The FUNimation Channel Thread

[jlaking]

Can anyone tell me if they aired all of Yu Yu Hakusho?

Not all of YYH has aired since a new (to the FUNimation Channel) episode airs once a week.

 

[firecrouch]

This is kinda old, but from a post I saw on FUNimation Channel's Facebook it looks like "DBZ" might air there. Check out the post from January 22nd, 2011 at 7:25 a.m.:

[h=6]Is the FUNimation Channel planning to air DBZ anytime in the future?[/h]
There are plans. Stay tuned!

 

[Sketch]

Not all of YYH has aired since a new (to the FUNimation Channel) episode airs once a week.

That's kind of brutal, looks like they're only up to the mid 20s. They should be airing it at a slightly faster rate IMO. Maybe run a premiere of YYH next to the shows they premiere on the various days of the week. Up to 4 or 5.

 

[jlaking]

FiOS has sent out e-mails stating that they will be removing from the FUNimation Channel from their channel line-up.

Dear Customer,

On, or after, March 15 2012, Funimation (channel 262) and Bridges TV (channel 278) will be removed from the FiOS TV® lineup and you will no longer be able to view this content.

This programming has been discontinued due to very low viewership and the continued effort of Verizon to offer our customers the most popular channels while keeping our rates reasonable.

We appreciate your loyalty to Verizon FiOS TV and apologize for any inconvenience.
Remember that you can access the most current local TV line-up 24 hours a day/7 days a week at verizon.com/fiostvchannels.

Thank you for choosing Verizon.

 

[Beefy]

That bites.

I wonder how Verizon determines low viewership. Nielson ratings, or do Verizon set-top boxes phone home to tell the mothership what channel you're watching?

It seems like other channels should get booted due to low viewership, like The Golf Channel, The Tennis Channel, and all those boring religion channels, yet they're still around.

 

[ChibiGoku]

Verizon possibly removing FUNimation Channel from Fios Cable Service.

EDIT: Ack, can a mod fix the title. Put a V instead of an F by mistake.

Provided this post is accurate, we may see FUNimation Channel on one less service soon.

Here's the email that apparently was sent out regarding this:

Dear Customer,

On, or after, March 15 2012, Funimation (channel 262) and Bridges TV (channel 278) will be removed from the FiOS TV® lineup and you will no longer be able to view this content.

This programming has been discontinued due to very low viewership and the continued effort of Verizon to offer our customers the most popular channels while keeping our rates reasonable.

We appreciate your loyalty to Verizon FiOS TV and apologize for any inconvenience.
Remember that you can access the most current local TV line-up 24 hours a day/7 days a week at verizon.com/fiostvchannels.

Thank you for choosing Verizon.

This is... a bit concerning, if this is really happening, and honestly, this is a big dent for FUNimation if the channel really is getting removed. This will potentially remove a huge number of homes that people can get this channel in as a result. Really not sure what we as fans can do about this...

 

[Sparticus]

Considering how many channels exist that probably aren't popular in any way shape or form that are still being carried by cable companies... I'd say the numbers had to have been REALLY low for Verizon to drop it.

 

[firecrouch]

Does anyone else even carry the 24-hour linear channel?

Anyway this looks bad not only for people that had it on Fios, but for FUNimation Channel itself who's been trying so long to pitch it to other carriers. I wonder what they could do to increase the viewership.

Anyway, for those that had the channel, what do you think they could do to increase the viewership?

 

[GWOtaku]

I'm honestly not sure how they dramatically change course at this point. The low viewership doesn't shock me because when you get down to it, they primarily market this channel to their very committed market. The sort that buy DVDs right away or watch their programs on-demand online. If you're actively doing that, the channel is redundant. And I've never seen it organize its programming in a way that's trying to reach out and grab a specific, fresh audience. Has the channel ever had a dedicated kid's block or a block focused on any specific genre? A dedicated time slot where they run their live action stuff?

Nope. FUNimation Channel was and is an idea, not a vision.

Edit: a FUNimation statement:

We appreciate the outpouring of support from the FUNimation Channel nation regarding this sudden notice. After learning of Verizon FiOS TV's decision, we are discussing our options to maintain FUNimation Channel's presence on their platform. We promise to keep our legion of fans posted through our website and social media pages and encourage our fans to call Verizon FiOS TV to voice their opinion.

 

[ventus20]

Is there any chance this funimation channel will air on North America?

 

[jlaking]

Is there any chance this funimation channel will air on North America?

It is currently broadcasting and has been for almost 6 and half years.

 

[Sketch]

FiOS was the only way I ever saw the FUNimation Channel. This is disappointing news. They seemed about ready to make some big strides.

 

[ventus20]

What channel is it? I have dish network

 

[HG Revolution]

I never thought the channel was doing that well, but it was really one of the bottom two least watched channels on FiOS? Or was there some additional reason it was canceled?

 

[Mohji]

Next week FUNimation Channel is adding some new premieres to their lineup.

Starting next Monday at 9pm EST, they will be airing the first of two Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino OVAs. Meanwhile, the second season of Sengoku Basara premieres Tuesday at 10:30pm EST.

 

[bigddan11]

What channel is it? I have dish network

FUNimation Channel currently isn't carried by Dish Network.

I have said from the start if FUNi wants to expand, they need to try and enter into some contracts with local carriers that have extra digital tier stations available to ait it on. Heck, I know if FUNi Channel were to be made available to someone like KPEJ 24.3, I would have my TV tuned almost exclusively to it and be watching it each morning before I went to work. As it is I have Dish and have never had FUNi content outside of when Colours aired that block.

 

[jlaking]

Announced on their Facebook page, the FUNimation Channel will be premiering the movie Vexille on March 2nd. Also, Princess Jellyfish and .hack//Quantum OVA will debut sometime in March.

 

[Media Man]

Future of Funimation Channel

I hate to say this, but what you are seeing folks is the demise of this wonderful niche channel (which I have enjoyed for 3 years). Verizon FiOS is replacing the channel with Disney Junior on March 15[SUP]th[/SUP].

I predict after that date ATT&T Uverse will pull the channel for the same reason Verizon did. This will leave just a handful of small cable operators to carry the channel which won’t be enough to satisfy its sponsors whom will pullout. Funimation Channel will most likely shut it down after that.

This will leave the rest of us who like to watch Anime with either the Internet or watching it piecemeal one show on G4, another on Sci-fi, another on Cartoon Network.

 

[Nikkolas]

Well I'd love if Fairy Tail could get on CN or something. I want it to do well over here in the US and not sure if DVD sales alone will generate the exposure it needs.

(I myself just got into FT)

 

[Sketch]

Well I'd love if Fairy Tail could get on CN or something. I want it to do well over here in the US and not sure if DVD sales alone will generate the exposure it needs.

(I myself just got into FT)

It is really too bad Fairy Tale isn't airing on a major cable network.