MTV (Canadian TV channel): Difference between revisions
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Talktv had been licensed as an analogue channel, allowing it to be available without a [[digital cable]] box, and was one of the last specialty channels to be launched with that status (all specialty channels licensed since 2001 have been specifically limited to [[digital television|digital]] distribution). However, outside a handful of major markets such as Toronto, it was available via digital means only. |
Talktv had been licensed as an analogue channel, allowing it to be available without a [[digital cable]] box, and was one of the last specialty channels to be launched with that status (all specialty channels licensed since 2001 have been specifically limited to [[digital television|digital]] distribution). However, outside a handful of major markets such as Toronto, it was available via digital means only. |
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Due to low ratings, much more narrow distribution than other specialty services, and following the cancellation of ''the chatroom'', talktv became a repeat service for CTV network programming and repeated segments of |
Due to low ratings, much more narrow distribution than other specialty services, and following the cancellation of ''the chatroom'', talktv became a repeat service for CTV network programming and repeated segments of The Chatroom. This came just after it secured a CRTC [http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2002/db2002-143.htm decision] allowing it to charge seven cents per subscriber when carried on basic [[cable television|cable]], whereas it was previously made available to these viewers free of charge. |
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The final show broadcast on talktv was on [[March 20]] at 11:30 p.m. EST; specifically that night's episode of ''[[eTalk Daily]]'', followed at midnight by a large, red MTV logo and an 18 hour countdown clock for the launch. |
The final show broadcast on talktv was on [[March 20]] at 11:30 p.m. EST; specifically that night's episode of ''[[eTalk Daily]]'', followed at midnight by a large, red MTV logo and an 18 hour countdown clock for the launch. |
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Revision as of 15:58, 13 December 2007
- For the digital television channel formerly known as "MTV Canada", see Razer.
| Country |  Canada |
|---|---|
| Headquarters |  Toronto, Ontario |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | CTV Television Inc. (CTVglobemedia)[1] |
MTV is a Canadian English language cable television specialty channel devoted to talk and lifestyle programming, and is owned and operated by CTV Television Inc. a division of CTVglobemedia, in collaboration with MTV Networks.[2] The channel launched as talktv in 2000 but was not widely available prior to its relaunch as MTV in 2006.
The Canadian version of MTV carries many of the reality television series that currently dominate the schedule of its U.S. counterpart. However, music-based programming is notably absent from the channel, because MuchMusic, which, under current Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) channel-format regulations, is the only English-language channel that can be devoted to general-interest "music and music-related programming".[3] Due to this, the MTV logo, as used by MTV in Canada, never includes the phrase "Music Television", unlike other MTV-branded channels around the world. However, since mid-2007, MuchMusic, PunchMuch and Razer are under the same ownership as MTV in Canada, following CTVglobemedia's acquisition of CHUM Limited's specialty channels.
Original MTV Canada
In Canada, MTV had previously partnered with Craig Media to launch MTV Canada as a digital cable channel. This version began airing in September 2001. It was intended to be a broadly based teen channel with only 10% of the schedule devoted to music videos. CHUM filed a compliant with the CRTC alleging that MTV Canada was airing far more than 10% music videos and had become competitive with MuchMusic. Craig was ordered to come into compliance with its broadcasting license. After CHUM purchased Craig in 2004, MTV Networks terminated the agreement, due to a condition allowing MTV to cancel the agreement in the event of a change in ownership. CHUM Limited was required to pay MTV Networks the balance of the remaining licensing fees which amounted to $10 million (Canadian). On June 30, 2005, MTV Canada was re branded Razer, which is now under ownership by CTVglobemedia.
History
As talktv
Licensed in 1996 and launched four years later, talktv was home to repeats of CTV talk shows, as well as a lengthy afternoon/evening program, The Chatroom, which aired every weekday until mid-2002, usually broadcast from the CTV owned Masonic temple in Toronto. The program featured CTV personalities such as Seamus O'Regan and Ben Mulroney, as well as Jennifer Hollett, who went on to become a MuchMusic VJ. In 1999, talktv also acquired broadcast rights to Pamela Wallin Live, formerly broadcast on CBC Newsworld. On talktv, the program was renamed Pamela Wallin's talktv.
Talktv had been licensed as an analogue channel, allowing it to be available without a digital cable box, and was one of the last specialty channels to be launched with that status (all specialty channels licensed since 2001 have been specifically limited to digital distribution). However, outside a handful of major markets such as Toronto, it was available via digital means only.
Due to low ratings, much more narrow distribution than other specialty services, and following the cancellation of the chatroom, talktv became a repeat service for CTV network programming and repeated segments of The Chatroom. This came just after it secured a CRTC decision allowing it to charge seven cents per subscriber when carried on basic cable, whereas it was previously made available to these viewers free of charge.
The final show broadcast on talktv was on March 20 at 11:30 p.m. EST; specifically that night's episode of eTalk Daily, followed at midnight by a large, red MTV logo and an 18 hour countdown clock for the launch.
MTV relaunch
On September 28, 2005, CTV and MTV Networks announced that talktv would be relaunched as a new incarnation of MTV Canada while continuing to maintain its licence requirement to provide "dynamic, interactive, lifestyle, talk and documentary programming" with over 68% Canadian content. Brad Schwartz, previously an executive with MTV Networks, is general manager of MTV Canada.
CTV already had strong ties with MTV; it was the first broadcast network to air The Osbournes (which aired in prime time, uncensored) and subsequently added Punk'd, and Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica. CTV also applied for a category 2 licence that would feature music videos, along the lines of the former MTV2 Canada (now PunchMuch), though the application has never surfaced on the CRTC site. Meanwhile, CTV's "exclusive" rights meant that CHUM's MuchMusic lost all rights to MTV programming immediately following the announcement. CHUM released a statement saying that they would be intrigued as to how talktv could be morphed into MTV without violating its CRTC licence, and filed a complaint with the CRTC. However, the CRTC was unable to take preemptive action based on a press release.
