Channel V Australia

Channel [V] Australia
Company type	Subscription television channel
Industry	Music television
Predecessor	Red
Founded	April 1995; 31 years ago
Founder	XYZ Entertainment (acquired naming rights in 1997)
Defunct	March 25, 2016
Fate	Closed; replaced by V Hits timeshift channel
Successor	V Hits (timeshift version), later Foxtel [V], then NickMusic
Headquarters	Sydney, Australia
Area served	Australia, New Zealand (until 2002)
Key people	Donna Andrews (inaugural channel manager), Barry Chapman
Products	Music video programming, hosted shows
Owner	Fox Networks Group Asia Pacific (under license from News Corporation)
Number of employees	3 redundancies reported at closure
Website	channelv.com.au

Channel [V] Australia was a subscription-based music television channel in Australia, accessible via Foxtel, Optus TV, and Austar's satellite and cable platforms. It was also available in New Zealand through TelstraSaturn's cable network until a restructuring took place in 2002 following acquisition by TelstraClear.

Aimed primarily at young audiences, Channel [V] showcased a mix of mainstream and alternative tracks from both domestic and international musicians. Although it shared the Channel [V] branding, the Australian channel functioned independently from its global counterparts under a licensing arrangement with News Corporation through Fox Networks Group Asia Pacific.

The channel originally debuted as Red in April 1995 on the now-defunct Galaxy service. It was renamed Channel [V] in March 1997 after XYZ Entertainment (currently XYZnetworks) acquired the naming rights. Donna Andrews, previously associated with Network TEN’s Video Hits, served as the inaugural channel manager, followed by Barry Chapman. The introduction of Foxtel Digital and other digital services in 2004 brought a second [V]-branded outlet, V Hits (formerly Club[V]), which concentrated solely on airing music videos without any hosted segments.

Broadcasting ended for Channel [V] on 25 March 2016, with its slot taken over by a two-hour timeshift version of V Hits. Changes implemented in February 2016 eliminated all hosted programming and presenter roles, transitioning to an uninterrupted music video format. The channel’s closure was influenced by declining viewership attributed to the growing popularity of online music platforms, leading to three staff redundancies and the non-renewal of presenter Danny Clayton’s contract.

In 2017, Foxtel rebranded V Hits as Foxtel [V], while V Hits +2 became the [V] +2 timeshift channel. On 1 July 2020, NickMusic replaced [V], marking the conclusion of the Channel [V] brand in Australia after a 25-year presence.

Recent [V]Js

Danny Clayton (2004 – March 2016)
Carissa Walford (July 2011 – March 2016)
Generik (April 2015 – March 2016)
Bert McCracken (April 2015 – March 2016)
Bambi Northwood-Blyth (April 2015 – January 2016)

Past [V]Js

Marty Smiley (July 2012 – July 2015)
Tasha Yulia (July 2012 – date unknown)
Megan Connolly
Billy Russell (December 2009 – 2013)
Jane Gazzo (May 2007 – June 2012)
Kyle Linahan (July 2009 – June 2011)
Renee Bargh (March 2008 – June 2010)
Nick Bennett
Kelly Burchill
Stephen Bourke
Alle Brunning
Maynard
Mary Datoc
Andrew G
Donna Gubbay
Nathan Harvey
Deni Hines
Kyla Irlam
Jabba
Maya Jupiter
James Kerley (2007 – December 2009)
Mike Kerry
Jake Grigg (Guest presenter)
James Mathison
Andrew Mercado (1999 – 2004)
Paula McGrath
Leah McLeod
Molly Meldrum
Chloe Maxwell
Toni Pearen
Leah Purcell
Yumi Stynes

Dave Lawson co-hosts 'The Dave and Kerley Show' but is not officially recognised as a [V]J

Channel [V] Presenter Search 2012

More than 6,000 individuals applied for a presenter position at Channel [V], which was narrowed down to a top twenty candidates. Four finalists were revealed on 16 June 2012.

Programming

V Music Video Countdown
The Revolution hosted by Bert McCracken
V Indie Sessions
V Popped Hits
The Connect Show
The Big Mix with Messed Up and Generik
iTunes Weekly Top 40
V Ripe Clip Spotlight
V Vs Battles
V Top 10 Most Requested Videos
V Buzz Spotlight Artist
Guerrilla Gigs Live
V Island Party Series
Oz Countdown: Top 40 Tracks
Festival of V Music Events
V 10 Hottest Tracks Currently
V Late Night Sessions
B430 Series
Cash Cab (aired 2007–2014)
The Dave & Kerley Show (2008 season)
The Riff (2013–2015 run)
V LOUD Channel
whatUwant (previously By Demand, 2002–2008)
The Informer Program (2000–2001)
The Buzz Show (1998–1999)
Freestyle (2006–2009) featuring Maja Jupiter

[V] Oz Artist of the Year

The Channel V Oz Artist of the Year was a yearly accolade awarded by Channel V Australia, sometimes associated with the ARIA Music Awards.

[V] Hits

On 12 January 2007, Club [V] underwent rebranding to become Channel [V]², broadening its range of music videos. Meanwhile, Channel [V] shifted focus towards entertainment content and introduced widescreen broadcasting. Its line-up featured programs such as The Dudesons, coverage of the BDO festival, and various music specials.

Channel [V]² was rebranded as [V] Hits on 15 November 2009.

External links

Official Website