Channel [V] Australia was an Australian subscription television music channel that was available on Foxtel, Optus TV and Austar satellite and cable services. It was also previously available in New Zealand on TelstraSaturn's cable TV service in Wellington, Kapiti and Christchurch, until a channel shake-up occurred under new owners TelstraClear in 2002.

Channel [V] Australia
CountryAustralia
Broadcast areaAustralia
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format576i (SDTV 16:9)
Ownership
OwnerFoxtel Networks
Sister channelsCountry Music Channel
Max
V Hits
History
Launched22 April 1995 (1995-04-22)[1]
Closed25 March 2016 (original)
Replaced by[V] Hits +2 (later [V])
Former namesRed (prior to April 1997[2])
Links
Websitewww.vmusic.com.au

Channel [V] was targeted at the youth market, and played both mainstream and alternative music from local and international artists. Although it used the name Channel [V] in Australia, it had little association with the international affiliates and used the name under the license of News Corporation via STAR TV.

Previously called Red, Channel [V] commenced broadcasting in April 1995 on the now defunct Galaxy service. The name change to Channel [V] came about after owners XYZ Entertainment (now XYZnetworks) and Channel [V] International came to agreement over naming rights in March 1997.[citation needed] The first channel manager of Channel [V] was ex Network TEN Video Hits Producer Donna Andrews. After the successful launch, ex radio man Barry Chapman took over. In 2004, the launch of Foxtel Digital and other digital cable and satellite services saw a second [V] branded channel begin broadcasting called V Hits (formerly Club[V]), which is a 24-hour music channel that focuses more on music without TV shows.

Channel [V] closed on 25 March 2016, replaced with a two-hour timeshift channel of [V] Hits. Starting from 27 February 2016, [V] saw programming changes, which included the end of all programs which involved VJs and other personnel.[3] This was followed by the relaunch of [V] Hits as the main music clip channel, featuring only music videos and countdowns. The closure came as viewers increasingly sought music videos from online sources rather than on television, which had resulted in a steady decline in [V]'s viewership.[4][5][6] As a result of the closure, three staff members were made redundant, and Danny Clayton's contract with the network (which was set to expire midyear) was not renewed.[6]

However, in 2017 Foxtel refocused [V] Hits to Foxtel [V] and [V] Hits +2 became [V] +2; a time-shift channel. On 1 July 2020, [V] was replaced by NickMusic, bringing the Channel [V] brand in Australia to an end after 25 years on television.[7]

[V]Js edit

 
Billy Russell, Jane Gazzo and Danny Clayton in 2012

Previous Current [V]Js edit

Former [V]Js edit

Dave Lawson is one of the hosts of 'The Dave and Kerley Show' but is not considered a [V]J

Channel [V] Presenter Search 2012 edit

Over six thousand people applied for a chance to become a Channel [V] presenter. These applicants were shortlisted to a top 20, with 4 finalists announced on Saturday 16 June 2012.[18]

Programming edit

  • V Music Video Chart
  • The Revolution with Bert McCracken
  • V Indie
  • V Popped
  • The Connect
  • The Big Mix featuring Messed Up with Generik
  • iTunes Weekly Countdown
  • V Ripe Clip of The Week
  • V Vs
  • V 10 Most Requested Video
  • V Buzz Artist
  • Guerrilla Gigs
  • V Island Parties
  • Oz Countdown: Top 40
  • Festival of V
  • V 10 Hottest Tracks Right Now
  • V Late Night
  • B430
  • Cash Cab (2007–2014)
  • The Dave & Kerley Show (2008)
  • The Riff (2013–2015)
  • V LOUD
  • whatUwant - previously By Demand (2002–2008)
  • The Informer (2000-2001)
  • The Buzz (1998-1999)
  • Freestyle (2006-2009) with Maja Jupiter

[V] Oz Artist of the Year edit

The Channel V Oz Artist of the Year was an annual award presented by Channel V Australia some times at the ARIA Music Awards.

[V] Hits edit

On 12 January 2007, Club [V] was rebranded as Channel [V]² and began showing a more varied range of video clips. Channel [V] remained as a more entertainment orientated channel and began broadcasting in widescreen on the same day. Channel [V] boasted programming including: The Dudesons, BDO & various music specials.

On 15 November 2009, Channel [V]² was relaunched as [V] Hits.

References edit

  1. ^ Browne, Rachel (22 April 1995). "Galaxy takes knife to fees". The Sun-Herald. Sydney. p. 23. Retrieved 21 December 2009. XYZ Entertainment is launching the other four Galaxy channels today. They are a documentary channel Quest, children's and cult TV channel Max, general entertainment channel Arena and music channel Red.
  2. ^ Music channel (V) to bow down under
  3. ^ Lawrence, Vanessa (23 February 2016). "RIP Channel V: Aussie Music Stalwart To Close After 20 Years Of Good Times". PEDESTRIAN.TV. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  4. ^ Knox, David (24 February 2016). "YouTube killed the video star as music ends for Channel [V]". TV Tonight. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  5. ^ Bond, Nick (24 February 2016). "'Vale Channel V': Foxtel's shock announcement for music channel". news.com.au. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  6. ^ a b Knox, David (25 February 2016). "Channel [V] viewers "in steady decline"". TV Tonight. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  7. ^ Knox, David (4 May 2020). "Foxtel overhauls music channels". TV Tonight.
  8. ^ a b c d Elder, Bruce (30 March 1997). "The new MUSIC WARS". Sydney Morning Herald. p. 13. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 21 December 2009.
  9. ^ Browne, Rachel (9 June 1996). "With music TV it's all in the timing". The Sun-Herald. Sydney. p. 34. Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
  10. ^ Everton, Denise (7 November 1997). "Alle keeps abreast of the music industry". Illawarra Mercury. p. 35. Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 13 February 2010.
  11. ^ a b Everton, Denise (11 June 1999). "[V] is for voltage". Illawarra Mercury. p. 11. Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 13 February 2010.
  12. ^ "Deni has the role with soul". Sunday Mail. Adelaide. 16 December 2001.
  13. ^ a b c Holder, Peter; Casamento, Jo (9 August 2000). "V-day for weird reporters – SYDNEY CONFIDENTIAL". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. p. 33.
  14. ^ a b c Molitorisz, Sacha (22 October 1995). "Red in your face". Sydney Morning Herald. p. 6. Retrieved 23 December 2009.
  15. ^ a b Connolly, Fiona; Grant, Sarah (27 September 2005). "Sydney Confidential". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. p. 21.
  16. ^ Meagher, David (12 June 1999). "Career path". Employment. The Sydney Morning Herald. p. 1. Retrieved 13 February 2010.
  17. ^ Holder, Peter; Casamento, Jo (13 February 2002). "Vogue and Channel V, what's next for Chloe?". North Shore Times. p. 26.
  18. ^ Knox, David (1 July 2012). "TV Tonight". Marty Smiley wins Channel [V] Presenter Search. Retrieved 1 July 2020.

External links edit