TNN's hunger for younger: Robina crafts a general-entertainment network skewed heavily toward Gen X. (Programming).(Viacom's new TNN: The National Network)(Brief Article)

Broadcasting & Cable, April, 2002 by Romano, Allison

The Ren & Stimpy Show and extreme basketball on a trampoline court--coined Slamball--don't sound like typical general-entertainment fare. But the goal at Viacom's new TNN: The National Network is to be different, an alternative for young adults. That means providing "a young demo with programming they won't get anywhere else," EVP and GM Diane Robina said at an upfront presentation last week.

Nickelodeon's classic cartoon Ren & Stimpy and Slamball in Tollin/Robbins are just two of TNN's new shows designed to lure young viewers. TNN's overall target is nominally broad, adults 18-49, but execs say all fare must pass a 25-34 year old filter. "We know that audience well because we raised them from Nick to MTV and, now, TNN," said MTV Networks...

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