<P> On September 25, 2000, TNN was folded into the MTV Networks division based in New York City, and was renamed The National Network . The rebranding coincided with major changes to the network's programming, including the network premiere of the World Wrestling Federation's flagship program RAW Is War, which moved to TNN from USA Network as part of a new contract with Viacom . As WWF programs were typically among USA Network's highest - rated programs, the move was considered a major coup for TNN . MTV Networks chairman Tom Freston described TNN as now being a general entertainment service, albeit one with a "sort of populist middle - America flavor" rather than "another network for New York or Los Angeles ." </P> <P> Football also became more prominent on the network, as it began airing games of the original Arena Football League (AFL) with Eli Gold as an announcer . The National Network was also one of three networks to air games of the ill - fated XFL (along with NBC and UPN). As part of its contract, TNN had the rights to a late Sunday afternoon game each week except for the first week, when UPN aired the afternoon game instead . TNN aired the first opening - round game of the 2001 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship when organizers expanded the field to 65 teams; it was produced by CBS Sports with CBS announcers . The game coverage moved to ESPN in 2002 . </P> <P> In 2001, TNN added off - network sitcoms and dramas such as Diff'rent Strokes, The Wonder Years, The Rockford Files, WKRP in Cincinnati, Newhart, Hangin' With Mr. Cooper, Miami Vice and Taxi . It also became the first channel to air reruns of MADtv . These moves went unnoticed for the most part, due to TNN's lack of popularity . By this time, all country - western programming had been purged from the network; some of The Nashville Network's former programming was picked up by CMT, while other classic TNN shows were picked up by GAC, including eventually the Grand Ole Opry, which was pushed off to CMT and eventually removed by Viacom after they did not renew the agreement to carry the series . </P> <P> As time went on, the words "The National Network" were downplayed in promotions . By late 2002, the channel was known as The New TNN and had picked up more male - oriented shows, such as Baywatch, Monster Jam, bull riding, Robot Wars and Star Trek: The Next Generation . This was done in an effort both to further distance itself from its former country music - based identity and to trumpet an increase in original programming . </P>

What is the paramount network on direct tv