What is the current name of the American pay television network formerly known as VH1 Smooth and VH1 Classic?

The American pay television network is currently known as MTV Classic. It was previously called VH1 Smooth and VH1 Classic Rock before settling on VH1 Classic, and then rebranded to its current name.

Which company currently owns MTV Classic in the United States?

MTV Classic is owned by Paramount Media Networks, which is a subsidiary of Paramount Skydance Corporation. This means it is part of a larger media conglomerate.

When was the network that is now MTV Classic originally launched?

The network, under its initial name VH1 Smooth, was originally launched on August 1, 1998. This marked its debut as a specialized music channel.

What were the previous names of MTV Classic before its current branding?

Before becoming MTV Classic, the network had several former names: VH1 Smooth from 1998 to 1999, VH1 Classic Rock from 1999 to 2000, and VH1 Classic from 2000 to 2016. These names reflected shifts in its programming focus over the years.

What type of programming did VH1 Smooth primarily feature upon its launch?

Upon its launch as VH1 Smooth, the channel focused on adult contemporary and smooth jazz music. These genres typically appeal to a more mature audience with a preference for softer, melodic sounds.

What was the programming emphasis when the channel was relaunched as VH1 Classic Rock in 1999?

When relaunched as VH1 Classic Rock in 1999, the channel primarily emphasized classic rock music. This genre typically includes rock music from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

When did the channel officially rebrand as MTV Classic, and what was the significance of this date?

The channel officially rebranded as MTV Classic on August 1, 2016. This date was significant as it marked the 35th anniversary of the original MTV's launch, celebrating the network's legacy.

What is the current programming focus of MTV Classic?

MTV Classic currently exclusively airs music videos from all genres, primarily focusing on content from the 1980s to the 2000s. This provides a nostalgic experience for viewers interested in music from those decades.

What was the estimated reach of MTV Classic in terms of pay television households in the United States as of December 2019?

As of December 2019, MTV Classic was available to approximately 39,000,000 pay television households in the United States. This figure indicates its widespread, though not universal, availability to cable and satellite subscribers.

What was the initial launch date and package for VH1 Smooth?

VH1 Smooth launched on August 1, 1998, as part of the 'Suite' digital package. Its initial launch date was delayed from July 31, 1998.

What musical genres did VH1 Smooth concentrate on during its operation?

During its time as VH1 Smooth, the channel concentrated on smooth jazz, new age, and adult contemporary music. These genres are generally characterized by their relaxed and melodic qualities.

What was the very first music video played on VH1 Smooth?

The first music video ever played on VH1 Smooth was a cover version of 'Makin' Whoopee' by Branford Marsalis. This marked the beginning of the channel's broadcast history.

The source material references a VH1 Classic logo from 2007-2016. What does this image represent?

The source material includes an image of the VH1 Classic logo that was in use from 2007 to 2016. This logo served as the visual identity for the channel during that period.

What kind of content did VH1 Classic Rock feature when it relaunched on August 1, 1999?

When VH1 Classic Rock relaunched on August 1, 1999, it primarily featured a mainstream rock and adult hits-formatted mix of music videos and concert footage from the 1960s to the 1980s. Initially, it also included a broader range of genres and time periods.

When was the channel name changed from VH1 Classic Rock to VH1 Classic?

The channel name was quickly changed from VH1 Classic Rock to VH1 Classic in the year 2000. This simplified its branding while retaining its focus on classic music.

Beyond music videos, what other types of music-themed programs did VH1 Classic expand to include?

VH1 Classic expanded its programming beyond just music videos to include a varied line-up of music-themed programs. These included themed music video compilation blocks (such as heavy metal or 1980s popular music), full-length concerts, music documentaries like the *Classic Albums* and *Behind the Music* series, and music-oriented films like Prince's *Purple Rain* and *The Blues Brothers*.

Did VH1 Classic air any original talk shows?

Yes, VH1 Classic aired an original talk show called *That Metal Show*. This program catered to fans of heavy metal music and culture.

What previously aired programs from the main VH1 channel were re-broadcast on VH1 Classic?

VH1 Classic re-broadcast programs that first aired on the main VH1 channel, including *Pop-Up Video* and *I Love the '80s*. These shows offered a nostalgic look at music and pop culture from previous decades.

What significant television marathon did VH1 Classic air in early 2015?

From January 28 until February 15, 2015, VH1 Classic aired a 19-day marathon of NBC's *Saturday Night Live*. This marathon was in celebration of the series' 40th anniversary.

What kind of classic programming did MTV Classic initially include after its 2016 rebrand?