Since the new channel is using the same broadcast licence CTV holds for talktv, CTV is restricted by the conditions of licence which include:
- an emphasis on talk programs
- 68% of the daytime programming must be Canadian content
- 71% of the prime time programming must be Canadian content
In February 2006, MTV began promoting their launch date with a series of ads with the slogan "the drought ends 03.21.06" some of which appeared during various programs across Bell Globemedia's (now CTVglobemedia) television platforms.
Talktv's bug had started periodically changing into an MTV logo to notify viewers of the coming change. On March 1, 2007 the network identifier on several program guides changed from talktv to MTVCAN, additionally the sole program listed was MTV is Coming, though this was not an actual program and the talktv schedule remained.
The actual relaunch occurred on March 21 at 6:00 p.m. EST, with the first edition of MTV Live. The start of MTV Live was preceded (at 5:58:20 p.m. EST) by a ten-second countdown featuring water drops with "MTV drops" appearing at the end, followed by a 90-second promo featuring various people wearing beige MTV shirts falling out of the sky signifying that the drought was over, as seen in the launch promos.
The relaunch as MTV did not affect the channel's "analogue" status. In fact many analogue-cable viewers that never had access to talktv were able to view the channel at, or soon after, its relaunch. Analogue or basic-service coverage has been greatly expanded, and many channel placements improved, through new deals with Rogers Cable, Bell ExpressVu, and others.
The channel held its official on-air launch party on April 18, 2006, with live performances by Kanye West and Sam Roberts. These performances have been broken down into several specials that are aired on CTV.
Programming
Before the re-launch, The Globe and Mail reported that the network would "... be quite different from what most people associate with the original American MTV, which has increasingly moved away from music videos toward reality shows and other original programming," [1] while placing a heavy emphasis on "talk and lifestyle shows". In a recent Canadian Press report, it was stated that while there could not be a Canadian version of the music-oriented Total Request Live, other spin off programs were not out of the question. Canadian versions of MTV Cribs, True Life (yet to air), Diary and Making the Video have already been produced.
Leading up to the launch, CTV aired MTV Unplugged: Alicia Keys in early October 2005, and MTV's New Year of Music on New Year's Eve 2005.
On February 20, 2006, CTV announced that the Masonic Temple in Toronto - previously home to talktv and Open Mike with Mike Bullard - would be the new home for MTV Canada and its new flagship show, MTV Live. This would be essentially a revival of the live-and-interactive talk show format introduced by the chatroom, with new hosts, the addition of a studio audience, field reports, and live performances.
Nearly all of the MTV US reality, documentary and lifestyle programs air on MTV Canada, although often several weeks after their initial airing in the US. Some programs have aired day, date and time with MTV US, mostly special presentations such as the MTV Movie Awards. However, season 3 of The Hills will be simulcast with MTV US, starting with its premiere on August 13, 2007.
On June 27, 2006 MTV Canada aired Making the Video for the first time (Ashlee Simpson's Invisible) but, only showed a short clip of the video. Viewers were told to watch the rest of the video on the MTV website. This is due to CRTC regulations that prevent MTV Canada from airing music videos. As a replacement for the videos, MTV airs previews for other MTV shows.
Since its launch, MTV Canada has aired the annual MTV Movie Awards as a simulcast with MTV US. However, the MTV Video Music Awards do not air on MTV due to the high level of music content. The broadcast of such content would be a violation of CRTC regulations. Instead, the ceremony airs on CTV, the parent company of MTV in Canada, though the pre-show does air on MTV. *2006 MTV VMA's to air on CTV
10 Spot
The 10 p.m. time slot from Monday to Friday is branded as the 10 Spot. It features the newest MTV reality and lifestyle series. A full array of promos, on air and online graphics are used to promote the 10 Spot. New, as well as returning series premiere monthly. This branded block normally attracts the highest ratings for the network. The 10 Spot schedule often resembles that of MTV US, though the programs are usually several weeks behind.
Interactivity
Viewers are encouraged to interact with MTV and its hosts.
MTV on CTV
In addition to MTV Canada's airings, CTV airs a branded late-night block of MTV programming six nights a week known as "MTV on CTV". These programs include several of the music-oriented and comedy programs that MTV Canada itself cannot air. Many of the reality/lifestyle shows that do air on MTV are also featured.
This block presently consists of two hours on Saturdays (12:05 - 2:05 a.m. local); actual times may vary by location or station. The block also formerly aired 30 minutes a night on weeknights (1:05 - 1:35 a.m. local) from MTV Canada's re-launch until September 7, 2007, which has since been replaced by TMZ on TV.
MTV slogans
- the drought ends 03.21.06 (pre-launch)
- There's something in the water
- Tonight in the 10 Spot
- Watch and Learn
MTV.ca
At the time of launch in March 2006, it was branded as MTV Overdrive. In early 2007, the MTV Overdrive brand was dropped. In 2006, MTV US had dropped the Overdrive name and choose to call its service MTV.com. In June 2007, the site was redesigned.
Notes
- ^ MTV Networks is a programming partner but CTV is presently the sole owner of MTV Canada, according to the CRTC's current ownership charts.
- ^ Note that the name of the channel is simply "MTV", as opposed to "MTV Canada". It is usually referred to in official press releases as "MTV in Canada", i.e., the version of MTV that is available in Canada.
- ^ MuchMusic conditions of licence
See also
- MTV (US)