Foxtel has announced a new partnership with US network Viacom CBS which will see the network ditch its three locally-produced music channels.
That means the end of [V], MAX and the Country Music Channel, with all three stations wrapping up operations on June 30. The three stations have championed Australia music for over 20 years, with their axing undoubtedly a sad day for the local music industry.
’80s and ’90s kids will remember Channel [V] well, with the channel also helping break a stack of Aussie TV presenters like Andy G (now Osher Gunsberg) from 1995 until it scaled back operations in 2016.
Mumbrella reports that the axing of the channels will see 70 Foxtel employees lose their jobs, as the company restructures itself amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“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,” Foxtel Executive Director of Television, Brian Walsh, told The Music Network.
“I want to acknowledge the management and music teams, past and present, who created Channel V, Max and CMC.”
In the place of the local music lineup, Foxtel will welcome MTV Hits, MTV Classic, Club MTV, CMT (Country Music Television) and Nick Music – a channel specifically targetted at 4-15-year-olds.
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“The agreement continues the refresh of Foxtel’s channel line-up and provides our customers with an even greater choice of music genres,” said Foxtel Chief Commercial Officer, Adamda Laing in a statement.
“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 added; “Expanding ViacomCBS Networks International’s portfolio of music channels allows us to build even deeper relationships with Australian music fans, artists and labels.
“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.”
A sad day indeed. At least we’ll always have our memories… like watching Robbie Williams pashing Aussie presenters out of the blue on Channel [V].
Check out Robbie Williams pashing wildly on Foxtel Channel [V]:
