SCI FI Channel is changing its name

After nineteen years on the air, the SCI FI Channel in the U.S. is changing its name.

Syfy

IS SCI FI CHANNEL’S NEW BRAND IDENTITY
LAUNCHING ON AIR AND ON LINE JULY 7TH

BRAND EVOLUTION REFLECTS BROADER RANGE OF IMAGINATION-BASED ENTERTAINMENT
CREATES OWNABLE AND EXTENDABLE BRAND
FOR THE FUTURE

IMAGINE GREATER
TO BECOME NEW TAGLINE

New York, NY – March 16, 2009 – Building upon sixteen years of water cooler programming and soaring ratings growth following its most-watched year ever, SCI FI Channel is evolving into Syfy on air and on-line beginning July 7th, it was announced today by Dave Howe, President, SCI FI.

By changing the name to Syfy, which remains phonetically identical, the new brand broadens perceptions and embraces a wider and more diverse range of imagination-based entertainment including fantasy, paranormal, reality, mystery, action and adventure, as well as science fiction. It also positions the brand for future growth by creating an ownable trademark that can travel easily with consumers across new media and non-linear digital platforms, new international channels and extend into new business ventures.

Imagine Greater will become the new brand message and tagline, inviting both consumers and advertisers into a new era of unlimited imagination, exceptional experiences and greater entertainment. Syfy more clearly captures the mainstream appeal of the world’s biggest entertainment category, and reflects the network’s ongoing strategy to create programming that’s more accessible and relatable to new audiences. Syfy will continue to celebrate the traditional roots of the genre, while opening the brand aperture to accommodate a broader range of imagination-based entertainment.

“While continuing to embrace our legacy and our core audience, we needed to cultivate a distinct point of view with a name that we could own that invites more people in and reflects our broader range of programming,” said Mr. Howe in making the announcement. “Syfy allows us to build on our 16 year heritage of success with a new brand built on the power that fuels our genre: the Imagination. Syfy ushers in a new era of unlimited imagination, exceptional experiences and greater entertainment that paves the way for us to truly become a global lifestyle brand.”

Syfy — unlike the generic entertainment category “sci-fi” – firmly establishes a uniquely ownable trademark that is portable across all non-linear digital platforms and beyond, from Hulu to iTunes. Syfy also creates an umbrella brand name that can extend into new adjacent businesses under the Syfy Ventures banner, such as Syfy Games, Syfy Films and Syfy Kids.

Additionally, as the Channel’s footprint expands rapidly around the globe, aiming to reach more than 50 international channels by the end of next year, Syfy meets the need of a globally relevant, trademarkable brand that stands for something unique to the brand in each territory.

The new brand evolution will launch on air and on-line July 7th, in tandem with the premiere of the new scripted drama, Warehouse 13, and the return of breakout summer series Eureka. An aggressive trade marketing campaign will kick off this spring. Scifi.com will assume the URL Syfy.com at that time.

SCI FI Channel is a television network that fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com ) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 95 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies.

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jeffala
15 years ago

I guess this is a good thing since, as the article mentions, SciFi has been moving further and further away from actual science fiction and related genres and into “sports entertainment” and BS reality shows.

Kate Carter
Kate Carter
15 years ago

I agree. Personally, the only reason I’ve watched that channel at all is because of Stargate. I can’t stand it otherwise. They’re all idiots anyway, as evidenced by their cancellation of Atlantis when it could have gone on for years just fine.

Minnesota Fan
Minnesota Fan
15 years ago

As if changing their name is going to get more people to watch it. They haven’t been sci fi for a while now. They have become just another station. Nothing special. I find myself watching better made shows on other stations. Still missing Stargate..thank goodness for dvds.

GateEngineer17
GateEngineer17
15 years ago

I agree, jeffala. What this represents to me quite clearly is that Sci Fi (SyFy) is distancing itself from the science fiction and fantasy genres with which it made its name and are its heritage. I am deeply disappointed. This move is no doubt to align with the transition of their content away from high-quality, thought-provoking futuristic drama and toward mindless fare like “pro” wrestling and the paranormal “reality” shows. I suppose I should be glad that the word part “sci” and the Saturn symbol will no longer have to be embarrassed by being superimposed on the same. Mindless and… Read more »

HBMC
HBMC
15 years ago

Sci-Fi to SyFy? What’s that line… ‘A rose by any other name etc.’. The change is a much of a muchness. Sci-Fi or SyFy… really no change at all.

Their tagline is, of course, idiotic. “Imagine Greater”. Imagine greater what, exactly?

BYE

AutumnDream
AutumnDream
15 years ago

Haha, that is really stupid.

caramelmonkey
caramelmonkey
15 years ago

Pfft. Hahha. I was expecting something more…well, creative? I mean, this Howe person said “If I were texting, this is how I would spell it”

From that you can tell that they’re trying to aim the network at younger people.

I am one of those younger people…but…I still find a name like “SyFy” really stupid.

They’re a bunch of idiots – cancelling a bunch of good shows. Changing the name doesn’t solve anything.

chandrimac
chandrimac
15 years ago

I suppose the name “Sci Fi” could be considered “limiting,” in that it might actually cause the average viewer to expect you to broadcast, oh, I don’t know… science fiction? o.O

SGAFan
SGAFan
15 years ago

heh.. ooookay, interesting. Maybe that will help them justify airing wrestling shows. Where does that fit in the “ full landscape of fantasy entertainment: the paranormal, the supernatural, action and adventure, superheroes”. Hmm.. do they consider wrestlers to be superheros? *ugh* Oh well, I only watched Scifi for Stargate and while I’ll be giving SGU a chance, I dont expect the honeymoon to last. ;) So, I guess it doesn’t really matter to me. ;)

jiklar
jiklar
15 years ago

So if “SyFy” eventually moves completely away from it’s roots, is there any other network that primarily plays science fiction?

universacred
universacred
15 years ago

SyFy? Is that a bad joke? Fyyyyy!

alteran1
alteran1
15 years ago

Wow, what a dumb idea. It was fine the way it was. Anyway, like a lot of other people here, the only thing I will ever watch on Sci-Fi channel is Stargate. I really wish MGM could have found another channel after the whole SG-1 cancellation, we’re gonna take our ball and go home debacle. It was rediculous how much power sci-fi exerts over the shows it had. The sudden cancellation of Farscape, then SG-1. Part of the reason MGM canceled Atlantis is possibly so they could end it on their own terms for once instead of at the whim… Read more »

Trak90
Trak90
15 years ago

lol. how lame

halohunter
halohunter
15 years ago

SyFy: Sci-Fi for people who can’t spell.

Jedi_Master_Bra'tac
Jedi_Master_Bra'tac
15 years ago

woah! They’re changing their name from Sci-Fi, to SyFy! Huge change

Jedi_Master_Bra'tac
Jedi_Master_Bra'tac
15 years ago

Well I suppose it’s no longer skiffy

MrBlueEyes
MrBlueEyes
15 years ago

Syfy? Whaha. I laught myself almost dead when I read that. Just keep it Sci-fi, or come up with another name. Syfy is the same as Sci-fi only now you write it like you say it.

Worf
Worf
15 years ago

—–Science fiction news site SyFy Portal recently rebranded itself as Airlock Alpha, possibly a precursor to the network’s acquisition of the “Syfy” name. The change does allow the network to own the copyright on its own name — which it couldn’t do with a word as generic and widely used as “sci-fi.”—-

How interesting. I bet SyFy Portal squeeze some money from Sci_Fi Channel, in return for changin’ name.

Worf
Worf
15 years ago

This whole change reminds me on UPN, which alco changed name and forsaken Star Trek franchice, franchise on which they built their crappy network (especially with Voyager).

Puddle Splasher
Puddle Splasher
15 years ago

It’s not just Sci-Fi anymore, it’s…. SyFy-ish!

