|
|
|
Owned by the Turner Broadcasting System, Turner Network Television also known as TNT is among the cable American networks that was first launched in the 1980's as a sports syndicator though with time, it has changed to adapt to changing demands in the market. Named after Ted turner, it is ideal to note that in 1988 it was launched as a cable service after it showcased the movie Gone with the Wind which he had rights to and was considered as his favorite movie. Later on, when the sister channel Turner classic Movies was launched, this same movie was debuted as the first one for the same reasons. The initial idea behind the TNT programs was to showcase classical or old movies, however, as things changed they start adapting to original programs and new reruns. At this point, it would be ideal to note that in 1986, 9it was in the limelight for all the wrong reasons which included the colorization of the classical movies.
In the 1990's their popularity rose higher after acquiring partial rights to Sunday Night Football and the National Football League which they managed to hold on to until 1997. Some of the night programmes which also went a long way towards making TNT what is today monster vision which was ideally known for showing B movies such as Godzilla and from 1995, it was ideally known for showcasing horror movies such as Friday the 13th part 2 and Wes Craven's New Nightmare.
The big break came in 2001 however when TNT was re-launched and set up with a complete new logo and slogan which stated' 'We Know Drama'. During this time, TNT concentrated more on a program schedule that was full of drama and energy and all. They also showcased some great sport shows. Some of the TV dramas aired by TNT during this period included shows such Angel, Law & Order, Las Vegas, cold Case, Without a Trace, Elias and judging Amy among others. Some time in 2003, TNT acquired a new look called TNT Plus and though they did not go the extra lengths to display the same in the technical appearance, it was impossible to miss this fact in the in the way they handled their programming. Then in 2008, they were at it again as they unveiled a new logo which was shiny silver both on TV screens and on the official TNT websites. However, there are times when it tends to be gold though they still continued to use the same line of 'We know Drama though they also decided to have these movies showcased in the original formats. The developments were far from over as in 2009, TNT announced that they had received exclusive rights to The Mentalist which they intend to start airing during the fall of 2012.
TNT used HD technology which is ideally supposed to provide a high resolution but which viewers find stressful since they use a 4:3 standard definition while stretching it to 16:9 nonlinear which makes the items on the screen to lose the right aspect ratio and as such, appear distorted to the viewer. However, it is also ideal to note that TNT has also grown to great lengths to ensure that there are certain movies which they display in the original aspect ratio without any distortions. Some of these include the Grudge, Jerry Maguire, titanic, The lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring and Forrest Grump among others.
Most of the success that TNT boasts of can be attributed to certain factors and series that made the network stand out. Key among them is Saving Grace which garnered them over 5 million viewers and others like Leverage, Raising The Bar and Closer which was attracted as many viewers. However, it is ideal to note that currently, TNT does not air Raising the Bar and Leverage. Other series worth mentioning and which premiered in 2009 is Hawthorne which got more than 3.85 million viewers and Dark Blue which had over 3 million viewers. At this point, they also picked up another series, Southland which was previously showcases by NBC while hoping that the series would be able to deliver more new and fresh episodes.
Like most other channels, it is also imperative to note that TNT has syndicated some programs and up to date some of these syndicated series include; Bones, CSI, Charmed, Cold Case and Supernatural among others. At this point, it is ideal to revert back to the original goal of TNT which was sporting. Currently, TNT hosts National Basketball Association games and all the NASCAR races and in a year they telecast at least six races. They also have the rights to air two golfing championships which include The British open and the PGA Championship.
Among the latest developments that TNT has achieved is the signing of a 14 year 10.8 billion contract with CBS for NCAA 'March Madness college basketball tournament. Since this is supposed to kick off in 2011, TNT is now entitled to cover the first and second rounds of the game. However, later on in 2016, these two are supposed to start alternating coverage of the Final Four Weekend and the championship game. This agreement was signed on April 2010. There are some great things and series in the offing from TNT. These are set to revolutionize the manner in which people view TNT and at the same time, attract a higher number of viewership for the channel. These include series such as Memphis Beat which is supposed to premier in June 22nd 2010, the Rizzoli and Isles which premiers in July 2010 and the Alien Invasion which is supposed to premier in the summer of 2010.
At this point, it is ideal to note that TNT has been created in other countries such as Spain, Turkey, Germany and turkey making it one of the most popular channels in these countries. As such, if the developments that TNT has gone through is anything to go buy, it then becomes clear that with time, it will advance even further as it showcases movies, series and sports to ensure that viewers are fully entertained through the clock.
| |
