Arena (TV channel)
| Company type | Cable and satellite television channel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Owner | XYZnetworks (until 2007), Foxtel (operational control since 2007) |
| Parent | Foxtel (operational control since 2007) |
Arena (previously known as Fox Arena) is an Australian cable and satellite channel focused on general entertainment, accessible through Foxtel and Optus Television subscription services.
History
During the late 1990s, Arena used the tagline "The Art of Television" and offered a diverse lineup including British soap Coronation Street alongside cult horror and science fiction movies. Prior to the Australian launch of E!, it also broadcast some of that network’s programming.
On 1 March 2001, Arena underwent a relaunch, shifting its content strategy to emphasize talk shows and celebrity-focused programming.
The channel refreshed its visual identity on 31 July 2005 by introducing a new logo and adopting the slogan "Great TV Any time."
Initially under the ownership of XYZnetworks, operational control and programming responsibilities were transferred to Foxtel on 1 October 2007, while XYZnetworks retained ownership rights.
In April 2008, Foxtel collaborated with Universal Networks International to transform Arena into an Australian counterpart of the American channel Bravo. This change integrated Bravo’s original series and branding features but maintained the Arena name.
On 1 June 2010, Arena upgraded its broadcast format from the traditional 4:3 aspect ratio to 16:9 widescreen in line with Foxtel’s widescreen transition. Popular shows such as Gilmore Girls, Two and a Half Men, and How I Met Your Mother began airing in widescreen.
The channel introduced a high-definition feed on 3 November 2014, coinciding with the relocation of Arena +2 from channel 154 to channel 151.
On 1 July 2020, the network rebranded as FOX Arena featuring a new logo and the slogan ‘Live Out Loud,’ becoming part of Foxtel's LifeStyle group of channels.
Most recently, on 28 September 2023, the channel reverted to its original name "Arena," accompanied by refreshed branding elements.
Slogans
| Slogan | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| The Art of Television | 1995–2001 |
| Get Into It | 2001–2005 |
| Great TV Any Time | 2005–2008 |
| Watch What Happens | 2008–2020 |
| Live Out Loud | 2020–present |
Current original programming
- The Real Housewives of Sydney (2017, 2023–present)
Current syndicated programming
- Below Deck
- Dexter: Original Sin
- Divorce Court
- The Drew Barrymore Show
- Entertainment Tonight
- Hot Bench
- Jeopardy!
- Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles
- Project Runway
- The Real Housewives of Atlanta
- The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
- The Real Housewives of Cheshire
- The Real Housewives of Melbourne
- The Real Housewives of Miami
- The Real Housewives of New Jersey
- The Real Housewives of New York City
- The Real Housewives of Orange County
- The Real Housewives of Potomac
- The Real Housewives of Sydney
- Shortland Street
- TMZ on TV
- Top Chef
- Vanderpump Rules
- Wheel of Fortune
Former original programming
- Kate & Julia (2001–2016)
- A Day in the Life (2002–2015)
- Confidential (2007 on FOX8, 2008 on Arena)
- Erotic Star (2007–2017)
- Park Street) (2011)
- Project Runway Australia (2008–2012)
- Untitled top secret project (cancelled)
- WAG Nation (2012)
- The Real Housewives of Melbourne (2014–2021)
Previously aired syndicated shows
This category features well-known series such as 24 Hour Catwalk, Alias, All Saints, America's Next Top Model, Burn Notice, Celebrity Apprentice, Days of Our Lives (2014–2020, currently broadcast on 10 and 10Play), Desperate Housewives, Drop Dead Diva, ER, Friends, Gilmore Girls, Grey's Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother, Judge Judy, King Leek, Las Vegas, Malcolm in the Middle, Melrose Place, Mike & Molly, Million Dollar Listing New York, Nip/Tuck, Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, Saturday Night Live, Sex and the City, Six Feet Under, The Sopranos, Top Chef Masters, Two and a Half Men, Ugly Betty, and Will and Grace, among others.
Significant programming adjustments include relocating key series such as Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless to alternative outlets, demonstrating a deliberate content strategy shift.