My vote for a new SyFy planet logo would be “dwarf planet asteroid #134340” (look it up).

Forget “Imagine Greater”. Poor tagline.That’s like the hero telling the villian holding a hostage over a cliff, “Let her go”.

Maybe we should all do the heroic thing and go imagine something greater, elsewhere.

Who is with on starting our own Sci-Fi cable channel?. Long live the Public Access channel!!!

knowles2
knowles2
15 years ago

What a rubbish name. Seriously have ever thought that the reason people do not their pathetic little channel is because apart from SGA and SGC is that content is rather dull when compared to other cable channels. Plus the way they split there content up is just terrible, six months almost for eps of BSG and Eureka its just sums up what wrong with the channel.

Orion Coran
Orion Coran
15 years ago

Well, looks like forshadowing to come…Can you say more “Fakeality” and wrestling. -_- I hope this doesn’t affect future shows Caprica, SGU, etc..

sinisterdeath
sinisterdeath
15 years ago

looks like some on over at the onion got on board of directors.

Mana
Mana
15 years ago

I’ve always known the Sci-Fi Channel head honchos were idiots. This just proves my case.

ulic1234
ulic1234
15 years ago

Here’s my comment on Sci Fi Wire: Dear Sci Fi Channel (I REFUSE to acknowledge the incredibly lame new name and tag-line – it’s almost as bad my city’s tag-line – “Cleveland Plus…”), I think it’s time to fire your executives, your advertising agency, and most of your staff. This is about the most ridiculous thing I’ve EVER seen. Do you not realize how STUPID this new “wonderful” concept of your is?! Where in hell do you pick up these people and absolutely horrible ideas? I mean, seriously, these people WAY overpaid for their degrees!! Please leave the name the… Read more »

fadetoone
fadetoone
15 years ago

Dear SeeFee channel, That is retarded.

muffit the daggit
muffit the daggit
15 years ago

I miss the old days already. MTV played music videos, comedy meant funny, SciFi wasn’t wrestling (though I see the connection), Soon there won’t be any cartoons on Toon and I’ll have to go to the theater to see HBO. I mentioned that SciFi wasn’t about wrestling right?

cazafex
cazafex
15 years ago

syfy… sounds like a failed name for a new prescription drug

Warning: Syfy make cause Drowsiness, Irritation, Increased anger, and the uncontrollable urge to throw a TV out of a window.

trin
trin
15 years ago

Friday night watching BSG with friends we were mourning as we looked at the next day’s listings… “WTF ‘Snakehead Terror AGAIN?” and “wouldn’t it be cool if they ran some of the classic SF like they did when the channel started?” and “Have they EVER rerun the SF channel miniseries version of DUNE? It was great!” There are other channels doing the horror/terror thing, other channels doing the reality/game stuff, other channels doing… Scifi is a Genre that really has an audience when the genre gets some respect. (BSG for example, or the various StarGate incarnations, or even STAR trek… Read more »

Hatusu
Hatusu
15 years ago

Sy – Fy -Fo -Fum
I smell the fear of an executive.

I want Sci Fi and by that, I mean science fiction – not paranormal ghost hunters, monster of the week movies or wrestling.

You can’t have it all, SyFy (how insulting is that name?). You are losing your most loyal viewers.

naonak77
naonak77
15 years ago

Wow, who’s the idiot that came up with that?
oh, and I’m changing my name from sean to shawn

Cafe 5
Cafe 5
15 years ago

With the changing of it name we can look forward to many more reality shows with the whispered words…what was that?….did you hear that? lets get out of here…followed by its $1.98 in house movies. As viewers we sure have a great deal to look forward too. I’m glad Stargate will be around in some form, either in reruns or SGU. Oh well there’s always wrestling.

amconway
amconway
15 years ago

I think I just threw up a little.

