List of defunct television networks in the United States

This is a list of American defunct television networks.

Distant locals

NameOwnerNotes
FoxnetNews CorporationOperated between 1991 and 2006 as a branch of Fox for smaller markets without an affiliate.
The WB 100+Warner Bros. Entertainment and Tribune MediaPrecursor to The CW Plus operating between 1998 and 2006

Educational

NameOwnerNotes
ExerciseTVNetwork and Video on Demand channel closed
Knowledge TVJones InternationalClosed several months after being sold to Discovery Communications.
Research ChannelUniversity of WashingtonShut down on August 31, 2010.
UniversityHouseNorthern Arizona UniversityTelecourses from Northern Arizona University; was carried on Dish Network's "Public Interest" tier.

Entertainment

NameOwnerNotes
3netDiscovery Communications / Sony / IMAX3D television channel launched on February 13, 2011 and shut down on August 12, 2014.
ARTSHearst Corporation/ABCMerged with The Entertainment Channel to form A&E in 1984.
AudienceDirecTVCeased operations on May 22, 2020.
Automotive Television NetworkGlobal Television / Fidelity Capital
ChillerNBCUniversalCeased operations on December 31, 2017.
Channel AmericaChannel America Network Inc.
Colors Television NetworkBlack Star CommunicationsCeased operations on July 13, 2011 for unknown reasons.
Colours TVBlack Star CommunicationsCeased operations on July 13, 2011, unknown reasons.
Computer Television Service
Documentary ChannelParticipant MediaMerged with Halogen TV and replaced by Pivot on August 1, 2013. Pivot shut down October 31, 2016.
FearnetNBCUniversalShut down on July 30, 2014.
Fox Reality ChannelNews CorporationShut down on March 29, 2010, replaced with Nat Geo Wild.
FreeviewDirecTVRebranded to The 101 Network in 2005, and then got rebranded to the Audience Network on June 1, 2011. Audience Network shut down on May 22, 2020.
G4G4 Media (NBCUniversal)Shut down on December 31, 2014.
Ha!Viacom Media NetworksMerged with The Comedy Channel to form Comedy Central in 1991.
INHD2In Demand Networks LLCiN Demand ceased operation of INHD2, which was a companion network to INHD, on January 1, 2007. INHD would later be relaunched as MOJO HD.
The Interactive ChannelSource MediaThe Interactive Channel launched its first trial in 1996 with Century Cable in Colorado Springs, using CableShare's VirtualModem software. (VirtualModem was purchased by Liberate, which was later purchased by Comcast). Programming partnership with the Colorado Springs Gazette included headlines from each section of the paper and Classified ads.
Jones Computer NetworkJones Intercable
The Lottery ChannelBroadcasting in the early 2000s[1]
MOJO HDComcast, Cox Communications, Time WarnerFormerly INHD, ceased operations on December 1, 2008.
MovietimeNBCUniversalRebranded as E! in 1991.
National Jewish Television NetworkBasic cable channel broadcasting from New York City.[2] Existed in the 1980s until at least some point in the 2000s.
Network 1Network Telephone ServicesChannel allowed viewer participation through 800 and 900 phone numbers.
PlayCableInteractive format features video games, existed in the early 1980s.
Prevue ChannelLions Gate EntertainmentLaunched as Prevue Guide, then modified slightly into Prevue Channel. Purchased by TV Guide in 1999 and renamed TV Guide Channel and then TV Guide Network, on April 20, 2013 it became TVGN, and now Pop on January 14, 2015.
SoapnetDisney/ABCSoap opera network specializing in showing current and past soap operas ceased operations on February 13th, 2012. Relaunched as Disney Junior and format changed to kids and family.
The Silent NetworkSpecialized channel aimed at hearing-impaired people; existed in the 1980s.[3]
SingleVisionGlobalComm 2000
Talk TVEd Cooperstein
The WBWarnermediaMerged with UPN to form The CW, on September 18, 2006.
TNNViacom Media NetworksOriginally The Nashville Network later renamed The National Network. Purchased by Viacom and relaunched as Spike TV which then rebranded as Paramount Network.
TrioNBCUniversalRelaunched as Sleuth on January 1, 2006, and then relaunched as Cloo on August 15, 2011, shut down on February 1, 2017.
The TV Guide ChannelLionsgateRelaunched as Pop on January 14, 2015.
UPNCBS CorporationMerged with The WB to form The CW on September 18, 2006 and was replaced by MyNetworkTV on September 5, 2006.
Guide PlusExisted briefly in the 1990s, airing on some cable systems in lieu of Prevue Channel. TV Guide wanted back in the game, so they purchased Prevue in 1999 and renamed it TV Guide Channel and then TV Guide Network, and now it is TVGN.
Varsity TVVarsity Media Group, Inc.High school student-produced programming
WWOR EMI ServiceRKO General (1979–1987), MCA (1987–1991), Pinelands, Inc. (1991–1993), Chris-Craft Industries (1993–1997), Eastern Microwave, Incorporated (uplinker, 1979–1996; Superstation programmer, 1990–1996), Advance Entertainment Corporation (uplinker and Superstation programmer, 1996)National version of New York City's WWOR-TV. Existed c. 1989–1997

