A Change for the Worse?

After searching around many websites to find about any changes in companies or products' logos, I finally came across one that I was not too impressed with. I would not think that I would be the best person to judge on the quality or attractiveness of a logo, since I am not the most artistic person. However, after comparing the previous logo to the new logo, I was very surprised by the changes made. Animal Planet designed a new logo in 2008, and I would not say it is too impressive. It is drastically different. The television network decided to get rid of all the parts of the graphic that really define who it is. No longer is there an elephant or the earth, clearly the things that make up the name of the network.
Instead, the company has decided to change to use only words and no images. The sideways M could be there to represent some type of animal or nature reference, however, I can't seem to figure it out. I guess the thick, heavy typeface with all capital block letters could represent the strength and force of a channel all about animals, however, I don't if that is really the message they want to show or should show. I believe that the channel has many shows that cater to younger viewers as well as more intense shows that would only be appropriate for older viewers, so I don't think this logo portrays this idea that well. I just think that this logo is boring, to put it simply. The sideways M is the only part of it that is slightly against the norm, and even that is really nothing to exciting.
I understand if the network was looking to spruce up its logo with something new to give itself a new look, but I would have expected it be something a little more unique. I agree it was a good idea to stick with green color because of nature and the environment, but it could have even used color more creatively. Knowing what I've learned from only a few weeks of class, it seems like there would be so much you could do for a logo for a television program about animals. It opens up the chance to use a variety of interesting typefaces, sizes, colors and images. The new logo no longer portrays what the network is about, but instead makes you question why they decided to use this typeface and in this design.