MTV Classic (American TV channel)

Last updated

MTV Classic
MTV Classic US.svg
CountryUnited States
Network MTV (2016–present)
VH1 (1998–2016)
HeadquartersNew York City, New York, United States
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format 480i (SDTV)
Ownership
Owner Paramount Global
Parent MTV Entertainment Group
Sister channels
List
History
LaunchedAugust 1, 1998;25 years ago (1998-08-01)
Former names
  • VH1 Smooth (1998–1999)
  • VH1 Classic Rock (1999–2000)
  • VH1 Classic (2000–2016)
Links
Website www.mtv.com/classic
Availability
Streaming media
Internet Protocol television Philo, FuboTV, AT&T TV, YouTube TV, Vidgo TV, Hulu + Live TV

MTV Classic (formerly VH1 Smooth, VH1 Classic Rock, and VH1 Classic) is an American pay television network owned by Paramount Media Networks. It was originally launched in 1998 as "VH1 Smooth", an adult contemporary and smooth jazz channel. It was relaunched as "VH1 Classic Rock" in 1999 (later renamed "VH1 Classic" until 2016), with an emphasis on classic rock. On August 1, 2016, in honor of MTV's 35th anniversary, the channel was rebranded as "MTV Classic", and now exclusively displays music videos from all genres from the 1980s to the early 2000s.

Contents

History

1998–1999: VH1 Smooth

VH1 Smooth launched on August 1, 1998 as a part of the "Suite" digital package, delaying the initial launch date of July 31, 1998. [1] [2] The channel that focused on smooth jazz, new age, and adult contemporary music. [1] [3] The first music video to play on the channel was a cover of "Makin' Whoopee" by Branford Marsalis. [4]

1999–2016: VH1 Classic

VH1 Classic LOGO VH1 CLASSIC.svg
VH1 Classic

Relaunched on August 1, 1999 as VH1 Classic Rock, the channel primarily featured a mainstream rock/adult hits-formatted mix of music videos and concert footage from the 1960s to the 1980s, though it originally included a wider range of genres and time periods. [5] The channel name was quickly changed to VH1 Classic in 2000.

The network played only music videos upon launch, but quickly expanded to a varied line-up of music-themed programs. This included themed music video compilation blocks (with categories such as Heavy Metal music, or popular music of the 1980s), full-length concerts, music documentaries such as the Classic Albums and Behind the Music series, music-oriented films (such as Prince's Purple Rain and The Blues Brothers ), and an original talk show, That Metal Show . [6] It also re-broadcast programs first aired on the main VH1, including Pop-Up Video and I Love the '80s .

From January 28 until February 15, 2015, VH1 Classic aired a 19-day marathon of NBC's Saturday Night Live in celebration of the series' 40th anniversary. [7] [8] As a result, the network broke a previous record for the longest continuous marathon in television history set by FXX's twelve-day marathon of The Simpsons . [9]

2016–present: MTV Classic

In July 2016, Viacom announced that on August 1, the 35th anniversary of the original MTV's launch, the network would rebrand as MTV Classic. The channel's programming continues to focus on classic music videos and programming (including notable episodes of MTV Unplugged and Storytellers ), but skews more towards from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The rebranded network schedule also included reruns of past MTV original series such as the 2011 Beavis and Butt-head revival and Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County . [10] The network's relaunch took place at 6:00 a.m. ET with a rebroadcast of MTV's first hour on the air, which was also simulcast on MTV and online via Facebook live streaming, branded as "MTV Hour One" (the channel, as VH1 Classic, had recently aired it to mark the network's 30th anniversary in 2011). [11] [12] Several VH1 Classic programs were retained in the existing schedule, albeit in late night hours.

Three days leading up to December 30, 2016, MTV Classic aired 24-hour block "Decade-a-thons" consisting of music videos from the 1980s leading up to the 2000s. [13] Afterwards, MTV Classic unveiled a new automated all-music video schedule, with all of the older MTV and VH1 Classic series content removed. [10] Since then, the only deviation from the automation has been "roadblock" simulcasts of the annual MTV Video Music Awards and MTV Movie & TV Awards to remove any competition from other Paramount networks, as well occasional marathons of older MTV shows to promote new series or season launches (as was done with The Hills to promote The Hills: New Beginnings ),

As of the end of the year 2016, the channel was the least-watched English-language channel on most American subscription providers, averaging only 30–35,000 viewers on an average night in primetime (a decline of nearly a third from the already-low numbers VH1 Classic had netted in 2015), which was likely a factor in the network quickly abandoning their new format after five months. [14] [15] As of the end of May 2017, its numbers have slipped even further to an average of 14,000 viewers per night, only ahead of the moribund Esquire Network and beIN Sports, which at that time of the year is in its non-prime sports season. [16] Even those low numbers were halved by the end of July 2017, as that month's ratings showed it averaging 7,000 viewers per night, ahead of only the beIN networks. [17] If not for the addition of the seven Entertainment Studios Networks to Nielsen monitoring at the end of 2017, alongside a decline in beIN Sports's ratings, it would have been the lowest rated English-language network in 2017 with a 14,000 viewer/night average. [18] Since then, it has steadily remained the fourth-to-last ranked network, behind beIN Sports and ESN's Comedy.TV and its five-network cumulative "ESN Lifestyles" entry for the remainder of its networks. [19] [20]

Occasionally, the channel will interrupt regular music video programming to air specific music videos in tribute to a recently-deceased musician. In lieu of Tony Bennett's passing on July 21, 2023, MTV Classic exclusively aired Bennett's music videos and live performances for the subsequent weekend, regardless of whatever block was scheduled. Some musicians/performers, such as Steve Harwell of the rock band Smash Mouth, have their music videos played periodically throughout the broadcast day of their passing, mixed into regular programming.