After its 2016 rebrand, MTV Classic's programming continued to focus on classic music videos and programming, including notable episodes of *MTV Unplugged* and *Storytellers*. It specifically skewed towards content from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

Which past MTV original series were included in MTV Classic's schedule after the 2016 rebrand?

The rebranded MTV Classic network schedule included reruns of past MTV original series such as the 2011 *Beavis and Butt-Head* revival and *Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County*. These shows were popular during MTV's earlier eras.

How did MTV Classic mark its relaunch on August 1, 2016?

MTV Classic marked its relaunch at 6:00 a.m. ET with a rebroadcast of MTV's first hour on the air, which was branded as 'MTV Hour One'. This event was also simulcast on the main MTV channel and online via Facebook live streaming.

Were any VH1 Classic programs retained in the MTV Classic schedule after the rebrand?

Yes, several VH1 Classic programs were retained in the existing schedule of MTV Classic, although they were primarily aired during late-night hours. This allowed for some continuity for long-time viewers.

What programming event did MTV Classic air leading up to December 30, 2016?

Three days leading up to December 30, 2016, MTV Classic aired 24-hour blocks called 'Decade-a-thons'. These consisted of music videos from the 1980s, leading up to the 2000s, offering a chronological musical journey.

What significant change occurred in MTV Classic's programming schedule after December 30, 2016?

After December 30, 2016, MTV Classic unveiled a new automated all-music video schedule, and all of the older MTV and VH1 Classic series content was removed. This marked a shift back to a pure music video format.

What are the only deviations from MTV Classic's automated all-music video schedule?

The only deviations from MTV Classic's automated all-music video schedule are 'roadblock' simulcasts of the annual *MTV Video Music Awards* and *MTV Movie & TV Awards*, and occasional marathons of older MTV shows to promote new series or season launches, such as *The Hills* to promote *The Hills: New Beginnings*.

How did MTV Classic's viewership compare to other English-language channels at the end of 2016?

At the end of 2016, MTV Classic was one of the least-watched English-language channels on most American subscription providers, averaging only 30–35,000 viewers on an average night in primetime. This represented a decline of nearly a third from VH1 Classic's already low numbers in 2015.

What was MTV Classic's average viewership by the end of May 2017?

By the end of May 2017, MTV Classic's viewership numbers had slipped further to an average of 14,000 viewers per night. At that time, it was only ahead of the Esquire Network and beIN Sports, which was in its non-prime sports season.

What was MTV Classic's average viewership by the end of July 2017?

By the end of July 2017, MTV Classic's average viewership had halved to 7,000 viewers per night. At this point, it was only ahead of the beIN networks in terms of ratings.

How does MTV Classic pay tribute to recently deceased musicians?

Occasionally, MTV Classic interrupts its regular music video programming to air specific music videos in tribute to a recently deceased musician. For example, after Tony Bennett's death, the channel exclusively aired his music videos and live performances for the subsequent weekend. For other artists, like Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth, their music videos are broadcast periodically throughout the day of their death, mixed into regular programming.

What is the primary language of MTV Classic's programming?

The primary language of MTV Classic's programming is English. This is typical for American television networks.

What picture format does MTV Classic use for its broadcasts?

MTV Classic broadcasts in 480i, which is a standard-definition television (SDTV) picture format. This resolution is lower than modern high-definition formats.

Where are the headquarters of MTV Classic located?

The headquarters of MTV Classic are located in New York City, New York, United States. This is a common location for major media companies.

What is the parent company of MTV Classic?

The parent company of MTV Classic is MTV Entertainment Group. This group oversees various MTV-branded channels and other entertainment properties.

Which other channels are considered sister channels to MTV Classic?

MTV Classic has several sister channels, including MTV, MTV2, MTV Tres, and MTV Live. These channels are all part of the same media family under the MTV Entertainment Group.

What is the official website for MTV Classic?

The official website for MTV Classic is www.mtv.com/classic. Websites like this typically provide programming information, schedules, and sometimes online content.

What was the initial programming focus of VH1 Classic Rock, and how did it evolve?

VH1 Classic Rock initially focused on a mainstream rock and adult hits mix of music videos and concert footage from the 1960s to the 1980s, though it originally included a wider range of genres and time periods. It evolved to include a variety of music-themed programs beyond just music videos.

How did the rebranding to MTV Classic in 2016 align with MTV's history?

The rebranding to MTV Classic in 2016 aligned with MTV's history by occurring on the 35th anniversary of the original MTV's launch. This move aimed to celebrate and re-emphasize MTV's musical heritage by focusing on classic music videos and programming from its most iconic decades.

What was the viewership trend for MTV Classic in the months following its 2016 rebrand?

In the months following its 2016 rebrand, MTV Classic experienced a significant decline in viewership. It went from averaging 30–35,000 primetime viewers at the end of 2016 to 14,000 viewers by May 2017, and further dropped to 7,000 viewers by July 2017, making it one of the least-watched English-language channels.

