Wikipedia

VH1

VH1(originally aninitialismforVideo Hits One) is an Americanbasic cabletelevision network that launched on January 1, 1985, and is currently owned by theBET Media Groupsubsidiary ofParamount Global'sCBS Entertainment Groupbased inNew York City.The network was originally owned byWarner-Amex Satellite Entertainment;a division ofWarner Communications,and the original owner of then-sister channelMTVat the time. It was launched in the channel space ofTurner Broadcasting System's short-livedCable Music Channel.

VH1
The VH1 Logo used since 2016, with the wordmark used since 2013
CountryUnited States
Broadcast areaNationwide
HeadquartersNew York City
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format1080iHDTV
(downscaled toletterboxed480ifor theSDTVfeed)
Ownership
OwnerParamount Global
ParentBET Media Group
(CBS Entertainment Group)[1]
Sister channels
List
History
LaunchedJanuary 1, 1985;39 years ago(1985-01-01)
ReplacedCable Music Channel
Former namesVH-1/VH-1: Video Hits One
1985–1994
VH1: Music First
1994–2003
Links
Websitewww.vh1Edit this at Wikidata
Availability
Streaming media
Sling TV,Philo,YouTube TV,Vidgo TV,FuboTV,HuluInternet Protocol television

VH1 was originally conceived to build upon the success of MTV by playing music videos targeting a slightly older demographic focusing on the lighter, softer side of popular music.[2]Like MTV, VH1 ultimatelydrifted awayfrom music and intoreality televisionprogramming; albeit with a focus on music personalities, celebrities, and shows targetingAfrican-Americanaudiences. VH1 is best known for franchises such asBehind the Music,theI Love…series, theCelebrealityblock,Love & Hip Hop,andBasketball Wives.

As of December 2023, VH1 is available in approximately 67,481,000 American households;[3]down from 90.2 million in January 2016.[4]

History

edit
Main article:History of VH1

VH1, an acronym forVideo Hits One,launched on January 1, 1985 over the channel space ofTurner'sCable Music Channel.[5][6]The channel originally focused on music and programming aimed at older audiences than its sibling channel at the time,MTV.[7]

On August 27, 1985, parent companyWarner Communicationssold 31% of VH1 and its siblings (MTV andNickelodeon;which were already divested by Warner intoMTV Networks) toViacom.[8][9]Viacom would eventually buy the remaining 69% of MTV Networks from Warner for $326 million on May 20, 1986.[10][11]By 1989, VH1's music programming would cater to Top 40,adult contemporary,classic rock,and 1980s mainstream pop.[12]During the 1990s, VH1 would gain popularity for original music-related programs such asPop-Up VideoandBehind the Music.

In the 2000s, VH1 would begin to scale down its music offerings, while shifting its focus to pop-culture and nostalgia-based programming; includingreality televisionshows focused oncelebrities,and various documentaries and panel shows. Headlining this programming shift would be VH1'sCelebrealityblock, featuringThe Surreal Life& its franchise of various spinoffs. One spin off,Flavor of Love,proved to be a ratings success, and is cited by observers as the beginning of the network's programming leaning towards shows about African-American personalities (such as theBasketball WivesandBlack Ink Crewfranchises); similar toBETand itssister networks.[13][14]In 2011, VH1 debuted thefirst installmentof theLove & Hip Hopfranchise; which would go on to become the network's longest-running program.

On November 9, 2022, it was announced that oversight of VH1 would move to theBET Media GroupunderScott Mills.[1]

Programming

edit
Further information:List of programs broadcast by VH1

Original programming currently seen on VH1 includes theLove & Hip Hopand theBasketball Wivesfranchises. Other notable shows and franchisees that have aired on the network includeBlack Ink Crew,The Impact: New York(a spinoff ofBET+'sThe Impact: Atlanta),RuPaul's Drag Race(which was moved over fromLogo,and aired on VH1 from 2017–2022), reruns and new episodes ofNick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out(which originated onMTV), andMartha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party.[15]

Since the 2010's, and prior to its move toBET,VH1's programming had shifted towards urban music genres and African-American personalities.

Sister and international networks

edit

VH1 HD

edit

VH1 HD(launched in 2005) is a1080ihigh-definitionfeed, with all major providers carrying the network; as of 2016 this feed is downgraded at a provider'sheadendto provide the network's standard definition channel on systems.

Sister channels in the U.S.

edit
Further information:List of Paramount channels

VH1 initially launched four spinoff digital networks as part ofTheMTVSuite,with another being launched at a later date. By August 2016, these channels spinoffs had either been realigned under the MTV,BET,orCMTbranding, or were shuttered altogether.

