Arena (TV channel)

Arena
CountryAustralia
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format576i (SDTV 16:9)
1080i (HDTV 16:9)
Timeshift serviceArena +2
Ownership
OwnerFoxtel Networks
Sister channelsFoxtel Networks channels
History
Launched22 April 1995[1][2]
Former namesArena (1995-2020)
Fox Arena (2020-2023)
Availability
Streaming media
Foxtel GoChannel 111
Bingebinge.com.au

Arena (formerly Fox Arena) is an Australian general entertainment cable and satellite channel available on Foxtel, Austar, and Optus Television's subscription platforms.

History

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In the late 1990s, Arena had the slogan "The Art of Television". It ran a mix of programs, including UK serial Coronation Street, and cult horror and science fictions films presented by Tabitha Clutterbuck. This included programs from E! prior to the launch of E! in Australia.

On 1 March 2001 it relaunched, with an added focus on talk shows and celebrity.[3][4]

Arena
2005 logo

On 31 July 2005, its look was again updated, with a new logo and the new slogan, "Great TV Any time".[5]

It was owned and operated by XYZnetworks until 1 October 2007 when management and programming were taken over by Foxtel,[6] with XYZ Networks still retaining ownership.

Arena
2008-2020 Logo

In April 2008, Foxtel announced a partnership with Universal Networks International, where Arena would be re-branded as an Australian version of the American channel Bravo—featuring original series from the network, and adopting a variation of Bravo's branding and slogan, whilst retaining the previous Arena name.[7]

On 1 June 2010, Arena TV switched from standard 4:3 to 16:9 widescreen programming. Many of Arena's programmes like Gilmore Girls, Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother and One Tree Hill amongst other shows are originally presented in widescreen. Arena TV's switch to widescreen is part of Foxtel's plan to have every channel in widescreen by the end of 2010.

2020-2023 logo

On 3 November 2014, Arena launched a HD feed. In addition, Arena + 2 moved from channel 154 to channel 151.[8]

On 1 July 2020, the channel rebranded as FOX Arena with a new logo and tagline ‘Live Out Loud.’[9][10] The channel now operates as part of Foxtel's LifeStyle suite of television networks.

On 28 September 2023, the channel rebranded to its former name, "Arena", with a new logo.[11]

Slogans

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Slogan Year(s)
The Art of Television 1995–2001
Get Into It 2001–2005
Great TV Any Time 2005–2008
Watch What Happens 2008–2020
Live Out Loud 2020–present

Programming

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Current original programming

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Current syndicated programming

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Former original programming

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Former syndicated programming

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References

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  1. ^ Browne, Rachel (22 April 1995). "Galaxy takes knife to fees". The Sun-Herald. Sydney, Australia: Fairfax Media. p. 23. Retrieved 21 December 2009. XYZ Entertainment is launching the other four Galaxy channels today. They are a documentary channel Quest, children's and cult TV channel Max, general entertainment channel Arena and music channel Red.
  2. ^ "CPEU:Australis Background". Archived from the original on 24 December 2004. Retrieved 5 September 2009.
  3. ^ Danielsen, Shane (8 March 2001). "New Arena for female viewers". The Australian. Sydney, Australia: News Limited.
  4. ^ Brown, Pam (27 February 2001). "Arena's Soft Landing". The West Australian. Perth, Australia: West Australian Newspapers Limited.
  5. ^ Lee Lewes, Jacqeuline (20 July 2005). "A driving force". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney, Australia: News Limited.
  6. ^ says, Neil (21 September 2007). "Foxtel takes Arena | TV Tonight".
  7. ^ "Ratings". Archived from the original on 25 June 2008.
  8. ^ Knox, David (3 November 2014). "BoxSets, Discovery Kids launch on Foxtel". TV Tonight. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  9. ^ "Smooth joins axed music channels, Arena to be renamed. | TV Tonight". 4 June 2020.
  10. ^ "Arena rebrands to FOX Arena | TV Tonight". July 2020.
  11. ^ "Foxtel Magazine (October 2023) - Your monthly guide to a world of entertainment". Foxtel Magazine. p. 32. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  12. ^ Knox, David (24 February 2014). "Foxtel to fast-track Days of Our Lives". TV Tonight. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
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