What is the general trend of MTV Classic's viewership ranking since the end of 2017?

Since the end of 2017, MTV Classic has steadily remained the fourth-to-last ranked network among English-language channels. It typically ranks behind beIN Sports and Entertainment Studios Networks' Comedy.TV and its five-network cumulative 'ESN Lifestyles' entry.

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Channel Overview

A Retrospective Music Channel

MTV Classic is an American pay television network, currently owned by Paramount Media Networks. It serves as a dedicated platform for music videos and programming primarily from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, offering a nostalgic journey through popular music history. This channel represents a significant evolution from its predecessors, VH1 Smooth and VH1 Classic, adapting its content to reflect changing audience preferences and the broader media landscape.

Corporate Affiliation

The network operates under the umbrella of Paramount Media Networks, a division of Paramount Skydance Corporation. Its headquarters are located in New York City, New York, United States. As a sister channel to MTV, MTV2, MTV Tres, and MTV Live, MTV Classic plays a distinct role within the MTV Entertainment Group, focusing on the historical breadth of music video culture rather than contemporary hits.

Reach and Accessibility

As of December 2019, MTV Classic was accessible in approximately 39,000,000 pay television households across the United States. Its programming is delivered in 480i (SDTV) picture format and is broadcast in English. Beyond traditional cable, the channel is also available through various streaming media services, including DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, and YouTube TV, reflecting modern consumption patterns of television content.

Historical Trajectory

The VH1 Smooth Era (1998–1999)

The channel's genesis can be traced back to August 1, 1998, with the launch of "VH1 Smooth." This initial iteration was conceived as part of the "Suite" digital package, focusing on a niche market of smooth jazz, new age, and adult contemporary music. The inaugural music video broadcast on VH1 Smooth was a cover of "Makin' Whoopee" by Branford Marsalis, setting a distinct tone for its early programming.

The VH1 Classic Era (1999–2016)

A significant pivot occurred on August 1, 1999, when the channel was relaunched as "VH1 Classic Rock." This rebranding signaled a shift towards mainstream rock and adult hits, featuring music videos and concert footage predominantly from the 1960s to the 1980s. The name was subsequently shortened to "VH1 Classic" in 2000, broadening its appeal beyond just rock music.

Initially, VH1 Classic maintained an exclusive focus on music videos. However, its programming quickly diversified to include a rich array of music-themed content:

Themed Music Video Blocks: Curated compilations focusing on specific genres like heavy metal or popular music from the 1980s.
Full-Length Concerts: Showcasing live performances from iconic artists.
Music Documentaries: Series such as Classic Albums and Behind the Music, providing in-depth looks at significant musical works and artists' careers.
Music-Oriented Films: Broadcasts of films like Prince's Purple Rain and The Blues Brothers.
Original Talk Show: The channel produced its own talk show, That Metal Show, catering to a specific sub-genre audience.
Re-broadcasts: Popular programs from the main VH1 channel, including Pop-Up Video and I Love the '80s, found a new home on VH1 Classic.

Notably, from January 28 to February 15, 2015, VH1 Classic aired a 19-day marathon of NBC's Saturday Night Live, commemorating the series' 40th anniversary. This event set a new record for the longest continuous marathon in television history at the time.

The MTV Classic Rebrand (2016–Present)

On August 1, 2016, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the original MTV's launch, the network underwent its most recent transformation, rebranding as "MTV Classic." This strategic move aimed to align the channel more closely with the iconic MTV brand while maintaining its focus on classic music and programming. The relaunch commenced with a rebroadcast of MTV's inaugural hour on air, a symbolic gesture connecting the past with the present.

The initial programming strategy for MTV Classic emphasized:

Classic Music Videos: A curated selection spanning the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.
Archival MTV/VH1 Content: Notable episodes from series like MTV Unplugged and VH1 Storytellers.
Reruns of MTV Original Series: Including the 2011 revival of Beavis and Butt-Head and Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.

However, this diversified format was short-lived. By the end of December 2016, following a series of "Decade-a-thons" featuring music videos from the 80s, 90s, and 00s, MTV Classic transitioned to an automated all-music video schedule, largely removing its older MTV and VH1 Classic series content. This shift marked a return to a more focused music video presentation, with only occasional deviations for special events.

Programming Evolution

The Core: Music Videos

At its heart, MTV Classic's programming revolves around music videos. While its predecessors explored various music-themed shows, the current iteration primarily features an automated rotation of music videos from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. This focus aims to provide a continuous stream of classic visual music content, catering to an audience interested in the foundational eras of music video production and popular culture.

