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December 4, 1998/ 15 Kislev 5759, Vol. 51, No. 11
Odyssey battle lost
ANNE BRADY
Associate Editor
Valley religious leaders who met with Cox Communications executives recently about Cox's decision to drop the Odyssey Channel in favor of the Travel Channel said they were unable to convince the cable executives to bring back the multi-faith, religious-oriented cable television network, which went off the air locally as of Nov. 1.
Rabbi Robert Kravitz of the American Jewish Committee said although those in attendance at the Nov. 23 meeting - representatives of the Jewish, Catholic, Protestant and Mormon religions, in addition to Cox - enjoyed "a very positive sharing of information," he was left with the impression that Cox will not be bringing back Odyssey, due mainly to what Cox considers low viewership.
"At this point, I don't think there's room in their schedule," said Kravitz. "They left open some options, such as picking up isolated Odyssey programs."
The Rev. Paul Eppinger, director of the Arizona Ecumenical Council and a Protestant minister, said it was clear early in the meeting that "Cox had given up on Odyssey and there was no chance we were going to change their minds."
While Odyssey executives insist that Phoenix was its third largest market and accounted for 35,000 household viewers, Cox maintains that only 1,000 of its customers watch Odyssey, the two clergymen explained.
Odyssey was launched by an organization called the National Interfaith Cable Coalition and programs a mix of overtly religious programming - from worship services, to interfaith religious discussion - and documentaries and entertainment. Jewish programming includes a Friday evening program on Shabbat candle lighting, the "Jewish Chronicles" series, and Bible-study programs.
Hallmark Entertainment and the Jim Henson Co. are in the process of becoming partners in Odyssey.
"We'll keep our eye on Odyssey. Cox said that if Odyssey explodes (after the Hallmark/Henson investments become final), they'd take another look at it," said Eppinger.
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