Programming

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MTV</span> American cable television channel

MTV is an American cable television channel. It was officially launched on August 1, 1981. Based in New York City, it serves as the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group, part of Paramount Media Networks, a division of Paramount Global.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MTV2</span> American pay television channel

MTV2 is an American pay television channel owned by the Paramount Media Networks division of Paramount Global, through PMN’s MTV Entertainment Group Subdivision.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VH1</span> American cable television network

VH1 is an American basic cable television network based in New York City. It was created by Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment, at the time a division of Warner Communications and the original owner of MTV, and launched on January 1, 1985, in the former space of Turner Broadcasting System's short-lived Cable Music Channel. The channel is currently owned by Paramount Global.

NickMusic is an American pay television network and spin-off of Nickelodeon that mainly carries music video and music-related programming from younger pop artists that appeal to Nickelodeon's target audience, with some videos edited for content to meet a general TV-PG rating applied across the network's broadcast day, or replaced with a lyric video instead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick at Nite</span> Nighttime programming block on Nickelodeon

Nick at Nite is a nighttime programming block on the American basic cable channel Nickelodeon. The programming broadcasts from prime time to late night. The block initially consisted of syndicated sitcoms and films from the 1950s to the 1970s. Nick at Nite gradually shifted its programming to primarily airing sitcoms as recent as the mid-1990s to the 2010s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MTV (Australian and New Zealand TV channel)</span> Entertainment television channel

MTV was a 24-hour general entertainment channel specialising in music and youth culture programming which serves Australia and New Zealand. Paramount Networks UK & Australia headquartered in London with a local office at Network 10's headquarters in Sydney is responsible for marketing and advertising in Australia and New Zealand. The channel was replaced by MTV Global in August 2023.

VH1 MegaHits was a Latin American pay television music channel. It was owned by ViacomCBS Networks Brazil, subsidiary of ViacomCBS Networks Americas and aired music videos throughout its entire day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BET Soul</span> American pay television network

BET Soul is an American pay television network that is controlled by the BET Networks division of Paramount Global, which owns the network. The channel showcases R&B, funk, soul, neo soul, hip hop, jazz and Motown music from various decades. The channel uses an automated "wheel" schedule that was introduced during the early years of MTV2 and is also used by sister channel BET Jams. The loop repeats three times a day, starting at 6 a.m. Eastern Time, and then resetting at 2 p.m. and 10 p.m.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MTV Rocks (British and Irish TV channel)</span> 24-hour alternative music MTV network channel

MTV Rocks was a British pay television music channel that was operated by ViacomCBS Networks UK & Australia. Its programming consisted of 24-hour non-stop rock/alternative music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VH1 (British and Irish TV channel)</span> UK & Ireland version of the music television channel

VH1 was a British and Irish pay television channel that was owned by ViacomCBS. The channel was based on the original VH1 American channel of the same name. On 24 November until 26 December 2017, VH1 was renamed temporarily as VH1 Christmas. The channel ceased broadcasting on Tuesday 7 January 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MTV Live (TV network)</span> Television channel

MTV Live is a 24-hour American pay television music video channel owned by Paramount Global. The channel, which broadcasts exclusively in 1080i high definition, broadcasts music videos and music-related programming from Paramount owned networks MTV, MTV Classic, VH1 and CMT, along with other concert and live music programming from outside producers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MTV Tres</span> American cable, satellite and over-the-air network

MTV Tres is an American pay television network owned by Paramount Media Networks, a subsidiary of Paramount Global.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VH1 (European TV channel)</span> Television channel

VH1 was a European music television channel owned by ViacomCBS Networks EMEAA. It played a wide variety of music programs on a daily or weekly basis, and various VH1 original series.

