PAX Network
The PAX Network, PAX TV, PaxNet, or simply PAX, is a broadcast and cable television network first broadcasted on August 311998. PAX, which is primarily owned by Paxson Communications, shows family-oriented programming (NBC Universal also has a 32% share). Its programming contains little or no sex, violence, or strong language.
Unlike most TV networks in the United States such as ABC, CBS, Fox, or NBC, PAX has a national feed that is part of basic DBS packages as well as having its affiliates carried by cable TV systems, LPTV stations, or translators, similar in structure to most Latin American TV networks (on which model TV networks have relay stations across the country). PAX programming consists of some original programming mixed with reruns of popular TV shows and movies and some Christian-oriented programming.
It was estimated in 2003 that PAX is viewable by 74.25% of all households, reaching 79,185,730 houses in the United States. PAX has 94 VHF- and UHF-owned-and-operated or affiliate stations in the U.S., although these stations are mainly poorly watched UHF stations, and not all of the stations air PAX's complete nightly transmission.
PAX is not considered by many to be a channel on par with the six existing major national broadcast networks, as it is not received in many parts of the country yet. It has no stations in several major markets, most notably Charlotte, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and St. Louis.
Typically, PAX television shows average only 1% of the viewing audience, which is considerably lower than any other (major) broadcast network. To compare, NBC and CBS frequently garner 15–22% of viewers.
In 2003 PAX scaled back its operations, presumably due to financial losses: it was originally offering five or six new series each season. That year the number of new series airing on PAX dwindled to just two: Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye and Doc. The netlet seemingly recovered when as seven TV series made it to PAX's 2004–05 schedule.
However, the network now plans to break its contract with NBC Universal on June 30, 2005 and eliminate all entertainment programming on Friday July 1, 2005 and rely on infomercials, direct response advertising, and other paid programming to help increase cash flow.
See also
- List of PAX Network affiliates
- List of United States television networks
- List of United States cable and satellite television networks
- Lists of corporate assets
External links
Categories: PAX television network