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VH1 Classic is already slipping down my list of favorite cable channels, thanks to the same three or four specials and movies clogging its schedule on the weekends, but it looks like things are going to get worse. Helpful press release hint for you kids out there: if someone from MTV Networks uses the word “but”, whatever he said previously is either a lie and/or to be completely ignored. Today’s example comes from Tom Calderone, EVP and General Manager, VH1: “We still air the classic music videos that prove that the mullet was a questionable hair choice in the 80s. But VH1 Classic is focused on celebrating the legacies of the rock icons that continue to impact music and pop culture today.” The attempt at humor is intended to be a distraction, but rest assured, in the near future, VH1 Classic is going to show around as many videos as MTV2. [PR Newswire]
MTV Networks Getting Ready To Ruin VH1 Classic, Too
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VH-1 Classic died long ago as a quality source of random videos — I’m pretty sure YouTube’s rising popularity as an on-demand video depository was the culprit. But though it became superfluous in many ways, I miss the occasional random discovery.
-1 to the VH-1 douche for the lame mullet joke.
Hmm…well this explains why they are hiring a programming scheduler…
It’s tough to keep a channel afloat showing music videos alone. Advertisers don’t want to buy airtime when they can’t nail down a demographic, and since videos are so transient and fickle in their appeal, there isn’t a great way to gauge who’s watching them. With little ad revenue, channels fail quickly.
The music video will (and should) go exclusively online where we can all enjoy them whenever we want.
Here’s a key problem: TiVo’d VH1 Classic videos are a key source for the golden era clips that end up on YouTube. So, harvesters, keep it up while you can, before they clog the thing with “Rock of Love.”
[blog.newsok.com]
LAME! Where will I get my weekly 120 MInutes fix?!
@DeeJayQueue: At least somebody gets it!
Much easier to read than “Dude! Why don’t they play more videos? MTV/VH1 sucks!!!
@DeeJayQueue: @Sniffle: Yes, yes, we know. But wasn’t the digital-cable “revolution” (cough cough) supposed to provide more choice, instead of just more places to endlessly rerun Flavor Of Love? (And I have the same complaint about, say, the ion network and other channels that seem to exist just to take third-rate detritus that’s cycled through the top tier of cable channels too many times.)
That said, if the ’80s/’90s nostalgia on VH1 Classic extends to days where they do nothing but rerun Out Of Control, Out Of This World, and They Came From Outer Space, I’m down.
As long as they don’t get rid of “Classic Albums”. I can’t get enough of that!
@DeeJayQueue: To hell with me for asking for something as a consumer! How dare I!
Anyhow, to me, the issue is that MTV Networks seems to retool their existing channels, and replace them with an alternate version that’s a bit crappier. Where M2 was supposed to be the channel for music, now it’s Rob & Big reruns all day, and MTV Hits is the less interesting replacement. So, what do we get to replace VH1 Classic? The Pop-Up Channel? There are a number of channels on the low end of my digital spectrum without ad revenue, is it uncool to ask that they leave one of the ones I actually watch alone?
@Maura Johnston:
I have a complaint about the word “detritus”…a relegated to 3rd rate at that!
Good day to you maam.
VH1-C either adapts to the model (which itself is constantly adapting)or it goes away, plain and simple. MTVN has survived on it’s bovinesque regurgitation technique because their 5 year demo span is ever changing, and next year’s kids a) didn’t see these shows a couple of years ago and b) get their videos from the internet when they want them.
The minute people stop watching re-runs, advertisers will jump ship and these channels will fold. But it’s not happening. Not yet, anyway.
@Maura Johnston: Yeah, and we’re all still pissed that the cable companies get it both ways, from their subscribers and from selling ads.
Problem is, even with 1000+ to choose from, they all have to make money or else they’re not going to stay on the air. Channels themselves make money from ad revenue, and like I said before, without a reasonable guarantee of a return on their investment, media buyers aren’t going to invest in transient channels that show music videos all day.
When are they going to come out with digital video channels to go along with the digital music ones that most cable companies offer now? I might pay extra for the ability to have old metal videos running in the background at a party.
What is the problem here? Why on earth would the music channels play music?
It’s not like people listen to music anymore. Isn’t this why the RIAA is attacking all those single mothers? Those ignorant women are subscribing to a fad that died ages ago. These are the last pillars of income the recording industry can grab.
None of you really want to listen to 80s classics. So shut up, and enjoy your aging hop hop artists dating aging super models, or whatever trite nonsense ends up on cable nowadays.