Nashville - What had been known by insiders for months was finally made public with the
announcement that TNN, formerly The Nashville Network, was changing its name to
The National Network and relocating its headquarters to New York.
The 1997 ownership change had produced significant changes in TNN programming and
foretold the now announced move out of Music City. For Nashville it was not a pleasant
transition.
TNN abandoned contacts with longtime host Ralph Emery and attempted to update with
Tom Wopat and Gary Chapman. Finally TNN abandoned all pretense and substituted old
syndication for Nashville originals.
The National Network reportedly with target younger viewers with movies and comedy series.
For Nashville it is the loss of what had been a key television showcase and tourist draw to
the former Opryland location.