Family

NameOwnerNotes
Kids & Teens TVSky AngelCeased operations on January 31, 2019
Light TVAllen Media GroupCeased to broadcast on January 15, 2021. Was replaced by TheGrio.TV.
Nick GasViacom, MTV NetworksOn December 31, 2007, The N became its own channel. The Nick Gas channel was shut down when The N became its own channel. It retired on September 28, 2009 to TeenNick. The channel ended on April 23, 2009 on Dish Network for Cartoon Network's west coast feed.
NogginOriginally broadcasting educational programming from the 1980s to present, the station changed to being half TeenNick and half Nick Jr. The station ultimately became Nick Jr. while TeenNick replaced Nick Gas.
PBJLuken CommunicationsDigital subchannel broadcast network airing programs from the Classic Media library.
PBS Kids SproutPBSRelaunched as Universal Kids on September 9th, 2017 after NBC Universal took over the owner of the network.
QuboThe E.W. Scripps CompanyCeases operations on February 28, 2021.
Toon DisneyThe Walt Disney CompanyRebranded as Disney XD on February 13th, 2009.
Total Communication NetworkTotal Communication NetworkEntertainment and educational programming aimed at hearing-impaired children.

LGBT

Name Owner Notes
Gay Entertainment Television Gay Entertainment Television Inc.
Q Television Network Triangle Multimedia Ceased operations in February 2006.

Lifestyle

NameOwnerNotes
ApplauseParasol Media
Arts & Antiques NetworkCYMA ProductionsLaunched first quarter 1996[4]
Discovery Health ChannelDiscovery CommunicationsMerged with FitTV to create Discovery Fit & Health on February 1, 2011, then Discovery Life on January 15, 2015. It got replaced with Oprah Winfrey Network on January 1, 2011.
Fashion and Design TelevisionAnthony Guccione
Fine Living NetworkE.W. Scripps CompanyShut down on May 31, 2010, replaced with Cooking Channel.
i-Life TVThe Inspiration NetworksOpened Halogen TV on October 24, 2009, merged with the Documentary Channel and replaced by Pivot on August 1, 2013. Pivot shut down on October 31, 2016.
KaleidoscopeChannel for the disabled. Launched 1990.[5]
LimeWent online-only February 25, 2007. Formerly Wisdom Network.
Soapnet Disney–ABC Television Group Soap opera network specializing in soap operas;

ceased operations on December 31, 2013

Style NetworkNBCUniversal, Hearst Communicationsrebranded Esquire Network on September 23, 2013, then ceased operations on June 28, 2017.
Wedding CentralRainbow MediaCeased operations July 1, 2011.
Wine TVCeased operations in 2009.