Special Event Broadcasts

Despite its largely automated music video schedule, MTV Classic occasionally deviates for significant events. These "roadblock" simulcasts include major awards ceremonies such as the annual MTV Video Music Awards and MTV Movie & TV Awards. Such broadcasts serve to consolidate viewership across Paramount networks and leverage the channel's connection to the broader MTV brand. Additionally, the channel may air marathons of older MTV shows to promote new series or season launches on its sister channels, as seen with The Hills to promote The Hills: New Beginnings.

Tributes to Musicians

A notable aspect of MTV Classic's programming is its practice of honoring recently deceased musicians. The channel will interrupt its regular music video schedule to air specific music videos and live performances in tribute. For instance, following Tony Bennett's passing on July 21, 2023, MTV Classic dedicated an entire weekend to his music videos and live performances. For other artists, such as Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth, their music videos are periodically integrated into the regular programming rotation on the day of their death, ensuring a respectful acknowledgment of their contributions to music.

Audience & Metrics

Declining Viewership Trends

Since its rebranding, MTV Classic has experienced a notable decline in viewership, positioning it among the least-watched English-language channels on most American subscription providers. In late 2016, the channel averaged only 30–35,000 viewers in primetime, representing a significant decrease from VH1 Classic's already modest numbers in 2015. This decline was a contributing factor to the network's rapid abandonment of its initial diversified format after just five months.

Further Erosion of Audience

The downward trend continued into 2017. By the end of May 2017, average viewership had slipped further to approximately 14,000 viewers per night, placing it ahead of only a few niche channels like Esquire Network and beIN Sports during its non-prime sports season. By July 2017, these numbers were halved, with the channel averaging a mere 7,000 viewers per night, making it one of the lowest-rated English-language networks, only surpassing the beIN networks.

Persistent Low Ranking

Despite the addition of seven Entertainment Studios Networks to Nielsen monitoring at the close of 2017 and a decline in beIN Sports' ratings, MTV Classic would have been the lowest-rated English-language network in 2017, maintaining an average of 14,000 viewers per night. Subsequently, the channel has consistently remained among the bottom four ranked networks, typically behind beIN Sports and Entertainment Studios' Comedy.TV, and its cumulative "ESN Lifestyles" entry for its other networks. This sustained low viewership underscores the challenges faced by niche music video channels in the contemporary media environment.

Special Tributes

Honoring Musical Legacies

MTV Classic distinguishes itself by periodically dedicating programming blocks to honor deceased musicians. This practice serves as a cultural acknowledgment of their impact on music and popular culture, providing a platform for audiences to remember and celebrate their contributions. These tributes are a poignant reminder of the channel's role in preserving and presenting musical heritage.

Varied Tribute Formats

The format of these tributes can vary depending on the prominence and catalog of the artist. For highly influential figures like Tony Bennett, the channel may dedicate an entire weekend to their music videos and live performances, as observed after his passing in July 2023. This comprehensive approach allows for an immersive retrospective of the artist's career.

Integrated Memorials

For other notable musicians, such as Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth, their music videos are integrated periodically throughout the day of their death, mixed into the regular programming. This ensures that their work is recognized and celebrated within the channel's standard rotation, offering a more subtle yet consistent form of remembrance. These integrated memorials highlight the channel's commitment to its musical roots and the artists who shaped its content.

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References

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Echoes of an Era: Navigating the Legacy of MTV Classic

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Channel Overview 📺

🎶 A Retrospective Music Channel

🏢 Corporate Affiliation

🌐 Reach and Accessibility

Historical Trajectory 📜

🎷 The VH1 Smooth Era (1998–1999)

🎸 The VH1 Classic Era (1999–2016)

🔄 The MTV Classic Rebrand (2016–Present)

Programming Evolution 🎬

📼 The Core: Music Videos

🌟 Special Event Broadcasts

🕊️ Tributes to Musicians

Audience & Metrics 📊

📉 Declining Viewership Trends

📉 Further Erosion of Audience

📉 Persistent Low Ranking

Special Tributes 🕊️

🎤 Honoring Musical Legacies

📅 Varied Tribute Formats

🎵 Integrated Memorials

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Channel Overview

A Retrospective Music Channel

Corporate Affiliation

Reach and Accessibility

Historical Trajectory

The VH1 Smooth Era (1998–1999)

The VH1 Classic Era (1999–2016)

The MTV Classic Rebrand (2016–Present)

Programming Evolution

The Core: Music Videos

Special Event Broadcasts

Tributes to Musicians

Audience & Metrics

Declining Viewership Trends

Further Erosion of Audience

Persistent Low Ranking

Special Tributes

Honoring Musical Legacies

Varied Tribute Formats

Integrated Memorials

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice