What's with the "Travel" Channel?
May 19th, 2003, 07:01 PM
#21
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So maybe some of us Fodorites with some "real" travel experience could put together a proposal for the Travel Channel and turn it around and make a profit from our travels and improve the Travel Channel's offerings! Instead of griping about a bad thing, why not think of a profitable way to improve it? Surely there are people on this board who could provide better input on travel than is currently offered on that channel. Maybe even the Fodors editors would endorse us!
Just a thought,,,,,,
Just a thought,,,,,,
May 19th, 2003, 07:09 PM
#22
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I was aghast to see Top Ten Pigout Spots on the Travel Channel last night. is anyone going to take a road trip just to eat 5 pounds of pancakes or 12-egg omlets?
Kudos to PBS for showing Rick Steves, Rudy Max and Globe Trekker programs.
Kudos to PBS for showing Rick Steves, Rudy Max and Globe Trekker programs.
May 19th, 2003, 07:40 PM
#23
I think Rudy Maxa'z show is better photographed and more interesting than Rick Steve's But Rick gives advice of less expensive places to stay. Luckily, here in boston, we get one(Rudy) after the other(Rick) on a Sunday starting at 10:30 A.M.
May 19th, 2003, 09:34 PM
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Cigalechanta,
Interesting that you make the comparison between the two shows, as the same company that produced the original Rick series "Travels in Europe" now does the Rudy Maxa show "Smart Travels".
St. Cirq,
Couldn't agree more! I am working on several concepts for shows now, but somehow I can't help but think that TC wouldn't find them viable unless the drive business to Vegas.
Interesting that you make the comparison between the two shows, as the same company that produced the original Rick series "Travels in Europe" now does the Rudy Maxa show "Smart Travels".
St. Cirq,
Couldn't agree more! I am working on several concepts for shows now, but somehow I can't help but think that TC wouldn't find them viable unless the drive business to Vegas.
May 20th, 2003, 11:15 AM
#26
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Aw c'mon...Nobody's gonna comment on my obscure "Günther Less" reference? Does anybody remember that show on Saturday mornings in NYC? The host looked like an ex-Hitler youth and he would show home movies of people's trips around the World. Occassionaly, a "celebrity" (nobody I ever heard of) would come on and show us poor slobs how the other half traveled. Most of the time, the guests were nuns or ministers heading out somewhere as missionaries. Very amateurish by today's standards but it may be the biggest reason I became the European Travel Nut that I am today.
.
May 20th, 2003, 11:31 AM
#28
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Too funny! I can not believe the junk on this channel. What is wrong with them! I refuse to accept that this is what pays the bills. We have completely stopped watching it. I miss Lonely Planet!!! Where is that sweet Justine now?
I'm just glad that my grandma isn't around to see this - she'd be so mad. She watched the Travel Channel every night! I can't even imagine her sitting through a truck pull...
Audrey
I'm just glad that my grandma isn't around to see this - she'd be so mad. She watched the Travel Channel every night! I can't even imagine her sitting through a truck pull...
Audrey
May 20th, 2003, 11:39 AM
#29
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I too used to love the Travel Channel and Lonely Planet. I think Lonely Planet was the best travel series ever made.
Now the TC is just tits and ass. Hour long "infomercials" on some beach hotel or cruise. Its worthless.
Now the TC is just tits and ass. Hour long "infomercials" on some beach hotel or cruise. Its worthless.
May 20th, 2003, 02:44 PM
#32
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The name's the thing . . .
StCirq (by the way, what's up with that moniker? "Saint" is a name you give yourself? Sorry. Just curious.) has a good idea to the extent that people who frequent this forum are more interested in the Rick Steve's / Rudy Max format for a Travel Channel. But perhaps that's because most of us have travelled widely and like to see production quality footage of the places we've been. While that might have appeal on this forum, I'm not sure how much (apparently not much) appeal that has to the general public.
Having said that, I'd be willing to put in time to take StCirq's idea a little further and . . . what . . .
Keep going StCirq . . .
StCirq (by the way, what's up with that moniker? "Saint" is a name you give yourself? Sorry. Just curious.) has a good idea to the extent that people who frequent this forum are more interested in the Rick Steve's / Rudy Max format for a Travel Channel. But perhaps that's because most of us have travelled widely and like to see production quality footage of the places we've been. While that might have appeal on this forum, I'm not sure how much (apparently not much) appeal that has to the general public.
Having said that, I'd be willing to put in time to take StCirq's idea a little further and . . . what . . .
Keep going StCirq . . .
May 20th, 2003, 03:04 PM
#33
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St Cirq,
I'm with you as far as thinking the idea you've put forth is a good one. Cynic that I often am though, I can't help but feel that management at the TC won't bite. I can't begin to agree with them though.
I'd love to see those folks incorporate a wide variety of travel information - from insider tips on transportation, dining, hotels to the general "what to see". With so many places in thw world and so many interest and cost levels, their programming potential is virtually limitless.