  • VH1 Classic:Music videos primarily from the 1970s and 1980s, but also the 1960s and 1990s, concert footage, vintage movies, and original programming focused onadult hits,classic hitsandclassic rockmusic. Rebranded asMTV Classicon August 1, 2016, in honor ofMTV's 35th anniversary.
  • VH1 Country:Continuouscountry musicvideos. Rebranded asCMT Pure CountryunderCMTon Memorial Day 2006.
  • VH1 MegaHits:A channel which played mostly top 40adult contemporaryvideos from throughout VH1's history, from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Due to low viewership, the network was discontinued. The satellite space was utilized by MTV Networks to launch theLGBTQnetworkLogo.
  • VH1 Soul:Classic and neo-soul musicvideos from the past and today. Rebranded asBET SoulunderBETon December 28, 2015.
  • VH1 Uno:A Spanish language channel which mostly composed of music videos of Latin pop, rock, and traditional ballads, tropical, salsa and merengue music. Discontinued February 2, 2008, by MTV Networks to expand normal distribution ofMTVUbeyond college campuses.[16]

Internet

edit

VH1's website launched in the mid-1990s. In 2003, MTV NetworksVSPOT,a broadband video channel that followed the model ofMTV Overdrive,containing the shows aired by VH1 andmusic videos.Like Overdrive, it was coolly received due to a heavy reliance on broadband and advanced web technologies. VH1 returned to a traditional-style website in late 2007.

International networks

edit
Further information:List of MTV channels

As with other MTV channels, Paramount Global has broadcast international versions of VH1, besides VH1 India they all closed down however:

  • VH1 Adria:By the end of September 2012, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Croatia got their regional version of VH1 called VH1 Adria.[17][18]However, due to financial issues, the channel closed in January 2015 and was replaced by the feed of VH1 Europe.
  • VH1 Australia:Since March (April for Optus customers) 2004, VH1 has been available in Australia onFoxtel,Optus TelevisionandAustar.It is also available on the SelecTv pay-TV platform. On May 1, 2010, VH1 Australia was re-branded as MTV Classic.
  • VH1 Brasil:ThePortuguese-languageversion of VH1 was launched in Brazil on May 1, 2004. However, VH1 Soul had been available todigital cablesubscribers since 2004. In 2007 VH1 Soul stopped being available in Brazil. In 2009 the versionHDof VH1 was launched. It closed down on November 14, 2014.
  • VH1 Mega Hits Brazil:Replaced the Brazilian version ofMTV Hits.The channel plays 24h chart hits non-stop. Closed down on July 31, 2020.
  • VH1 Christmas:A special channel that played Christmas music videos. VH1 Christmas aired onMTV Rocksin the UK and Ireland during the Christmas period annually.
  • VH1 Denmark:The Danish version of VH1 was launched in Denmark on March 15, 2008. Today the programming still consist of music videos unlike its American counterpart. This was the only international VH1 under Paramount's responsibility, since theItalianversion closed in January 2024 until 1 April 2024 and it has been replaced byNickMusic.[19]
  • VH1 Europe:The Pan-European VH1 channel has broadcast in the European continent as well as Africa and the Middle East. This channel also airs in Russia and many countries of Latin America, albeit only in Russia it has the "16+" icon on the bottom-right, due to Russia's broadcasting laws. VH1 Europe was replaced with MTV 00s on August 2, 2021.
  • VH1 Export:VH1 Export is the technical name used for the version of VH1 European available in the Middle East, Africa, and theLevantterritories broadcasting via satellite, exclusively from theOSNpay-TV network. In Africa (onDStv), the channel is exactly the same as VH1 European, but with different adverts. Also VH1 Export has ceased existing on August 2, 2021, and has been replaced by MTV 00s.
  • VH-1 Germany:In 1995 to 2001, a German-language version of VH-1 was broadcast, featuring more adult music than MTV, and using the original 1985 to 1987 US logo. It proved unsuccessful and eventually had to make way for a non-stop music channel aimed at teenagers calledMTV2 Pop.
  • VH1 India:In December 2004, MTV India andZee-Turnerteamed up to bring VH1 to India (later owned byViacom18). It is the only version of VH1 that currently uses the 2003 branding. It also airs MTV international shows due toMTV Indiaonly airing Indian originals.
  • VH1 Indonesia:In Indonesia, VH1 programming were aired on MTV Indonesia at 4 until 8pm, and on local terrestrial channels such asJakTV,Jakarta,STVBandung,TV Borobudur,Semarang,TATV, Solo, Batam TV,Batam,and Makassar TV,Makassarand also a full link channel seen on satellite PALAPA C2.
  • VH1 Italy:Launched in July 2016, which replacedMTV MusiconDTT,which sold the main MTV station to Sky Italia on August 1, 2015. The channel ceased its broadcast on January 7, 2024.[20]
  • VH1 Latin America:On April 1, 2004, VH1 Latin America joinedMTVandNickelodeonLatin America targeting audiences 25–49 years old. Until then, the VH1 main channel available for Latin America was the original US version. The Spanish-language channel is tailored for the market and feature a mix of music and entertainment with local and international-recording artists, as well as original programming. VH1 Latin America closed down on October 7, 2020, being replaced by itsEuropean counterpart.
  • VH1 Pakistan:It was launched in 2008 by Viacom as a joint venture withARY Digital Network.However, in 2009, the channel was closed due to low ratings and repeated shows.[citation needed]
  • VH1 Polska:Launched (or rather renamed) on December 1, 2005. The channel was aimed at people in Poland over 25. The channel was formerly known as "MTV Classic" and (especially in its last months) was the same as present VH1, airing the same programs for the same target group. VH1 Polska closed down in March 2020 being replaced by VH1 Europe.
  • VH1 Russia:VH1 Russia launched on December 2, 2005. It ceased broadcasting on July 1, 2010, and was replaced by the European VH1 feed.
  • VH1 UK:VH1 UK targeted 25–44 years old and had much of the same content as the main U.S. channel. From 2008 until the last few years of its existence, the channel played music videos, mostly prominently countdowns and artist playlists. However, it shifted its focus to reality and travel shows, ending up with re-runs of Are You the One? andChannel 5 'sCruising With Jane McDonald,[21]when it closed down on January 7, 2020. In addition to VH1, there were two sister stations in the UK:VH1 Classic(now MTV Classic) andVH2(now closed).