Music

NameOwnerNotes
Americana Television NetworkAmericana Television Network Inc.Country, blues, bluegrass, jazz and gospel music videos. Founded by Stanley Hitchcock in 1992; sold to TCI after 2 years, which shut it down.[6]
The BoxMusic channel that originated in 1982 and ceased operations in 2001 when replaced by MTV2.
Cable Music ChannelTurner BroadcastingStarted in the 1980s by Ted Turner to compete with MTV. Unlike MTV, it had no VJs. It was short lived.
Classic Music ChannelClassical Broadcasting Company
The Gospel Network
Harmony Channel Harmony Intermedia, Inc. Mood elevating visual music
Hit Video USA1980s video channel based out of Texas, aired on some broadcast channels during overnight periods.
International Music FeedUniversal Music GroupAired music videos from various artists from around the world, purchased by Hubbard Broadcasting in 2008 and subsequently shut down on March 31, 2008 in order to expand distribution for Hubbard channel Ovation TV.
m ChannelAired syndicated music videos, TV shows, movies and news. Was folded under decision of the owner/creator of the network.
MOR Music TVChannel which aired music videos and performances in conjunction with selling albums.
NOYZBullfrog MediaCeased operations in early January 2008 after parent company's bankruptcy.
TheCoolTV Ceased broadcasting August 2017, Started online only streaming at same time.
The Tube Music NetworkCeased operations October 1, 2007.
Z Music TelevisionContemporary Christian Music video channel; not to be confused with movie service Z Channel; shared channel space with BET in some areas.
MTV HitsViacomLaunched in 2002, MTV Hits was replaced by NickMusic in 2016. MTV Hits was a pay channel airing top pop songs 24hrs every day nonstop.

News and information

NameOwnerNotes
ABC News NowDisney/ABCLacked significant distribution with low cable and satellite carrier pick up. Was closed in favor of using the channel's few carriage deals to support Fusion a new Hispanic focused news channel geared towards a younger audience.
America's TalkingNBCUniversalRelaunched as MSNBC.
All News ChannelCONUS CommunicationsAired on USSB and later DirecTV; its programming was carried by many over-the-air television stations during the late night hours.
American Political Channel
America's Voiceaka National Empowerment Television, or NET
CBS TeleNoticias
DoD News ChannelDefense Media Activity (US Government)Formerly Pentagon Channel, turned off on April 17, 2015.
CNNfnTurner Broadcasting System (Time Warner)1995–2004; a few cable systems switched the channel space to CNN International after discontinuation.
MHz Worldview MHz Networks Closed down March 1st, 2020
NBC Weather PlusNBCDistributed via the digital subchannels of NBC affiliates and digital cable. Ceased operations in 2008 due to purchase of an interest in The Weather Channel.[7]
NewsTalk TelevisionMultimedia, Inc.Existed from 1994 to 1995; formerly known as the Talk Channel.
Newsworld InternationalCanadian Broadcasting Corporation/USA BroadcastingReplaced by Current TV on August 1, 2005, and then Al Jazeera America on August 20, 2013. Ceased operations on April 12, 2016.
Northwest Cable News Tegna Used news resources from co-owned Tegna outlets KING-TV/Seattle, KREM/Spokane, KGW/Portland, Oregon and KTVB/Boise, Idaho; shut down on January 6, 2017
The 90's ChannelPublic Communicators, Inc.Relaunched to become Free Speech TV in 1995
Satellite News Channela joint venture between ABC and Group WCeased operations in 1983
Tempo TelevisionFormerly Satellite Program Network and then opened CNBC on April 17, 1989.

Regional news networks

NameLocationOwnerNotes
The California Channel Sacramento, California
Chicagoland TelevisionChicago, IllinoisNexstar Media GroupOriginally owned by Tribune Broadcasting before acquired by Nexstar in 2019.
FiOS1New Jersey, Long Island, and Hudson ValleyVerizonRNN produced news and content for the network and was exclusive to Verizon Fios customers. Opened in New Jersey and Long Island in 2009 and in Lower Hudson Valley in 2014 and ceased operations in 2019.
Local News on CableNorfolk, VirginiaBelo CorporationAlso called LNC5
FiOS1FiOS1 New Jersey
FiOS1 Long Island
FiOS1 Lower Hudson Valley
New York Metropolitan Area Verizon Communications News was produced by RNN.
Northwest Cable News Seattle, Washington Tegna Signed off on Jan. 6, 2017
Southern Arizona News NetworkTucson, ArizonaKVOA Communications, Inc.
NWCNPacific NorthwestKING 5 and other regional networksNorthwest Cable News Network - closed Jan. 6 2017
TXCNTexasGannett CompanyAlso called Texas Cable News

