NEW YORK: The US based cable network TNN (The National Network owned by Viacom) has announced its plans to change its name to Spike effective 16 June. The channel will change its positioning and will target males.
 
 
TNN president Albie Hecht was quoted as saying that the name Spike conjures up images of being "smart and fun and irreverent."

Hecht also states that TNN is the first network to open admit that it is targeting males. Nearly 66 per cent of TNN's viewers are males. TNN already airs properties such as World Wrestling Entertainment, Star Trek: The Next Generation and a made-up game of basketball played on trampolines called "slam ball. Its most popular programs, Monday's two WWE wrestling shows, are off 22 percent in viewership, with "Star Trek" down 32 percent, Nielsen Media Research said.

Spike will also work with men's health magazine to produce segments on fitness or relationships, and CBS Marketwatch to provide financial updates.

New programmes in the works include A Guy and His Stuff about gizmos and gadgets, and Top 10 Things Every Guy Should Experience which will follow men to top sporting events like the Super Bowl.

Reports indicate that Spike TV is already available in 86 million television homes.