| MTV Classic Australia | |
|---|---|
| Launched | 14 March 2004 |
| Owned by | MTV Networks Australia |
| Picture format | 576i (SDTV 16:9) |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Broadcast area | Australia and New Zealand |
| Formerly called | VH1 (prior to 1 May 2010)[1] |
| Sister channel(s) | MTV MTV Hits MTV Live HD |
| Website | mtvclassic.com.au |
| Availability | |
| Satellite | |
| Foxtel | Channel 810 |
| Austar | Channel 810 |
| Sky Network Television | Channel 061 |
| Cable | |
| Foxtel | Channel 810 |
| Austar | Channel 810 |
| Optus TV | Channel 810 |
| Neighbourhood Cable | Channel 15 |
| TransACT | Channel 252 |
| TelstraClear | TBA |
| IPTV | |
| Xbox 360 | Channel 810 |
| FetchTV | Channel 111 |
MTV Classic is non-stop classic music channel. It is the sister channel to MTV Australia and was formerly known as VH1 Australia.[2] It focuses on music from the 1980s to 2000s.[3] The channel launched on 1 May 2010 in Australia and in New Zealand on 1 June 2011.[4] On 1 July 2011 MTV International channels launched new logos [5]
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The channel first aired on Sunday 14 March 2004 when Foxtel launched its digital product and then on Austar and Optus shortly after.[6] In April 2006, Australian pay TV newcomer, SelecTV also began to carry VH1. In 2008 it began carriage on TransACT and Neighbourhood Cable. The channel although Australian run, mainly showed programming for the US and the UK with programs such as The Fabulous Life of... and the celebrity based documentary Driven. The VH1 Website officially launched on 3 August 2006. The website somewhat followed the format of the MTV Australia website. It contained a news section, competitions, features, info on new acts and more. It also has details on shows like Can't Get a Date. The website also provided an e-newsletter. The website was closed down in April 2007 for maintenance and was offline until November. In mid August 2009 the site was expanded from a single page to a mini-site on the MTV website.
On 25 November 2006 VH1 presented Australia's Favourite Lyric which presented a long list of songs on the VH1 website for viewers and industry members to vote. When the votes closed the list was made into a top 100 countdown and INXS took out the top spot with their song Never Tear Us Apart.[7][8]
Unlike sister channel MTV, the channel still aired a majority of music programming, with VH1 produced entertainment programming shown on MTV or other channels.[9]
On 10 February 2010, the channel was announced via the MTV Australia website.[10] MTV Networks in Australia confirmed that VH1 receives fewer viewers each week than its sister channel MTV Australia. Part of the channel's launch included a music event which took the place of the annual MTV Australia Awards which was held in Melbourne at the Palace Theatre.[1][10][11] The event consisted of a line-up of local and international artists including former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash.[12] "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles was the first music video to be played on the channel.
In June 2010, they began carriage on FetchTV.
On 23 November 2010, MTV Classic is broadcasting in widescreen.
When the Channel first launched (as VH1) it employed 2 on-air talent but they later began running on mainly voice overs and guest presenters, the 2 hosts were: Zoe Sheridan: The glamorous and sexy side of the project who assisted in the production to Inside Track and David Campbell: The son of Australia Rock sensation Jimmy Barnes. David also had some chart success with his hit single "Hope" which sold well in Australia the US and The UK, he also was one of the faces of Inside Track until its cancellation.
MTV Classic airs a variety of artist related programmes as well as established MTV series. The channel aims at the age demographic of 24-40 year olds.[13]
VH1 Australia have the rights to The ARIA Hall of Fame Awards show (aired on 20 August 2006). The Hall of Fame has been an important part of the ARIA Awards since 1988. Traditionally taking place during the ARIA Awards ceremony, a diverse range of artists have been inducted into the Hall of Fame including AC/DC, Dame Joan Sutherland, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny O'Keefe, Paul Kelly, John Farnham, INXS, Slim Dusty, Jimmy Little and many more.[14]
In addition to the above, the channel often screens music documentary and concert specials.
In March 2005 VH1 co-broadcast the MTV Australia Video Music Awards. As well as showing facts about the nominated artists, during this time, they also had a special award called the VH1 Music First Award which was awarded to Cher.
Inside Track featured new music and videos internationally and locally. So far the previous hosts have chatted with Jet, Darren Hayes, PJ Harvey, Lionel Richie, Olivia Newton-John and Chris Isaak.
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