(V)

[V]
CountryAustralia
Broadcast areaAustralia
Programming
Language(s)English
Timeshift service[V] + 2
Ownership
OwnerFoxtel Networks
Sister channelsFoxtel Networks channels
History
Launched2004
Closed30 June 2020; 4 years ago (30 June 2020)
Replaced byNickMusic
Former namesClub [V]
Channel [V]2
[V] Hits
Links
Websitehttp://vmusic.com.au

[V] was an Australian music television channel that was owned and operated by Foxtel. It was available on Foxtel Digital and Optus's digital services.

In 2016, Foxtel decided to close Channel [V] Australia and refocus [V] Hits as its main channel. However, in 2017 [V] Hits was re-positioned as [V] and [V] Hits +2 was rebranded as [V]+2; a timeshift channel.[1]

In May 2020, it was announced that Foxtel would cease operations of [V] at the end of June. The channel was replaced by an Australian version of NickMusic as part of a deal with ViacomCBS Networks UK & Australia.[2]

History

[edit]

As part of Foxtel's expansion of 20 new channels Club [V] was launched in 2004; the stations focused on dance music and it was originally ad-free[3]

The new name and format of Club [V] was launched on 12 January 2007. In the lead-up to the switch, a message was frequently broadcast on the channel, promising viewers that "A Change is Coming". Since the re-launch, Channel [V] and Channel [V]2 had become more closely tied in with each other for example showing viewers what is currently playing on the opposite channel. Both Channels used the same format for displaying song information. Even though the channels are tied-in with each other, Channel [V]2 does not play any entertainment oriented shows, instead playing ads for them.

Club [V] logo
Channel [V]2 logo

On 15 November 2009, [V]2 relaunched as [V] Hits - a 24-hour pop, rock, urban and dance music channel. On 19 June 2012, [V] Hits was investigated as the music video "Born this Way" by Lady Gaga (aired at 6:15pm that day) was considered to have some inappropriate scenes.[4]

[V] Hits logo

On 25 March 2016, a two-hour timeshift version of [V] Hits launched, replacing sister channel Channel [V]. This coincided with the relaunch of [V] Hits as the main music clip channel, featuring only music videos and countdowns.[5][6][7][8]

On 30 November 2016, [V] Hits + 2 moved from channel 803 to 802.[9] In 2017; [V] Hits was rebranded as [V].

On 4 May 2020, it was announced that Foxtel would cease operations of its local music video networks as part of a deal with Network 10 owner ViacomCBS to offer a new range of MTV, Nick and CMT-branded channels in Australia. This took effect on 30 June 2020, with an Australian version of the kid-focused NickMusic taking its place.[2]

Programming

[edit]
  • Late Night [V]ibes
  • Good [V]ibes
  • Oz Countdown
  • Kick on With [V]
  • [V] Live
  • The Shazam Chart Show
  • 30 Hottest Hits Right Now
  • The Spotify Top 50
  • [V] Music Video Chart
  • Unco[v]ered
  • Today's Hit 40
  • Triple Play
  • Top 25
  • Nothin' But...
  • Fan Made 5
  • Fresh [V]id
  • [V] Presents

Format

[edit]

Throughout the day, [V] holds several countdowns based on certain themes. A large number of the countdowns are top charts based on ratings from country to country. Much larger countdowns can be seen for special occasions, such as the Top 50, Top 100 and Top 200.

In January 2010, [V] Hits aired the "10,000 Hits" countdown, believed to be the largest of its kind ever undertaken.

The overnight output (midnight/10:30pm-6am) is advert-free.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "[V]". mcn.com.au. Archived from the original on 5 November 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Foxtel overhauls music channels | TV Tonight". 4 May 2020.
  3. ^ "Web Archive: Foxtel Digital: Club [V]". foxtel.com.au. 21 February 2004. Archived from the original on 21 March 2004. Retrieved 27 November 2009.
  4. ^ "Investigation Report No. 2842". Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2017.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Knox, David (24 February 2016). "YouTube killed the video star as music ends for Channel [V]". TV Tonight. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  7. ^ Bond, Nick (24 February 2016). "'Vale Channel V': Foxtel's shock announcement for music channel". news.com.au. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  8. ^ Knox, David (25 February 2016). "Channel [V] viewers "in steady decline"". TV Tonight. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  9. ^ Paigeturner (21 November 2016). "The music channels regroup to create more harmony". Foxtel. Retrieved 30 November 2016.