UPN
UPN is a television network in the United States, owned by Viacom Inc., which also owns the more widespread CBS network.
History
UPN was launched January 16, 1995 as a joint venture between two companies: Paramount Studios and Cris-Craft Industries' United Television group. Both companies owned independent stations in several large cities in the United States. Each controlled 50 percent of the network.
In 2000, Paramount's parent company, Viacom, bought out Chris-Craft to gain 100 percent control of the United-Paramount venture. Shortly afterward, Viacom dropped the "United" name for its new network, opting to change the official corporate name to be the three-letter initials, "UPN."
Programming
It formerly broadcast the series . After Voyager's 7-season run came to an end, UPN began broadcasting the newest Star Trek spin-off, . UPN also bought the rights to broadcast the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer from the Warner Brothers network.
The network also produced some special programs. For example, they presented the Iron Chef USA program during Christmas 2001.
Paramount had earlier attempted their own television network with the Paramount Television Service. Set to launch in Spring 1978, its programming would have only consisted of one night a week. Thirty "Movies of the Week" would have followed on Saturday nights. The network failed to sell enough advertising and acquire enough affiliates to make the network viable.
See also: List of programs broadcast by UPN, List of United States television networks