Ion can be traced to the original channel nine years before the renaming, Pax, in 1998 by Lowell 'Bud' Paxson, co-founder of the HSN and chairman of Paxson Communications.
On June 28, 2005, Paxson announced it would rebrand Pax as i: Independent Television, in order to reflect a new strategy of "providing an independent broadcast platform for producers and syndicators who desire to reach a national audience." After the transition was complete, Pax TV would continue to air programming under its Pax brand on one of its digital channels over the air and in select cable homes. Some media observers jocularly postulated that "i" was code for "infomercial", due to the amount of paid programming on the schedule. Some affiliates still used the "i" branding even after the rebrand until around 2008. The name 'Independent Television' was also used by ITV in the UK.
Ion Television
2007–2008
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
ITC Conduit Pro Bold
Launched:
January 29, 2007
On January 29, 2007, the network changed its name again, to the current Ion Television. The programming was, for the most part, unchanged at that time. This version of the Ion logo was still used as the logo for Ion Media and Ion Life until 2017.
2008–2013
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Custom (ion) Futura Medium (TELEVISION)
Launched:
September 8, 2008
On May 1, 2008, Ion Television held an upfront presentation announcing its programming for the 2008–09 season at the New York Public Library in Manhattan. In addition to the announcement of its programming acquisitions, the network unveiled a new logo (a wordmark that incorporated a positive ion symbol in place of a period next to the "ion" wordmark) and the slogan "Positively Entertaining" (a form of wordplay, as ions are atoms or molecules that have a positive or negative electrical charge). The network also retooled its focus, emphasizing the key demographic of adults between the ages of 18 and 49, and airing more recent acquired programming aimed at young adults (such as Boston Legal, NCIS and Criminal Minds). The logo took effect on September 8, 2008.[3]
2013–2016
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Custom (ion) Gotham Medium (TELEVISION)
Launched:
March 4, 2013
2016–2021
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Custom (ion) Avenir Medium (TELEVISION)
Launched:
October 11, 2016
On October 11, 2016, Ion Television introduced a slightly modified version of its logo. The dot above the "i" is now square instead of circular. Also, the corners on the "i" and the "n" became rounded.
1KZTV is owned by SagamoreHill Broadcasting, but it is programmed and operated by Scripps under a Shared Services Agreement. 2WFLX is owned by Gray Media, but is programmed and operated by Scripps under a Shared Services Agreement. 3Sale to Law & Crime Network pending.
