2001 – On January 18, 2001, the FCC declined to adopt a dual carriage requirement, which they ruled would burden cable operators’ First Amendment interests. This ruling means that an operator does not have to carry a digital signal until they have surrendered their analog licenses. On this date, the FCC also adopted rules relating to the cable carriage of digital broadcast television. This rule states that a digital-only television station, commercial or non-commercial, can assert its right to carriage on a local cable system. The final FCC ruling on this date stated that a television station that returns its analog spectrum and converts to digital operations must be carried by local cable systems. Visit the FCC’s website »

2001 – The National Geographic Channel was launched in 2001 as a joint venture between National Geographic Television and Film and FOX Cable Networks. The National Geographic Channel offers programming for viewers who wish to explore, taking them on adventures on land, under the sea, in the sky, and beyond. Visit the National Geographic Channel’s website »

2000 – On January 1, 2000, the term Designated Market Area (DMA) for cable and broadcast television was adopted by the Federal Communications Commission. A DMA is assigned to every county in the country. Visit the FCC’s website »

1997 – WE: Women’s Entertainment, an entertainment network devoted to romance and featuring the largest collection of women’s interest films, original series, and specials, launched in January, 1997. Visit WE: Women’s Entertainment’s website »

1996 – The exclusive cable channel devoted to many top motor sports races and home to NASCAR TV, the Speed Channel, launched in January, 1996. Visit the Speed Channel’s website »

1995 – The History Channel launched on January 1, 1995. The network originally featured historical documentaries, weekly series, epic mini-series, and special movie presentations. Visit the History Channel’s website »

1988 – The TV Guide Channel, the premiere network for viewers seeking recommendations and information on the best programs, stars, and trends on TV, launched in 1988. Visit TV Guide Channel’s website »

1987 – Telemundo, the top US Spanish language television network, launched in 1987, providing entertainment, news, and sports to over 16 million viewers. Visit Telemundo’s website »

1985 – On New Year's Day, 1985, VH-1, a 24-hour cable network featuring original programming exploring and celebrating music, musicians, and pop culture, launched. Visit VH-1’s website »

1982 – CNN Headline News debuted on January 1, 1982. The network updated viewers every 15 minutes on the latest news in health, travel, weather, entertainment, sports, money, technology, and breaking news stories. Visit CNN Headline News’ website »

1980 – Black Entertainment Television, the leading network providing entertainment, music, news and public affairs for the African-American audience, launched on January 25, 1980, reaching over 78 million viewers. Visit BET’s website »