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VH1

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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 format1080i HDTV
(downscaled to letterboxed 480i for the SDTV feed)
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.vh1.com Edit this at Wikidata
Availability
Streaming media
Sling TV, Philo, YouTube TV, Vidgo TV, FuboTV, HuluInternet Protocol television

VH1 (originally an initialism for Video Hits One) is an American basic cable television network that launched on January 1, 1985, and is currently owned by the BET Media Group subsidiary of Paramount Global's CBS Entertainment Group based in New York City. The network was originally owned by Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment; a division of Warner Communications, and the original owner of then-sister channel MTV at the time. It was launched in the channel space of Turner Broadcasting System's short-lived Cable Music Channel.

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 ultimately drifted away from music and into reality television programming; albeit with a focus on music personalities, celebrities, and shows targeting African-American audiences. VH1 is best known for franchises such as Behind the Music, the I Love…[broken anchor] series, the Celebreality block, Love & Hip Hop, and Basketball 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

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Main article: History of VH1
Part of a series on
MTV
Programs on MTV
MTV personalities
Censorship on MTV
MTV Generation
MTV News

VH1, an acronym for Video Hits One, launched on January 1, 1985 over the channel space of Turner's Cable 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 company Warner Communications sold 31% of VH1 and its siblings (MTV and Nickelodeon; which were already divested by Warner into MTV Networks) to Viacom.[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 as Pop-Up Video and Behind 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; including reality television shows focused on celebrities, and various documentaries and panel shows. Headlining this programming shift would be VH1's Celebreality block, featuring The 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 the Basketball Wives and Black Ink Crew franchises); similar to BET and its sister networks.[13][14] In 2011, VH1 debuted the first installment of the Love & Hip Hop franchise; 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 the BET Media Group under Scott Mills.[1]

Programming

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Further information: List of programs broadcast by VH1

Original programming currently seen on VH1 includes the Love & Hip Hop and the Basketball Wives franchises. Other notable shows and franchisees that have aired on the network include Black Ink Crew, The Impact: New York (a spinoff of BET+'s The Impact: Atlanta), RuPaul's Drag Race (which was moved over from Logo, and aired on VH1 from 2017–2022), reruns and new episodes of Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out (which originated on MTV), and Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party.[15]

Since the 2010's, and prior to its move to BET, VH1's programming had shifted towards Black-focused personalities and programming, and before music was completely de-emphasized from its brand, hip-hop and adult R&B.

Sister and international networks

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VH1 HD

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VH1 HD (launched in 2005) is a 1080i high-definition feed, with all major providers carrying the network; as of 2016 this feed is downgraded at a provider's headend to provide the network's standard definition channel on systems.

Sister channels in the U.S.

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Further information: List of Paramount channels

VH1 initially launched four spinoff digital networks as part of The MTV Suite, with another being launched at a later date. By August 2016, these channels spinoffs had either been realigned under the MTV, BET, or CMT branding, 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 on adult hits, classic hits and classic rock music. Rebranded as MTV Classic on August 1, 2016, in honor of MTV's 35th anniversary.
  • VH1 Country: Continuous country music videos. Rebranded as CMT Pure Country under CMT on Memorial Day 2006.
  • VH1 MegaHits: A channel which played mostly top 40 adult contemporary videos 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 Logo.
  • VH1 Soul: Classic and neo-soul music videos from the past and today. Rebranded as BET Soul under BET on 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 of MTVU beyond college campuses.[16]

Internet

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VH1's website launched in the mid-1990s. In 2003, MTV Networks VSPOT, a broadband video channel that followed the model of MTV Overdrive, containing the shows aired by VH1 and music 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

