In a move that I find sad and slightly disturbing, “The History Channel” is being renamed to just “History” to broaden it’s viewership and expand into other forms of media.

Frankly, I find this upsetting on a variety of levels. If there is one channel on television you can count on to learn SOMETHING everytime you watch, it’s “The History Channel”. I love watching this channel at the end of the day, or on weekends and learning things about history that I never knew before. From Colonial times, to classic cars, gangsters, wars, holidays – you name it – you can learn a lot of amazing things by watching The History Channel.

While renaming itself “History” doesn’t bother me in concept, it’s the fact that the network is obviously trying to be more “hip” that I find disturbing. Any added “hipness” is going to alienate the channel’s older viewing audience, and their desire to expand their programming options will likely do the same.

Do we need History themed game shows and reality shows? How long do you think it will be before they start running dramas or sitcoms set in historical times? We’ve already seen them jump into making video games, and producing shows about chasing monsters…what’s next?

Do you think this move could be good for the network, or are we about to see the end of “The History Channel”?