learning Channel (TLC). And why watch a program on training dogs when you can learn so much more from the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel?

But more than just teaching viewers about different animals, trends in American popular culture and the styles that are worth wearing this fall; specialty channels are making a name for individuals who would otherwise go unnoticed.

Food Network and Home & Garden Television (HGTV) are two such channels.

In the 1980s and early 90s, there were very view ways for chefs and food connoisseurs to make a name for themselves on national television. PBS did a great job of introducing America to Julia Child, the Frugal Gourmet and Yan Can Cook, but the list seems to stop there.

Since its debut in 1993, the Food Network has been “committed to exploring new and different ways to approach food - through pop culture, competition, adventure, and travel - while also expanding its repertoire of technique-based information.” And through this exploration, chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray and Alton Brown have become household names.

Much like the Food Network, HGTV has made its mark on cable television viewers. (Both are owned and operated by the E.W. Scripps Company.) With programming based on home and yard design and renovation, HGTV gives programs like Decorating Cents, Devine Design, Designed to Sell and Design on a Dime a place to shine.

But in addition to airing shows by already-established designers and hosts, HGTV gives designer “want to bes” a place to showcase their talent. Millions will tune in to HGTV’s Design Star this Sunday night as America’s votes and this year’s winner are revealed. Either Kim Myles or Todd Davis will be added to the list of already-favorite hosts and designers Clive Pearse, Vern Yip and Candice Olson.

And yes, while many Americans will be anxiously awaiting the verdict of HGTV’s Design Star just as they await the results of American Idol and Survivor each year, there will be a large number who are tuned into other programs. But that’s the great thing about having so many specialty channels.

No longer are we all forced to watch Sunday Night Football, America’s Next Producer or Cold Case. We can watch Iron Chef America on the Food Network, Tell Me You Love Me on HBO or The Hills on MTV.

Perhaps those who feel there is nothing worth watching on television have simply not yet found their specialty channel.