Loss of educational channels over time

[TheKrell]

I'm starting this thread because we were discussing this in another thread that went political and got deleted.

Anyhow, there used to be science on the Science Channel, and for that matter most all the Discovery channels, as well as NatGeo and History. There used to be a great Discovery Health channel with many interesting programs. Sold to Oprah. I know another member mentioned Discovery Kids...

I also mentioned (in that other thread) that at least NOVA and Nature are still on PBS. Any other educational channels that aren't dominated by reality pap? (Oh, and I also insulted the viewing public for watching reality programs at all... I hope that wasn't why the thread was deleted.)

 

[dare2be]

While not educational, Scifi used to be about science fiction until they went Syfy (silly fantasy).

My daughter was distraught for days when Discovery Kids went kaput.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Remember when you use to learn from The Learning Channel.

?Now I am not sure what you learn from watching Honey Boo Boo.

 

[TheKrell]

Yeah. Now there's wrestling on the SyFy channel. What nonsense! Is Star Trek the series still available anywhere? Or have science fiction fans all died of old age?

 

[Scherrman]

I'm guessing they all changed their formats because there are not a lot of people that want to watch educational shows all day long, at least not as many people that sit and watch reality shows.

 

[dare2be]

Just as this thread probably won't get much attention, hardly anyone cares about being smart.

 

[TheKrell]

Well well. The original thread was restored.

 

[TNGTony]

Good, interesting educational channels are all doomed. Not enough people care to be edumacated by the magic box. They're there to be entertained. Personally, I am most entertained when I am learning something.

The Science Channel still has some new actual science programs, they are mostly from BBC. Morgan Freeman's "Through the Wormhole" is a now 50/50 mix of science and fantasy that, to me, is worse than honey-boo-boo. Why? Because it tries to pass off fantasy as accepted science or scientific theory. It mixes terminology in a way no real science program should. It elevates totally disproven hypotheses to the same level as current scientific theories. It didn't use to be like that. The first two seasons were solid shows. But as it continues, it has evolved into this dangerous mix of pseudo-science and at times mysticism.

I dislike "reality programs" but I loathe fantasy, ghost, pseudo-science programs. These are disseminating disinformation in the guise of informational programs. The science channel is taking the next step in disinformational programing with tonight's premier of "The Unexplained Files". ---never mind that the few previous and promos I've seen have very real explanations that are ignored.

 

[Tampa8]

Just as this thread probably won't get much attention, hardly anyone cares about being smart.

I care, I learned from "Duck Dynasty."

 

[Juan]

Some of the pi channels are still good but alas most of the good ones have left

Posted Using The New SatelliteGuys Reader App!

 

[satjay]

Not sure exactly when but I think TLC flipped when it started to show that John and Kate show?

 

[boba]

Yeah. Now there's wrestling on the SyFy channel. What nonsense! Is Star Trek the series still available anywhere? Or have science fiction fans all died of old age?

Memorable Entertainment still has original Star Trek

Modern Marvels still offers some education with their entertainment on the History Channel. And as already mentioned PBS is still around.

 

[dare2be]

I dislike "reality programs" but I loathe fantasy, ghost, pseudo-science programs. These are disseminating disinformation in the guise of informational programs.

I could not like this post enough. That is very dangerous territory.

 

[Yespage]

That is a pain. And worse, you need pay a premium to get Science... and then they start showing a bit of fluff on it now, making the premium worth less and less. But it doesn't draw the ratings too well, hence cheaper "reality" programming. There should be a law that requires a channel that gives itself a name of standing for a subject to actually show quality program under than banner.

I personally didn't like how Through the Wormhole didn't seem to verbally smack Michael Behe with his "irreducible complexity" garbage. The people that followed certainly took it apart, but the show didn't take a stand on the incredible stupidity that is the infalsifiable scientific 'theory' of "intelligent design".

 

[empiretc]

just look at what has become of the mythbusters..... discovery, tlc, the list goes on and on.... sad

 

[dare2be]

I haven't watched mythbusters and through the wormhole in years, and was planning on catching up at some point. Sounds like I don't need to.

 

[wolfjc]

What is wrong with the History Channel?
They seem to fixate on Ancient Aliens. This is supposed to be a history channel and there is NO evidence that aliens exist.
There is NO way any aliens can reach the earth, why would they want to.
They can't reach earth since NOTHING that has mass can travel FASTER than light.
Just check out Einstein.

 

[Yespage]

Maybe Dish should have gotten Fearnet. Being a channel that specialized on horror movies, it probably was only a matter of time before they showed Ken Burns documentaries.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

I care, I learned from "Duck Dynasty."

Actually I use the feel the way you did about the show until I actually watched it... now its one of my favorite shows.

The thing I like about it is each week it teaches family values. It is also good to see a family sit down with each other and pray before eating.

Its not a show like Honey Boo Boo.

 

[cosmo_kramer]

Remember when you use to learn from The Learning Channel.

?Now I am not sure what you learn from watching Honey Boo Boo.

I could think of a few things, but they all seem to be what not to do....