However, I've sort of reached the personal conclusion that they believe there is no demographic for a mix of advertisers and actual travel enthusiasts. The reason I say this is - imagine how easy it would be for them to obtain inexpensive travel programming now, yet they choose not to pursue those avenues. I'm not talking infomercials either, but it occurs to me that nearly every country, region and even towns have a tourist board. I'm betting most have produced promotional material in video format. I have to believe those tourism boards would fall over themselves to supply those videos to a distribution channel if there were any interest at all.
Shoot, even inhouse produced programming could be done on the cheap if they wanted to do it. Imagine "America's Funniest/Whatever Travel Videos", in the well known home video clip format. What vacationer doesn't want to show the world their vacation photos/videos??
But the TC makes no move to do any kind of travel show at all. Personally, I don't get them, but I'm behind you if you actually get them to talk to you.
I'm with you as far as thinking the idea you've put forth is a good one. Cynic that I often am though, I can't help but feel that management at the TC won't bite. I can't begin to agree with them though.
I'd love to see those folks incorporate a wide variety of travel information - from insider tips on transportation, dining, hotels to the general "what to see". With so many places in thw world and so many interest and cost levels, their programming potential is virtually limitless.
However, I've sort of reached the personal conclusion that they believe there is no demographic for a mix of advertisers and actual travel enthusiasts. The reason I say this is - imagine how easy it would be for them to obtain inexpensive travel programming now, yet they choose not to pursue those avenues. I'm not talking infomercials either, but it occurs to me that nearly every country, region and even towns have a tourist board. I'm betting most have produced promotional material in video format. I have to believe those tourism boards would fall over themselves to supply those videos to a distribution channel if there were any interest at all.
Shoot, even inhouse produced programming could be done on the cheap if they wanted to do it. Imagine "America's Funniest/Whatever Travel Videos", in the well known home video clip format. What vacationer doesn't want to show the world their vacation photos/videos??
But the TC makes no move to do any kind of travel show at all. Personally, I don't get them, but I'm behind you if you actually get them to talk to you.
May 20th, 2003, 03:33 PM
#34
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Zeus-
Yes! I'm old enough to remember Gunther Less [wish I wasn't]. We got him out here on the west coast. Like home movies. Very pronounced German accent [as they say, if he was more British, or in this case German, he wouldn't be able to speak!]. Just a joke that we always thought amusing. Maybe the fact that we watched that show says how much travelers love travelogues. Perhaps someday they'll be a REAL travel channel.
Yes! I'm old enough to remember Gunther Less [wish I wasn't]. We got him out here on the west coast. Like home movies. Very pronounced German accent [as they say, if he was more British, or in this case German, he wouldn't be able to speak!]. Just a joke that we always thought amusing. Maybe the fact that we watched that show says how much travelers love travelogues. Perhaps someday they'll be a REAL travel channel.
May 20th, 2003, 05:19 PM
#35
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Clifton,
You make some valid points.
1)"...I've sort of reached the personal conclusion that they believe there is no demographic for a mix of advertisers and actual travel enthusiasts?"
As you astutely point out, This whole thing boils down to the fact that TC sells advertising. Who is buying this advertising time? It seems to be Casinos, Cruise Lines, Florida Board of Tourism, etc.
Do they want to advertise on shows that feature to St. Malo, Beilstein, or the Cinque Terra? Maybe, Maybe Not. However, I bet the Board of Tourism for France, Germany and Italy might. Not only that but what about different Hotel Associations or perhaps Intermusee, and how about Fodor's, Frommers, or Thomas Cook? These companies have a pretty good idea of how much money we, as travel enthusiasts, spend but do they want to advertise during a show about Donuts or 12 egg omelets?
The folks at TC see easy money in Vegas and Miami and more work to drum up business from these alternatives. It is a vicious cycle. "Easy money comes from Vegas so air shows about Vegas that generates more money for Vegas so we can sell more advertising to Vegas". Generally, People are lazy and unless YOU (The Program Producer) are willing to do the work, they aren?t likely to change the way they are accustomed to working. So, it seems to me that the reason TC doesn't air "Lonely Planet" or "Rick Steves" anymore is they had a hard time selling time selling advertising time to "Ceasars Palace" when these shows are scheduled. The trick here is to bring advertiser to the distributors. The distributors have to do less work therefore are more interested in alternative programming.
2)"The reason I say this is - imagine how easy it would be for them to obtain inexpensive travel programming now, yet they choose not to pursue those avenues...it occurs to me that nearly every country, region and even towns have a tourist board. I'm betting most have produced promotional material in video format."<bold>
Now as to the "new" shows in question, I don't believe that TC or rather Discovery produces much of their own programming. Small production companies produce most of these shows. TC buys distribution rights for these programs from the Producers. So, any ideas need to be pitched to these production companies rather than TC. Then, said Production Company can pitch the show to many different distribution outlets (PBS, Fine Living, Food Network, H&G). You make a great point in saying that tourism boards have tons of material. Usually these "programs" are terrible (editing, sound, graphics), however the raw footage is usually good, and the boards usually have full rights to these materials. So, if a production company or producer could gain access to these materials, the bulk of the work is done and can be transformed, fairly inexpensively, in to a product that is palatable to the target audience, Americans that have come to expect high quality production values.
