Travel Channel to go on the auction block

July 16, 9:26 AMPhoenix Travel ExaminerJay Hammond

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That's right. Media sources including Reuters are reporting that Cox is selling the Travel Channel. Time Warner and Scripps Interactive Networks are likely to be among the top contenders for the acclaimed station which produces such travel shows as Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations and Treasure Hunter: Kirsten Gum. Others who may be interested in purtchasing the Travel Channel include NBC Universal, CBS and Viacom.

The Travel Channel launched in 1987. It is the only television network devoted exclusively to travel. In addition to great programming, the Tavel Channel provides a variety of resources, from travel guides to discussion forums to the Travel Academy, all helping travelers explore their world whether at home or on vacation halfway around the world. Cox purchased the Travel Channel in 2007 from Discovery for nearly $1.3 billion. It is expected to sell for between $600 million and $1 billion meaning Cox will be taking a loss. The Financial Times reports the price is likely to be in the $600-700 million range.

At the present time, Cox has not issued a formal statement and no unexpected changes to the station format or programming have been announced. In fact, Season V of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations premeired this week and Man v. Food is scheduled to premeire in August, 2009.