The impending change of the Sci-Fi channel's name to SyFy has caused a great uproar among their typical demographic, but it has become apparent that the name change was meant to coincide with a more radical programming change.
When Sci-Fi first announced its attempt at rebranding, the outrage was plain. Viewers couldn't understand why the network would attempt to changes its longstanding name to distance itself from the core upon which the network was founded. Explanations from the executives in charge made little sense. Some people suspected that the whole thing was little more than a smokescreen to cover something far larger. NBC, Sci-Fi's parent company, has confirmed that this is the case.
“Science fiction seems like a poor thing to waste a network on. We wanted to give back to the world what it gives to us in ratings, so we are announcing the final part of the rebranding of the Sci-Fi channel,” said Mark Jones, a senior executive.
The initial announcement was somewhat truthful in it addressing that SyFy is a form of textspeak. However, it is not textspeak referencing the science fiction genre. SyFy (“siffy”) is the textspeak and street name for syphilis.
“It really is as simple as a decision to provide a public service rather than a public disservice. We figure, with the end of the time wasted on science fiction, the geeks who will be forced to get a life will actually get useful information from the network. The consequences of unprotected and reckless sex are important to communicate to young and dysfunctional people before they finally get laid,” said Dave Howe.
Good intentions aside, the idea has caused great concern among conservative critics. Many have accused NBC of intending to contribute to “the degradation of the Christian values that make the United States great by encouraging sexual promiscuity.” Others are shocked at how open the intended programming will be even in the face of criticism.
“I mean, I was expecting that they would have some boring and really veiled shows or something, but, dude, they are actually trying to show the impact it has on lives. I got to preview this show “Single with Simplex” and the lead actress was totally hot,” said Zachary Miller, one of the members of marketing test group.
Even less convinced are members of the previous demographic that Sci-Fi claims to have been targeting: the myriad of science fiction fans.
“I may be a geek, but I'm certainly not dysfunctional, antisocial, or a boy. Link is cute enough to play a game to see though. But, the thing is, their (Sci-Fi's) dismissal of us all like that hurt. We've watched the network for years, and some of us grew up with it. And then they go and insult us all like that. For what? A channel about syphilis? S-C-I-F-I forever, I say. S-Y-F-Y can go away, I want my deranged, mutant ghost stalking campers movies!” said Sharon Reece, a science fiction fan.
The future line-up of the soon to be SyFy channel embraces the diversity found among venereal diseases and attempts to cover as many as possible. Shows will include a sitcom “Single with Simplex”, a cooking show “Crabs and Apples”, and an as yet unnamed mockumentary. The name change will occur on July 7th, 2009, while the programming changes will slowly be phased in over the following months to ease the transition.
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