Pay-per-view

NameOwnerNotes
Action Pay-Per-ViewBET network, and later TVN EntertainmentDi-function channel.
Adam & Eve ChannelAdam & Eve Communications Inc.Adult pay-per-view and home shopping
AdultVisionPlayboy EnterprisesAdult pay-per-view
American ExxxtasyHome Dish Satellite Network Inc.Adult pay-per-view
AudienceDirecTV
Cable Video StoreGeneral Instrument (Original), Graff Pay-Per-View (second)
Guest CinemaAdult pay-per-view
People's ChoicePay-per-view
Star ChannelShowtime Networks. (CBS Corporation)Relaunched to become The Movie Channel in 1979.
Request TVLiberty Media and 20th Century FoxAlso operated a Spanish-language pay-per-view channel, Request En Español.
RendezvousAdult pay-per-view
SpectradyneAdult pay-per-view
StarDust TheatreHome Dish Satellite Network Inc.
Tuxxedo NetworkHome Dish Satellite Network Inc.Adult pay-per-view
Wometco Home TheaterWometco Enterprises

Movies

NameOwnerNotes
Documentary Channel Participant Media Merged with Halogen TV and replaced by Pivot on August 1, 2013.
Fearnet NBCUniversal Ceased operations on July 30, 2014.
The B-Movie Channel
Cable TheaterExisted from late 1970s–early 1980s.
FestivalHBO1980s premium channel from HBO.
INTRO TelevisionLiberty StarzOriginally called TV!; renamed INTRO Television, carrying the same programming format. Replaced by Encore PLEX (eventually changed to MoviePlex) in 1997.
Home Theater NetworkPremium movies
Movie ManiaFormerly B-Mania!, B-Movie channel, no longer broadcasting as of October 2006.
MovieVisionPremium movies
Nostalgia ChannelClassic movies, format and name changed to current YTA TV
ONTVNational Subscription TelevisionAlso had sports and events.
PreviewTime, Inc.
PRISMSpectacor24-hour premium cable television channel intended for cable customers in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania metropolitan area. Channel infrastructure is still used for Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia.
SelecTVStarion Entertainment
Showtime BeyondViacomCBS Domestic Media NetworksWas shut down and replaced by Showcase on July 15, 2020. Showcase's former channel space was taken over by Sho*BET.
SpectrumUnited Cable
SpotlightTimes MirrorPremium movies
Starcase
Super Time/Star TVSan Francisco over the air channel like ONTV via KTSF-TV. Named Super Time during the late 1970s and Star TV in the early 1980s.
SuperTVSubscription TV of Greater Washington, Inc.Ceased operations in 1986.
The Film Detective Philip Hopkins Now an on demand streaming only service
Z ChannelMovie channel
Wometco Home TheaterWometco EnterprisesSubscription service operating offering movies, live sports and entertainment specials through over-the-air broadcast affiliates including flagship station WTVG/WWHT licensed to Newark, New Jersey from 1977 to 1986.

Public Interest

NameOwnerNotes
MHZ WorldviewMHz NetworksFinished operating on March 1st, 2020.
PBS YOUPBSService ended in January 2006; most stations replaced service with American Public Television's Create network.
ThinkBrightWNED-TVCeased in 2011.

Religion

NameOwnerNotes
Angel OneSky Angelceased operations on January 31, 2019.
Angel Twoceased operations on January 31, 2019.
i-Life TV The Inspiration Networks Replaced by Halogen TV on October 24, 2009, merged with the Documentary Channel and replaced by Pivot on August 1, 2013.
PTL Satellite NetworkEvangelical Christian network known for broadcasting The PTL Club hosted by Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker.Collapsed in the wake of a sex and embezzlement scandal that resulted in Jim Bakker being sentenced to prison. On the air from 1977 to 1987.
The Worship NetworkThe Christian Network, Inc.Launched in 1992, ceased operations in 2013.

