Gawyn said:
They are aiming for the widest market possible and even in anime fan terms that mostly consists of those that prefer dubs to subs. Those who support subtitles over dubs are a (highly) vocal minority. Besides that showing titles with subtitles potentially alienates the real goldmine audience for such a channel, namely those with little-to-no knowledge of the medium or those with a passing interest. I wouldn't go so far as to say that such an audience is a must for the channel to be a success but considering the relatively small proportion of anime fans in the UK (and that is including those who may be unable to get Sky for one reason or another, be they students or kids at home) it would go a long way to proving its viability. The fact that it is on late at night proves useful for the kind of content they will be able to show as close to its uncut form as possible (this is not to say they may be forced to cut or edit some content but the liklihood of that is greatly reduced). Much earlier and they would run a greater risk of having to change their content or edit what they show. People have to accept that anime on TV may not be aimed directly at the dyed-in-the-wool anime fan but rather a broader base into which said anime fan could fit.
Spot on the money there Gawyn, I'd say.
My current experience so far is that while the news of the channel has been greatly welcomed by the dyed-in-the-wool anime fan, their viewing habits aren't likely to be overall changed by it. The hardcore fansubbers will most likely barely notice it at all.
As you say though, they are not the market this is aimed at, getting new blood even passively interested in anime has to be it's top priority.
With this in mind, and considering as most of you have said already it will be aimed at the teen and student age groups, I'd like to pose 2 questions if I may:
1. Taking into consideration all current UK distro titles, what would you consider to be good choices of anime series to introduce and get people hooked on anime?
You've already mentioned the good choices like Bleach, Naruto and One Piece.
2. What good ways (if any) are there for the anime community to help promote this channel?
Ultimately the best way will be Chart Show TV advertising over its various other channels, but is there any way small way we can help out?
Anime Networks idea of Street Teams has merit, but it's relying on the help of a fanbase kinda famed for it's reclusive and shy nature. Perhaps if leggy 19 year old blondes were more interested in anime the idea might work more
The fact that due to various laws they can only have over 18's help them doesn't help either (since as pointed out most of the fanbase is under 18 )
Flyers and posters in shops? Are students allowed to put flyers up on noticeboards in schools and colleges? I'm sure even car stickers for the channel would go a long way in raising awareness!
Thoughts?