The DIY movement has conquered a new medium, and it’s not just about the shows anymore because now, renovation programming has its own channel. CW Media, along with Corus Entertainment and Scripps Networks Interactive, just launched the DIY Network, a digital specialty station about everything renovation. With shows about landscaping, home improvement and repairs, auto repairs, and more, do-it-yourselfers across the country rejoiced last Monday when DIY Network hit the airwaves.
It’s been a long time coming – “D.I.Y. Television” was originally created by Alliance Atlantis in 2000, yet the station never launched. After enough time went by for the license to expire, Alliance Atlantic reapplied and obtained another license for the station in 2005. However, before it ever made it to TV, all of Alliance’s specialty channels, including the theoretic network “D.I.Y. Television,” were bought out by Canwest and GS Capital Partners. But, last Monday, DIY Network had finally become a reality.
Canwest announced that the station is replacing the Fine Living channel, which boasts more than 55 million viewers.
Scripps Networks Interactive is in the business of “channel creation,” and they’re not stopping at DIY – the media company has announced plans to launch several other new lifestyle-specific channels including the Cooking Channel. "We think there's certainly more room for other channels aimed at the food audience," Scripps’ Chief Executive, Ken Lowe, said in an interview with “The Wall Street Journal” at the beginning of the month. "We see the Cooking Channel allowing us to expand domestically."
Look for shows like “Kitchen Impossible,” “Sweat Equity,” “Real Renos,” and “Junk Brothers” on the new DIY Network.
