I noticed earlier that, as usual, people come to this site and look at my past posts. From years ago. Sometimes, from back in my early days of blogging. Today, I noticed someone had pulled up my post about Atheist TV back in 2014. Honestly, I don’t think I gave Atheist T.V. much thought since I published that piece because, as I wrote then, it was only available to be streamed on Roku, and I didn’t own one and still don’t).

According to Wikipedia, Atheist T.V. shuttered in September 2015. Thirteen months after startup. An ignominious adventure? In my opinion, of course utilizing serious vision correction: Yes. Why? I can’t think of a worse organization to begin a major media venture(heck, any media venture) than American Atheists. Seriously, can you think of a more boring, unentertaining organization? I can, but won’t mention them here. Are there any creative types that work of American Atheists? Anyone that even knows someone at a local T.V. station that knows anything about television programming?

It looks like money was just thrown at it, wishfully thinking that every atheist on the planet, or at least in the U.S. would tune in once in a while and eventually, the station would become profitable after potential advertisers were teased with the numbers and demographics. Apparently none of that occurred and they slunk away. Did anyone notice? I didn’t, until today. Eleven years later. What does that say about the entire venture? A loser from the beginning?

I searched for a programming guide and discovered that none exists, or ever existed. Instead, the geniuses at American Atheists utilized content categories for viewers. What’s that you(didn’t) ask? Call-in shows, programming from the Richard Dawkins Foundation, convention and events, etc. Click on. one of those categories (that‘s just a sampling) to find what you’re looking to view. Nothing that couldn’t be found in other venues (YouTube?) and nothing that looked interesting as being “original content”. I mean, who wants to watch podcasts all day?

I was hopeful of this project. I thought there was a chance for it to succeed, especially if they expanded the streaming options, which it looks like they never did. I believe they could’ve increased their chances for success just by being streamed on more than one service. Sorry American Atheists, you’re no Apple(who initially only contracted with one telecom to sell the iPhone.and were successful.). A lot less people are interested in American Atheists than American Idol.

So, a much belated so-long to a great misadventure. Next time you attempt to enter the commercial entertainment world, at least hire someone that knows something about the medium.