High-tech slump dooms 'Computer Chronicles'

Associated Press

SAN MATEO, Calif. — "Computer Chronicles," a national public television series devoted to personal computing, is powering down after 20 years.

The show is the victim of tough times in the high-tech industry, said Stewart Cheifet, creator and host of the program. A companion show, "Net Cafe," also has ended its run.

"It's a difficult economic climate," Cheifet said yesterday. "Sponsoring a show on PBS isn't a No. 1 priority. When things get tight, (companies) look for places not to spend money."

Cheifet said he is developing new shows based on biotechnology and alternative medicine. Those programs are expected to start airing next year.

"Computer Chronicles," which debuted in 1982 at the dawn of the PC era, was shown weekly in nearly 300 cities in more than 100 countries at its peak. It has been dubbed in Spanish, French, Chinese and Arabic, among other languages.

The show, which recently featured a series on Hawaii's high-tech industry, also unveiled hundreds of high-tech products. Guests included Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates, Apple Computer Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs and Intel Corp. executive Andy Grove.

The program now has more than 1,000 episodes in its library, which is being archived and will be available online at Archive.org.

"Computer Chronicles" final episode will air during the last week of December.