**History Channel Overview and Evolution**
– Launched in 1995, focusing on historical series and specials.
– Nicknamed ‘The Hitler Channel’ for its heavy World War II coverage.
– Expanded internationally through A&E Networks in the late 1990s.
– Rebranded in 2008, 2015, and 2021 with logo changes.
– Introduced History Channel Traveler and History International spin-off.
**History Channel Programming and Criticism**
– Covers various historical periods and themes.
– Organizes themed weeks and marathons on specific topics.
– Expanded into scripted dramas like ‘Vikings’ in 2013.
– Criticized for bias towards US history and nonhistorical series.
– Mixed reviews initially with criticism from professional historians.
**History Channel Controversies and Criticisms**
– Discredited claims like the Amelia Earhart photograph.
– Criticized for promoting pseudohistory and conspiracy theories.
– Critique from archaeologists and scientists on historical accuracy.
– Criticized for misleading perspectives and lack of apology/explanation.
– Satirized by media personalities and listed as anti-science by Brian Dunning.
**History Channel International Presence**
– Launched in various countries including the UK, Germany, and Poland.
– Joint ventures with Sky UK, A&E Networks Benelux, and other partners.
– Expansion into HD channels in Europe and Asia.
– Development of localized content for specific markets.
– Available in Latin America, Oceania, Africa, and Asia with regional adaptations.
**History Channel Media Partnerships and Ventures**
– Joint ventures with Astro, A&E Television Networks, and other companies.
– Collaboration with media partners for content distribution.
– Launch of History HD channels in different regions.
– Partnerships with cable and satellite providers for distribution.
– Expansion of reach through strategic partnerships and diversification into historical gaming content.
History (stylized in all caps), formerly and commonly known as the History Channel, is an American pay television network and flagship channel owned by A&E Networks, a joint venture between Hearst Communications and The Walt Disney Company's General Entertainment Content Division.
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| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Nationwide |
| Headquarters | 235 E. 45th St., New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Programming | |
| Picture format |
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| Ownership | |
| Owner | A&E Networks |
| Sister channels | |
| History | |
| Launched | January 1, 1995 |
| Links | |
| Website | www |
| Availability | |
| Streaming media | |
| Service(s) | Philo, Frndly TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Vidgo |
The network was originally focused on history-based, social/science documentaries as well as the news. During the late 2000s, the History Channel pivoted into reality television programming. In addition to this change in format, the network has been criticized by many scientists, historians, and skeptics for broadcasting pseudo-documentaries and pseudoscientific, unsubstantiated, sensational investigative programming.
As of November 2023[update], History is available to approximately 63,000,000 pay television households in the United States-down from its 2011 peak of 99,000,000 households. International localized versions of the History Channel are available, in various forms, in India, Canada, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America.