In Canada,CHUM LimitedlaunchedMuchMoreMusic,a sister channel toMuchMusic(which was considered to be MTV's Canadian counter-part), in 1998. The channel would air the majority of VH1's music and reality programming until 2013.

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^abAndreeva, Nellie (November 9, 2022)."VH1 Shifts From Paramount Media Networks To BET Media Group Under Scott Mills".Deadline.RetrievedNovember 10,2022.
  2. ^Sherwood, Rick (October 5, 1984)."VH-1 wants adult video viewers".Spokane Chronicle.(Washington). (New York Times). p. 11.
  3. ^"U.S. cable network households (universe), 1990 – 2023".wrestlenomics.May 14, 2024.RetrievedMay 24,2024.
  4. ^"Cable Network Coverage Area Household Universe Estimates: January 2016".Archivedfrom the original on October 14, 2016.RetrievedAugust 21,2017.
  5. ^"Warner takes MTV, Nickelodeon public"(PDF).Broadcasting.Broadcasting Publications, Inc. June 25, 1984.RetrievedJanuary 12,2022– via World Radio History.
  6. ^"BUSINESS PEOPLE; A Chief Is Named By MTV Networks".The New York Times.July 19, 1985.RetrievedJune 1,2014.
  7. ^Becker, Anne (May 3, 2009)."VH1 Hits a New High Note".Broadcasting & Cable.Archivedfrom the original on January 3, 2009.RetrievedMay 3,2008.
  8. ^"Viacom to Buy Warner Stake In Cable Units".The Washington Post.August 27, 1985.
  9. ^"Viacom gets its MTV (page 50)"(PDF).Broadcasting.Broadcasting Publications, Inc. September 2, 1985.RetrievedJanuary 13,2022– via World Radio History.
  10. ^Fabrikant, Geraldine (September 17, 1986)."VIACOM CHIEF LEADS GROUP'S BUYOUT BID (Published 1986)".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedJanuary 23,2021.In November 1985, Viacom acquired MTV Networks for $326 million in cash and warrants. One-third of MTV was publicly owned; the rest was owned by Warner Communications and the American Express Company. At the same time, Viacom bought 50 percent of Showtime, the pay television service, that it did not already own for $184 million.
  11. ^"Viacom has bought MTV and Showtime/TMC"(PDF).Broadcasting.Broadcasting Publications, Inc. May 20, 1986.RetrievedJanuary 24,2022– via World Radio History.
  12. ^Archived atGhostarchiveand theWayback Machine:"1991 VH1 Commercials".YouTube.October 27, 2011.RetrievedSeptember 22,2013.
  13. ^"Once You Go Black: VH1 and the Growing Power of Black TV Viewers".Complex.Archivedfrom the original on December 20, 2019.RetrievedDecember 20,2019.
  14. ^"Why VH1 Gets to Be Black Without the Burden".The Root.October 29, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on August 15, 2019.RetrievedAugust 15,2019.
  15. ^"MTV's" Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out "Expands to VH1 for Summer Stunt"(Press release). The Futon Critic.RetrievedAugust 21,2019.
  16. ^"MTV Networks discontinues VH1 Uno".Archived fromthe originalon February 8, 2008.RetrievedJune 27,2011.
  17. ^"Blic Online | Srbija dobija svoj VH1 kanal".Blic.rs.Archivedfrom the original on October 12, 2012.RetrievedOctober 24,2012.
  18. ^"Vh1 Adria".Facebook. October 19, 2012.Archivedfrom the original on October 17, 2015.RetrievedOctober 24,2012.
  19. ^"Norlys varsler prisstigning og kanalændringer på tv-pakker fra 1. marts - den lille tv-pakke stiger med 45,- / måned".digitalt.tv(in Danish). January 19, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 22,2024.
  20. ^Salaris, Marco (January 3, 2024)."VH1 cessa le trasmissioni tv domenica 7 gennaio 2024".TvBlog(in Italian).RetrievedJanuary 6,2024.
  21. ^TVEpg.eu."VH1 - Cruising With Jane McDonald - Sat 28 Dec 2019 15:05 GMT".tvepg.eu.Archivedfrom the original on February 2, 2022.RetrievedDecember 17,2020.
edit
Wikimedia Commons has media related toVH1.


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=VH1&oldid=1251199518"