Shopping

NameOwnerNotes
America's Collectibles NetworkMultimedia Commerce Group Inc.Closed on October 15, 1993 with Jewelry Television.
America's StoreIAC/InterActiveCorpCeased broadcasting on April 3, 2007.
Advertising TelevisionWeb Broadcasting Systems Inc.
BET-Home Shopping NetworkBET Holdings, Inc. / Home Shopping Network
Black Shopping Network
Cable Value NetworkTele-Communications Inc.Merged with QVC in 1989.
Consumer Resource NetworkSeventh Medium
Cupid Network TelevisionCapital DistributionAdult home shopping
Global Shopping Network
Q2Home shopping. Spinoff of QVC, existed briefly in the mid 1990s.
Resort & Residence TVAired on DirecTV; ceased operations on March 28, 2011.
Shop at Home NetworkJewelry TelevisionCeased broadcasting on March 7, 2008.
Shop Television NetworkJ. C. Penney and Shop Television Network, Ltd.Was also known as JCPenney Television Shopping Channel until closure in 1991.
TV Car ShowroomHachette Filipacchi Magazines
ViaTV NetworkRSTV Inc.

Sports

NameOwnerNotes
Classic Sports NetworkESPN Inc.Purchased by ESPN and renamed ESPN Classic.
CNN Sports IllustratedTurner Broadcasting System (Time Warner)Existed from 1996–2002.
CSSNBCUniversal and Charter CommunicationsExisted from 1999–2014.
CETNBCUniversalExisted from 2004–2018.
Empire Sports NetworkAdelphia CableExisted from 1990–2005.
ESPN 3DESPN Inc.Turned off on September 30, 2013.
ESPN Goal Line & Bases LoadedCeased operations on January 13, 2020.
ESPN Full Court Replaced by ESPN College Extra on August 28, 2015.
ESPN GamePlan
Fight Now TVChannel ZeroExisted from May 2011 to June 2014.
Football NetworkExisted briefly in 2003.
Fox Sports World21st Century FoxFormerly Fox Soccer, Replaced by FXX on September 2, 2013.
FSN ChicagoNews Corporation and CablevisionBecame Comcast SportsNet Chicago
Men's Outdoor and RecreationCeased operations.
MountainWest Sports NetworkMountain West Conference (MWC), CBS Corporation, ComcastMountain West Conference sports; existed from September 2006–June 2012.
NASCAR Hot PassNASCAR / DirecTVExclusive to DirecTV existed from 2007 to 2012.
Prime NetworkLiberty MediaExisted from 1983–1996.
SpeedVisionSPEED Channel Inc. (21st Century Fox)Renamed Speed, replaced by Fox Sports 1 on August 17, 2013.
Spectrum Sports New York Charter Communications Existed from 2003 to 2017.
Spectrum Sports Carolinas
Spectrum Sports Texas Existed from 2010 to 2017
Sports TimeAnheuser-BuschSt. Louis and Midwest Cable Sports station; existed from April 1984–March 1985.
SportsChannelbecame Fox Sports Netexisted from 1988 to 1993
Sports News NetworkMizlou CommunicationsExisted from February–December 1990.
TraxNetworks Development Corporation
Turner SouthTurner Broadcasting System (Time Warner)Purchased by Fox Cable Networks and renamed SportSouth.
TVS Television NetworkNow part of Margate Entertainment.
Universal SportsInterMedia Partners and NBCUniversalCeased operations November 16, 2015. The channel carried on existing contracts until 2017. Replaced by a US Version of the Olympic Channel
University of North Dakota Sports NetworkUniversity of North Dakota, WDAZ-TV, Midcontinent CommunicationsFormerly known as Fighting Sioux Sports Network (FSSN)
Ceased on March, 2012.
Victory Sports OneMinnesota Twins Baseball Network/Minnesota Gophers Sports
Water ChannelMCE Television Networks Inc.
Web Sports NetWeb Broadcasting Systems Inc.Text-based sports news service.
World Championship Sports NetworkBecame Universal Sports. Ceased operations November 16, 2015, which was owned by Comcast SportsNet, a division of NBCUniversal.

