farewell, azn

The time has come to say goodbye to AZN Television. As it was reported back in January, Comcast announced that it would be pulling the plug on AZN TV, after several years of limping along as the self-annointed "Network for Asian America," due to trouble gaining advertisers and distribution. But wait, you ask, didn't I hear news of AZN's demise, like, years ago? Yes. And it's been a long, slow death. AZN sent out the following email blast last week:

An important message from AZN TELEVISION

The management of AZN Television regrets to announce that the channel will be taken off the air effective April 9 at 12 p.m.

AZN was having difficulty gaining advertisers and distribution. After considerable review of the network’s financial situation, it was decided that it was no longer financially viable.

We thank you, our loyal viewers, for your support of AZN over the years. AZN has paved the way for Asian American television and wishes other media outlets success in creating compelling programming and fostering Asian American talent.

The network ceases brodcasting today at noon: AZN closing shop April 9. There's not a whole lot left to shut down anyway, nor are there too many viewers left to miss it. I've always had sort of a love/hate relationship with AZN. What started off as a promising destination for original Asian American television content quickly deteriorated in a tired, recycled content. Plus, it had an awful name.

At the same time, I was certainly encouraged by the fact that not just one, but several television channels were out there trying to represent for Asians, at least in theory. Too bad they couldn't keep it going. Farewell, AZN. I wasn't a huge fan, but it was always nice knowing you were around. It's all on you now, ImaginAsian! No pressure.