Paramount International Networks (PIN) is the international sibling division of Paramount Global’s Paramount Media Networks subsidiary. The division oversees the production, broadcasting and promotion of key Paramount brands outside of the United States. These brands include Paramount Network, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, BET and Colors TV, as well as CBS-branded channels, which are co-owned with AMC Networks International. PIN also owns a 30% stake in the Rainbow S.p.A. animation studio in Italy until 2023, as well as a 13.01% stake in an Indian joint venture with domestic partner TV18, Viacom18.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MTV Classic (Australian TV channel)</span> Australian television network

MTV Classic was an Australian and New Zealand subscription television music channel. The channel focused on music from the 1980s to 2000s. The channel first launched in Australia on 14 March 2004 and in New Zealand on 1 June 2011. On 1 July 2011 MTV International channels launched new logos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MTV Classic (British and Irish TV channel)</span> Television channel

MTV Classic was a British pay television music channel from Paramount Networks UK & Australia. The channel was launched in the United Kingdom and Ireland on 1 July 1999 as VH1 Classic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MTV (British and Irish TV channel)</span> MTV channel in the UK and Ireland

MTV is a British pay television channel focusing on reality TV and music programming operated by Paramount Networks UK & Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VH1 Classic (European TV channel)</span> European music television channel

VH1 Classic Europe was a European music television channel from ViacomCBS Networks EMEAA. The channel primarily featured music videos from the 1970s through to the 2000s (decade), although rare live performances from the 1950s and 1960s could be seen as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FXX</span> U.S. pay television channel

FXX is an American basic cable channel owned by the Disney Entertainment business segment and division of The Walt Disney Company through FX Networks, LLC. It is the partner channel of FX, with its programming focusing on original and acquired comedy series and feature films for a primary demographic of men ages 18–34.

A marathon or watchalong is an event in which viewers or readers engage many hours' worth of media in a condensed time period. This phrase represents a two-fold shift from binge-watch in that it incorporates other media and it reduces the negative connotations associated with bingeing. In the 2014 book Media Marathoning: Immersions in Morality, Lisa Perks describes media marathoning as a "comprehensive and complimentary phrase" that "connotes a conjoined triumph of commitment and stamina. This phrase also captures viewers' or readers' engrossment, effort, and sense of accomplishment surrounding their media interaction." Netflix executive Todd Yellin is quoted as saying "I don't like the term 'binge,' because it sounds almost pathological. 'Marathon' sounds more celebratory."

References

  1. 1 2 Hay, Carla (July 11, 1998). "MTV, Box Take Steps In Digital Programming" (PDF). Vol. 110, no. 28. pp. 8, 92. Retrieved March 12, 2017.
  2. ↑ "The Suite from MTV and VH1" (PDF). Broadcasting & Cable . January 26, 1998. p. 54. Retrieved March 12, 2017.
  3. ↑ Carter, Bill (November 25, 1997). "Using New Digital Technology, MTV Adds Specialized Channels". The New York Times. Retrieved March 12, 2017.
  4. ↑ Hay, Carla (August 22, 1998). "MuchMusic Readies Awards, Spinoff Channel; MTV's Suite Set". Vol. 110, no. 34. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 85. Retrieved March 12, 2017.
  5. ↑ Hay, Carla (August 14, 1999). "Launch Debuts 5 Web Channels; VH1 Smooth Now Classic Rock". Vol. 111, no. 33. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 101. Retrieved March 12, 2017.
  6. ↑ "VH1 CLASSIC Will No Longer Produce 'That Metal Show'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. January 19, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  7. ↑ Steinberg, Brian (January 14, 2015). "VH1 Classic To Run 433-Hour 'Saturday Night Live' Marathon". Variety. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
  8. ↑ Petski, Denise (January 14, 2015). "'Saturday Night Live' Mega-Marathon Set To Air On VH1". Deadline. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  9. ↑ Bradley, Bill (April 9, 2014). "'The Simpsons' Launches On FXX With Longest Continuous Marathon Ever". The Huffington Post . Retrieved August 19, 2014.
  10. 1 2 Greene, Andy (June 7, 2017). "Flashback: A Random 78 Minutes of MTV From June 1982". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  11. ↑ "MTV Classic bringing The 2011 Beavis and Butt-Head, Aeon Flux and music videos back on-air". Polygon. Vox Media. July 28, 2016. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
  12. ↑ "MTV Launches 'Classic' Channel Dedicated to 1990s". Rolling Stone. July 28, 2016. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
  13. ↑ Barton, Chris (December 29, 2016). "A made-for-TV New Year's: From 'Twilight Zone' to James Bond, a rundown of the marathons". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  14. ↑ Collins, Scott; Maglio, Tony (December 29, 2016). "21 Least-Watched Cable Channels, From MTV Classic to Sprout". TheWrap. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
  15. ↑ Crupi, Anthony (February 27, 2017). "Small change: Why niche cable nets are on their last legs | Media - AdAge". Advertising Age . Retrieved February 27, 2017.
  16. ↑ Katz, A.J. (June 6, 2017). "Cable Network Ranker: Week of May 29". TVNewser . Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  17. ↑ Katz, AJ (July 25, 2017). "MSNBC Wins Weeknights Across the Board; Fox News is Most-Watched For Full Calendar Week | TVNewser". Adweek . Retrieved July 26, 2017.
  18. ↑ Schneider, Michael (December 28, 2017). "Highest Network Ratings of 2017: Most Watched Winners & Losers". IndieWire . Retrieved December 28, 2017.
  19. ↑ "Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2018's Winners and Losers". December 27, 2018.
  20. ↑ Schnieder, Michael (December 26, 2019). "Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2019's Winners and Losers". Variety . Retrieved December 31, 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.