Spanish

NameOwnerNotes
El Rey NetworkRobert Rodriguez
FactoryMade Ventures
Ceased operations on December 31, 2020.
La Familia CosmovisionThe Inspiration NetworksCeased operations on December 31, 2014.
La Familia Network Was previously available on Time Warner Cable; replaced with Atres Series in fall 2015.
MundoMaxRCN TelevisiónWas originally MundoFox as a joint venture with Fox International Channels. Shut down on November 30, 2016.
Sí TV Fuse Networks Renamed NuvoTV on July 4, 2011, and then merged with Fuse and replaced by FM on September 30, 2015.

Ethnic

African-American

NameOwnerNotes
Black Family ChannelCeased operations April 30, 2007. To launch as broadband network, subscriber base sold to Gospel Music Channel. Formerly MBC Network.
Bridges TVMuslimCeased operations on March 15, 2012.
Caribbean Satellite Network
New Urban Entertainment Television (NUE-TV)Space Station TeleVision, co-owned by Dennis Brownlee and Robert Townsend. Investors included Quincy Jones, Leo J. Hindery Jr., David Falk, and Alfred Liggins III.Ceased operations in May 2001; formally shutdown in October 2002. Senior Council Pat Irvin, Human Resources Director Renee Barfield, Cindy Mahmoud, Senior Vice President Gordon Boelter, Executive Vice President of Programming, Donovan Myrie, News Director, Craig Henry, Director of Music, Monte Powell, Director of Programming, Rick Porterfield, Production Director.
The MBC Movie NetworkMinority Broadcasting Corp.
World African Network

Asian

NameOwnerNotes
AZN TelevisionComcastFormerly International Channel; First nationwide television cable channel dedicated to Asian Americans. Ceased operations on April 9, 2008.
MTV ChiViacom Media NetworksAn MTV World network dedicated to Chinese American audiences; launched on December 6, 2005, and shut down on April 30, 2007.
MTV DesiAn MTV World network dedicated to South Asian American audiences; launched on July 12, 2005, and shut down on April 30, 2007.
MTV KAn MTV World network dedicated to Korean American audiences; launched on June 27, 2006, and shut down on April 30, 2007.

French

Name Owner Notes
TV5 Monde France Télévisions

RTBF (French speaking-Belgium) Radio Télévision Suisse (French speaking-Switzerland)

SRC (French speaking-Canada) Télé-Québec

An international French network showing programming from French-speaking language public networks of Belgium, Canada, France and Switzerland.

German

NameOwnerNotes
ChannelDFirst German private television satellite channel in North America 2001–2002.
Dolphin-TVDolphin-TV German Television Inc.German private television satellite channel 2006–2007.
GermanTVDeutsche Welle TV, ARD & ZDF (German Public Broadcasters)Satellite channel 2001–2005.

Irish

NameOwnerNotes
CelticVisionUnknownUnknown

High definition

NameOwnerNotes
Voom HD NetworksRainbow Media (Cablevision)15 All-HD networks, ceased broadcasting on January 20, 2009.

References

  1. Media/Society: Industries, Images, and Audiences By David Croteau, William Hoynes, p75
  2. The Encyclopedia of Television, Cable, and Video. By R.M. Reed, M.K. Reed
  3. "Deaf History - Silent Network - A Deaf Cable Channel". verywell.com. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  4. "Channel-surfing cable's new nets", Broadcasting & Cable, November 27, 1995, McConville, Jim (via Highbeam)
  5. Kaleidoscope TV on Shopping Kick, Ad Age, 1995
  6. "Crawford makes major investment in Americana music". Billboard. 22 Sep 2001.
  7. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2008-11-19. Retrieved 2015-06-01.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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