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Foxtel overhauls music channels

Out: [V], Max & CMC. In: MTV HITS, MTV Classic, Club MTV, CMT & Nick Music.

Foxtel music channels [V], Max and CMC will exit the Subscription TV platform at the end of June as part of a new deal with ViacomCBS.

But the new line-up expands on music genres and includes a new kid’s music channel Nick Music.

From 1 July 2020 the new-look line-up will cover rock and pop, contemporary and country, charts and dance, urban R&B, easy listening and all-time classics programmed in Australia from ViacomCBS Networks International.

The music channel collection will feature MTV HITS, MTV Classic, Club MTV, CMT (Country Music Television) and Nick Music, a kid-safe and family-friendly music video channel for 4-15 year olds featuring chart-topping hits. There are also commercial-free audio music channels, comprising over 20 different streams.

Foxtel Chief Commercial Officer, Amanda Laing, said: “We are delighted to forge this new partnership with ViacomCBS which reaffirms Foxtel’s commitment to music television designed for Australian audiences.

“The agreement continues the refresh of Foxtel’s channel line-up and provides our customers with an even greater choice of music genres. ViacomCBS are global leaders in music television with a long-standing commitment to Australian music and we are pleased to continue building on our relationship with them with this historic new arrangement.”

ViacomCBS Executive Vice President, Music & Talent Programming / Events, Bruce Gillmer said: “Expanding ViacomCBS Networks International’s portfolio of music channels allows us to build even deeper relationships with Australian music fans, artists and labels. These branded channels resonate with music fans all over the world and launching in Australia gives us even more opportunity to bring audiences great music across genres.

“We’ve showcased incredible Australian artists from Gang of Youths to The Veronicas internationally. Launching these new music brands on Foxtel gives more Australian artists the opportunity to connect with fans locally and, potentially, around the world.”

Foxtel Executive Director of Television, Brian Walsh, added: “Music remains as a strategically important part of the Foxtel content story and emphasises the depth and richness of our programming. These new channels will all be programmed by Australians, for Australians continuing our passion for local music curation.

“We are proud of the heritage of our owned and operated music channels and the success they have enjoyed entertaining Foxtel customers for the past 25 years. I want to acknowledge the management and music teams, past and present, who created Channel V, Max and CMC.

“Creating a great entertainment experience for our subscribers means constant renewal in every aspect of our business and our partnership with Viacom provides a fresh, new direction for music on Foxtel.”

10 Responses

    1. MTV Hits and MTV Classic were on Foxtel some 10 years ago, they’re essentially the same format as [V] and Max. ViacomCBS produces some great Aussie content too (TRL Australia, Unplugged Melbourne) so I’m looking forward to the MTV channels.

  1. does anyone here listen to the commercial-free audio music channels on a regular basis? (just trying to get a small hint of the popularity)

  2. Nothing new really. Channels replacing channels.

    MTV Music > MTV Hits
    MTV Dance > Club MTV
    MAX > MTV Classic
    [V] > Nick Music
    CMC > CMT

  3. Interesting move on Foxtel’s part… any ideas what this could mean for the Stingray audio channels (Max 70 Hits, Groove, Jukebox etc.)? Also any word about Foxtel Smooth?
    The new channels sound great but it would be awesome for Foxtel to keep the Stingray channels around at least!

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