Please feel free to contact me if anyone wants to discuss ideas, has contacts to alternative advertising sources, has free time, or desire to create or contribute to programs better than what is aired by "The TRAVEL Channel".
You make some valid points.
1)"...I've sort of reached the personal conclusion that they believe there is no demographic for a mix of advertisers and actual travel enthusiasts?"
As you astutely point out, This whole thing boils down to the fact that TC sells advertising. Who is buying this advertising time? It seems to be Casinos, Cruise Lines, Florida Board of Tourism, etc.
Do they want to advertise on shows that feature to St. Malo, Beilstein, or the Cinque Terra? Maybe, Maybe Not. However, I bet the Board of Tourism for France, Germany and Italy might. Not only that but what about different Hotel Associations or perhaps Intermusee, and how about Fodor's, Frommers, or Thomas Cook? These companies have a pretty good idea of how much money we, as travel enthusiasts, spend but do they want to advertise during a show about Donuts or 12 egg omelets?
The folks at TC see easy money in Vegas and Miami and more work to drum up business from these alternatives. It is a vicious cycle. "Easy money comes from Vegas so air shows about Vegas that generates more money for Vegas so we can sell more advertising to Vegas". Generally, People are lazy and unless YOU (The Program Producer) are willing to do the work, they aren?t likely to change the way they are accustomed to working. So, it seems to me that the reason TC doesn't air "Lonely Planet" or "Rick Steves" anymore is they had a hard time selling time selling advertising time to "Ceasars Palace" when these shows are scheduled. The trick here is to bring advertiser to the distributors. The distributors have to do less work therefore are more interested in alternative programming.
2)"The reason I say this is - imagine how easy it would be for them to obtain inexpensive travel programming now, yet they choose not to pursue those avenues...it occurs to me that nearly every country, region and even towns have a tourist board. I'm betting most have produced promotional material in video format."<bold>
Now as to the "new" shows in question, I don't believe that TC or rather Discovery produces much of their own programming. Small production companies produce most of these shows. TC buys distribution rights for these programs from the Producers. So, any ideas need to be pitched to these production companies rather than TC. Then, said Production Company can pitch the show to many different distribution outlets (PBS, Fine Living, Food Network, H&G). You make a great point in saying that tourism boards have tons of material. Usually these "programs" are terrible (editing, sound, graphics), however the raw footage is usually good, and the boards usually have full rights to these materials. So, if a production company or producer could gain access to these materials, the bulk of the work is done and can be transformed, fairly inexpensively, in to a product that is palatable to the target audience, Americans that have come to expect high quality production values.
Please feel free to contact me if anyone wants to discuss ideas, has contacts to alternative advertising sources, has free time, or desire to create or contribute to programs better than what is aired by "The TRAVEL Channel".
May 20th, 2003, 09:26 PM
#37
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D_T,
I suppose it makes sense when it comes down to it. Go where the money is, or at least where it's easier pickings. Still, I do miss the philosophy that if you create a great product and let the world know, that you'll have a path beaten to your doorstep. Ah, well.
I believe you're on target with the advertising angle. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach (do they still say that or is that just a clinical procedure nowadays?) and obviously the way to a corporation's heart is through it's accounts receivable department.
Build a new revenue stream as conducive as their current prospects and the production houses will create the programming. It's all about the money and where it's coming from. I think the content would work itself out.
Unfortunately, being a closer relation to Silicon Valley than Madison Ave, I don't think I'd be much use in the corporate sponsor department. And one does wonder, if you're going to build a business, complete with product and revenue stream, why turn it over to someone (TC) who wouldn't do it for themselves?
The WorldTrek Network, coming to a cable system near you. Someone out there has to be looking for a format change. TNN is in mid-evolution, surely there are more.
I suppose it makes sense when it comes down to it. Go where the money is, or at least where it's easier pickings. Still, I do miss the philosophy that if you create a great product and let the world know, that you'll have a path beaten to your doorstep. Ah, well.
I believe you're on target with the advertising angle. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach (do they still say that or is that just a clinical procedure nowadays?) and obviously the way to a corporation's heart is through it's accounts receivable department.
Build a new revenue stream as conducive as their current prospects and the production houses will create the programming. It's all about the money and where it's coming from. I think the content would work itself out.
Unfortunately, being a closer relation to Silicon Valley than Madison Ave, I don't think I'd be much use in the corporate sponsor department. And one does wonder, if you're going to build a business, complete with product and revenue stream, why turn it over to someone (TC) who wouldn't do it for themselves?
The WorldTrek Network, coming to a cable system near you. Someone out there has to be looking for a format change. TNN is in mid-evolution, surely there are more.
May 21st, 2003, 12:20 PM
#39
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I gave up on the Travel Channel a long time ago. Now I enjoy Rick Steves on PBS, Rudy Maxa's Smart Travels on the Fine Living channel, and Globe Trekker is also on PBS, so I still get to see Ian Wright and Justine do the shows they use to do on Lonely Planet. On the Food Channel, I've watched Rachael Ray ($40 A Day) in Florence, Paris and Rome, plus Mario does some shows from Italy. It sure beats "Top 10 Scariest Places", Vegas gambling tips and tractor pulls!
