CMT Has Stopped Playing Country Music Videos So Vintage TV Moves in to Take Up the Slack
Canada’s CMT is officially out of the music video business for the same reasons MTV and MuchMusic moved away from them: Why sit around waiting for your favourite video come up when you can just go to YouTube? No wonder these networks have gravitated towards lifestyle programming. This is where the eyeballs and the ratings are today.
This, however, doesn’t mean there isn’t an audience for carefully curated streams of music videos. And it doesn’t mean there aren’t people who want to get deeper into the music and the people that make it. This is the mission of Vintage TV, Canada’s newest music video channel. Vintage is making a pledge to pick up where CMT left off by offering blocks of country music. Here’s the official press release. (Please pardon the self-serving nature of this post.)
Vintage TV Canada has announced plans to invest in the country music market with new programming designed specifically for fans of the genre.
The news comes as CMT (Country Music Television) Canada stopped playing music videos on the channel to refocus programming in other areas. Vintage TV Canada has stepped up to the plate to ensure that country music fans are still able to access high-quality content from both emerging and established country artists.
Vintage TV Canada’s Creative Director and legendary broadcaster, Alan Cross comments:
“There have always been millions of country fans across Canada, as well as a vibrant domestic country scene from coast-to-coast. As a channel that loves good music of all genres, Vintage TV Canada will ensure that the country music fan is not forgotten and that country music artists are given the support and visibility they deserve.”
Since launching in October 2016, Vintage TV Canada has given viewers access to a wide variety of musical genres including pop, rock, blues, folk and metal with country integral to the mix. Through its original programming, such as Needle Time and Live With…, Vintage TV Canada has provided an unparalleled platform for country music artists to reach their audience. The channel has supported rising stars such as Ward Thomas, The Shires and Sarah Darling, alongside established acts like Blue Rodeo.
Vintage TV Canada also airs dedicated playlist shows featuring music videos from some of the greatest country music artists such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson and Shania Twain.
Veteran music presenter, Paul McGuire, said, “I’m thrilled to know that country fans will still be able to enjoy their favourite music on television. The talented team at Vintage TV have realized that these fans and artists are passionate and dedicated, and deserve a new home for country music. I’ll be watching!”
Vintage TV Canada’s plans have been met with enthusiasm by Ted Ellis, the Chair of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA): Brookfield Place Suite 1800 Box 754181 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T9 Canada
“As Chair of the CCMA, I am not only very relieved to know that Vintage TV Canada will be devoting a significant proportion of its schedule to country music, I am keen that our artists and labels should support that initiative in every possible way.”
More details about the new country music programming for Vintage TV Canada will be unveiled in due course.
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I can only hope with this announcement that you are working on carriage agreements with various providers across the country, beyond Shaw and Rogers.
I remain optimistic that this channel will be available very soon on Bell Fibe. Any word on how close you are to reaching a deal with them? Is the channel going to be available in HD in the near future?
I completely agree with your assessment that there is still an audience for music videos, especially if they are curated by those who are passionate about music and its history. If anything, we can use more music video channels on the air similar to Vintage TV. This channel deserves more exposure than what it currently has, given how your content appeals to just about any demographic, covering a wide variety of musical genres. You definitely have something amazing going on and I hope this channel continues its mission to entertain music lovers for a long time.
We are. It would be of great help if you contacted your cable provider and asked for Vintage-TV.