Golden Days Are Over

October 8, 2001

 

From Jim Metrock: It was a short paragraph tucked away in a "Channel One News Weekly Update" that is read by few:

"ANNOUNCEMENT: Channel One’s New York offices are moving this week. As of Monday, October 8th, we will be located at 1440 Broadway, 17th Fl., NY, NY 10018. Our new phone # is: 212-204-3700; Fax: 212-204-3960. All e-mails remain the same. Please make note of the change."

Tough times have come to Channel One.

I have been to Channel One’s fancy offices on Madison Avenue several times.  The last time was on September 10. These folks had the entire 6th floor at 600 Madison Avenue that was in one of the pricer sections of the street – not far from Central Park.

For years, the money poured into Channel One. Exploiting schoolchildren was a easy way to make a nice – very nice living. But those days are coming to an end and Channel One has felt the sting of advertisers running away from their show. Many schools have thrown them out or simply turned their TV show off. The days of obscene profits are over. So Channel One has to look for a less expensive place to do their work.

Broadway may sound expensive, but 1440 Broadway is a huge step down for the Channel One crew. This is in an area below Times Square around 41st Street. No more Fifth Avenue shopping for the Channel One gang.  They will be shopping at Macy’s from now on.