Walks
Walks
15 years ago

AMEN! @ ulic1234 I’ve screamed many of your comments in my head and heart for some time now.
And posted a few at SciFi.com. I thought Bonnie Hammond and her cronies were fired long ago, then again, that was probably just wishful thinking on my part!

acmunson
acmunson
15 years ago

You are quoting an Onion AV article as news?

flmatthew
flmatthew
15 years ago

IDIOTS! They just don’t get it. Never have!

Hatusu
Hatusu
15 years ago

LOL .

It does reek of a parody by “The Onion”.

mangababe
mangababe
15 years ago

Clearly the network executives don’t understand that it’s the well-educated geeks with disposable income that watch their channel and buy entire seasons of their hit shows on DVD. Without the “geeks and aliens” there would not have been 15+ seasons of the Stargate franchise.

ulic1234
ulic1234
15 years ago

You guys should see the screaming, wailing, yelling, and complaining going on at the article on Sci Fi Wire (or will it now be SyFy Wire?):

http://scifiwire.com/2009/03/sci-fi-channel-to-become.php

Totally awesome. Think Sci Fi Channel will listen? I don’t.

Eridani
Eridani
15 years ago

Why don’t they just give up and change the name to “We’re Boring”?
Oh, wait… Forgot that NBC already nabbed that one.

Paulo
Paulo
15 years ago

I concur 100% with ulic1234 comments. Clearly the Executives at ‘SYFY’ dont have a clear understanding of what their viewers want to see. My contention is: The survival of shows should be viewer lead. The only way to do that is to run online voting polls on what we are watching.. Its easy enough to organize a simple list and clickable counters. with all the past and present SiFi shows and its done, Great shows like Farscape, BSG, StarGate, etc. Let the voting show them what we want…Come on GateWorld surly you could organize something.

The Creeping Spleen
The Creeping Spleen
15 years ago

This is, quite possibly, the stupidest thing I’ve heard this year so far.
It’s an April Fools gag, right?

TheChuckr
TheChuckr
15 years ago

Asinine – I rarely watch any more. For me, SciFi went from “must-see” to “must not waste my time.”

nikki_6969
nikki_6969
15 years ago

SyFy — sounds like an abbreviation for Syphilis. Especially since a text to reader pronounces it “siffy”. I think it fits with their programming these days.

When BSG is over, I won’t have any reason at all to watch that channel, so they can call it whatever they want. I’ve been pissed at them since they cancelled Farscape.

stillwaters
stillwaters
15 years ago

I agree that the SciFi channel has had little to do with science fiction for some time now, but the new name – a supposedly phonetic version of the the original name, is just further evidence of the dumbing-down of society.

Danybrean
Danybrean
15 years ago

A lot of people feel very strongly about Sci-Fi and not all of it favourable. Changing the name allowed it to be registered, which was probably the most reasonable, but changing it so it texts better and spells by ear is kinda “dumbing it down” as you put it Stillwaters. A product of today’s times. Soon no one will be able to spell anything correctly. Back on topic – curiously all the science fiction programmes(how we spell it, program is software)I watch, fantastic Stargates included are not on this namechanging channel anyway. They’re all on SKY. Perhaps they are moving… Read more »

Kara Sheppard
Kara Sheppard
15 years ago

Alright!!! Who put Kavanaugh in charge of this channel?!?! This sounds like one of his lame brain ideas!!!

I quote Jack Nickelson as The Joker…”That Channel needs an ennema!!”

Danybrean
Danybrean
15 years ago

Post script:
Another thought.
Execs keep shows going when…………..
They make money, right!.

If they don’t make money it’s because……
right again, no ones watching.

Ok lol, I like offering the other side of the coin sometimes..keeps things balanced.

I’m a fan of science fiction not the channel.
Who cares what they call it. We’ll stick with the channel that gives us what we want.

Danybrean
Danybrean
15 years ago

Lmao….I like that.
Probably trying to make it more user friendly.
Well I guess the users aint friendly anymore.

katikatnik
katikatnik
15 years ago

Let’s move even further from, you know, actual scifi *rolls eyes*