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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 on Foxtel, Optus Television and Austar. It is also available on the SelecTv pay-TV platform. On May 1, 2010, VH1 Australia was re-branded as MTV Classic.
  • VH1 Brasil: The Portuguese-language version of VH1 was launched in Brazil on May 1, 2004. However, VH1 Soul had been available to digital cable subscribers since 2004. In 2007 VH1 Soul stopped being available in Brazil. In 2009 the version HD of VH1 was launched. It closed down on November 14, 2014.
  • VH1 MegaHits Brazil: Replaced the Brazilian version of MTV 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 on MTV Rocks in 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 the Italian version closed in January 2024 until 1 April 2024 and it has been replaced by NickMusic.[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 the Levant territories broadcasting via satellite, exclusively from the OSN pay-TV network. In Africa (on DStv), 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 called MTV2 Pop.
  • VH1 India: In December 2004, MTV India and Zee-Turner teamed up to bring VH1 to India (later owned by Viacom18). It is the only version of VH1 that currently uses the 2003 branding. It also airs MTV international shows due to MTV India only airing Indian originals.
  • VH1 Indonesia: In Indonesia, VH1 programming were aired on MTV Indonesia at 4 until 8 pm, and on local terrestrial channels such as JakTV, Jakarta, STV Bandung, TV Borobudur, Semarang, TATV, Solo, Batam TV, Batam, and Makassar TV, Makassar and also a full link channel seen on satellite PALAPA C2.
  • VH1 Italy: Launched in July 2016, which replaced MTV Music on DTT, 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 joined MTV and Nickelodeon Latin America targeting audiences 25–49 years old. Until then, the VH1 main channel available for Latin America was the original American 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 its European counterpart.
  • VH1 Pakistan: It was launched in 2008 by Viacom as a joint venture with ARY 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 American 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? and Channel 5 's Cruising 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) and VH2 (now closed).

In Canada, CHUM Limited launched MuchMoreMusic, a sister channel to MuchMusic (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

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References

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  1. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (November 9, 2022). "VH1 Shifts From Paramount Media Networks To BET Media Group Under Scott Mills". Deadline. Retrieved November 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.com. May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  4. ^ "Cable Network Coverage Area Household Universe Estimates: January 2016". Archived from the original on October 14, 2016. Retrieved August 21, 2017.
  5. ^ "Warner takes MTV, Nickelodeon public" (PDF). Broadcasting. Broadcasting Publications, Inc. June 25, 1984. Retrieved January 12, 2022 – via World Radio History.
  6. ^ "BUSINESS PEOPLE; A Chief Is Named By MTV Networks". The New York Times. July 19, 1985. Retrieved June 1, 2014.
  7. ^ Becker, Anne (May 3, 2009). "VH1 Hits a New High Note". Broadcasting & Cable. Archived from the original on January 3, 2009. Retrieved May 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. Retrieved January 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. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 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. Retrieved January 24, 2022 – via World Radio History.
  12. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "1991 VH1 Commercials". YouTube. October 27, 2011. Retrieved September 22, 2013.
  13. ^ "Once You Go Black: VH1 and the Growing Power of Black TV Viewers". Complex. Archived from the original on December 20, 2019. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
  14. ^ "Why VH1 Gets to Be Black Without the Burden". The Root. October 29, 2014. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  15. ^ "MTV's "Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out" Expands to VH1 for Summer Stunt" (Press release). The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
  16. ^ "MTV Networks discontinues VH1 Uno". Archived from the original on February 8, 2008. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
  17. ^ "Blic Online | Srbija dobija svoj VH1 kanal". Blic.rs. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
  18. ^ "Vh1 Adria". Facebook. October 19, 2012. Archived from the original on October 17, 2015. Retrieved October 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. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  20. ^ Salaris, Marco (January 3, 2024). "VH1 cessa le trasmissioni tv domenica 7 gennaio 2024". TvBlog (in Italian). Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  21. ^ TVEpg.eu. "VH1 - Cruising With Jane McDonald - Sat 28 Dec 2019 15:05 GMT". tvepg.eu. Archived from the original on February 2, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
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