Idolator: MTV Networks

CNet is reporting that the long-vacant CEO ...

Dan Gibson — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EDT

CNet is reporting that the long-vacant CEO post at MySpace Music is about to be filled, and somehow the name they're reporting isn't "Dan Gibson". Courtney Holt, MTV Networks' executive vice president of digital music and media, looks to be the choice to fill the position with ~~her~~ his "experience," "relevant executive background," and "computer that can access MySpace without crashing." The timing is good for Holt, as ~~her~~ his current employer is expected to make job cuts in several divisions including ~~her~~ his own. [CNet]

MTV Networks Takes A Step Toward Figuring Out What To Do With Its HD Channel

Maura Johnston — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EDT

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!

Effective September 1, MHD will become Palladia, reflecting the state-of-the-art channel's rich and varied musical offerings to viewers eager for an immersive, high-definition home entertainment experience. The term Palladia conveys a sense of spectacle — a grand stage, a vast arena and the excitement of live musical performances.

The Palladia name solidifies the channel's position as the premier music channel in the growing high-def universe. The channel's additional exclusive programming will also help distribution partners meet consumer demand for music in HD whether it's on a high-definition tier or on a VOD platform.

"It's a bigger, more distinct name for a channel that has grown in size as well as satisfaction among music HD fans," said Tom Calderone, Executive Vice President and General Manager of VH1 who also oversees Palladia. "We're also reinforcing that the channel is THE home for an increasingly broad range of musical styles and artists in high-def performances that can't be seen anywhere else. We believe these changes will help our distributor partners as they continue to sell HD and strive for the best content."

The rebranding will begin with an airing of this year's Glastonbury highlights on Sept. 1, and continue through the week with other live-music broadcasts like Dave Chappelle's Block Party, footage from this year's Rothbury Music Festival, and the HD broadcast premiere of Monterey Pop. (I certainly hope those movies are sans commercial interruption, otherwise the HD flow will be kind of upset.) You'd think that the channel would launch with an HD simulcast of the Video Music Awards, which will take place only a few days after the Sept. 1 launch, but said simulcast isn't even on the docket—so anyone who wants to see the Jonas Brothers-Tokio Hotel cage match in HD as it happens will have to wait, alas. As long as I see a video from this year in the overnight programming block, though, I won't mind too much.

MTV Networks' MHD: Music High-Definition Channel Kicks Into High Gear With New Programming and a New Name - Palladia [PRNewswire via Marketwatch]

MTV Networks Getting Ready To Ruin VH1 Classic, Too

Dan Gibson — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:30:00 EDT

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]