Idolator

I've had MHD, the MTV Networks-powered high-definition channel, for a few months now, and its offerings at present seem to be a hodgepodge of electronic press kits, recent material from the vaults, stuff that's shown on MTV's European outlets, and concerts and movies that are available on DVD. (The movies, it probably should be noted, are interrupted by ads for either the channel itself or local businesses.) Between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m., MHD shows six hours of music videos—which would be great if any of the clips in rotation had come out in 2008, and if there were more than 50 videos in the running for airtime. (I mean, I appreciate the chance to see a three-year-old video by the Click Five now and again, but every day is a bit excessive.) Well, today MTV Networks announced that it would be rebranding the channel and getting more aggressive about actually programming the thing. Behold: Palladia! More »

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]