Foxtel Group is making a big play in the music TV space, with the launch of 34 music channels, including some old favourites.
Announced today, June 30th, the subscription TV platform rolls out its “bold, new music proposition” powered by partnerships with background music specialist Nightlife Music and LiSTNR, the personalised audio app, and the extension of its pact with Vevo.
Popular brands Max and CMC will return, music fans can now tune into a 100% homegrown music channel, Australian Played, and a string of new channels will explore fresh tunes, golden oldies and more. The new lineup follows the axing of several Foxtel stations, including MTV Hits, Nick Music, MTV Club and MTV 80s.
“Music is a big part of Australian entertainment culture, and our new offering on Foxtel unlocks a world of choice, variety, and fresh ways to experience music,” comments Hilary Perchard, CEO Foxtel, Kayo Sports and BINGE.
This “exciting evolution is all about connecting our customers—across all demographics—with the genres and brands they love, while also championing Australian talent. With the most extensive line-up of music on TV and streaming, we are uniting more Aussie companies as Australia’s greatest entertainer”.
Based in Brisbane, Nightlife will deliver seven music channels to Foxtel, including the relaunch of Max and CMC, and the rollout of Australian Played, which, says Nightlife’s Head of Music & Content, Matthew Lymbury, “puts homegrown talent front and centre – it’s a true celebration of Aussie music, now available in households nationwide.”
Australian Played is an extension of a campaign launched in 2018, with a labelling system to help music fans identify homegrown tunes on Nightlife’s bespoke on-demand platform.
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Foxtel and BINGE customers can play Nightlife Music’s channels from July 1st, for the first time Nightlife Music has curated exclusive channels for a residential platform.
LiSTNR, meanwhile, will now make its Foxtel debut by curating a line-up of 25 playlists.
Those channels, says Chris Johnson, Executive Head LiSTNR Product & Technology, celebrate “the passion and diverse tastes of Aussie listeners – from Triple M’s iconic rock heritage to the vibrant energy of The Hit Network and the immersive moods of LiSTNR’s playlists. It’s a natural step forward in enhancing the way Australians seamlessly connect with music in their living room.”
LiSTNR audio channels are listed as “coming soon” to Foxtel.
The news just over five years after Foxtel cut its music network staples, MAX, CMC, [V] and Smooth, after inking a deal with ViacomCBS.
Foxtel Group operates a portfolio of consumer brands, including Foxtel, the country’s largest pay-TV provider; Kayo Sports, a dedicated sports streaming service; BINGE, an entertainment streaming platform; and Hubbl, a connected TV experience. News Corp recently completed the sale of Foxtel Group to global sports streaming provider DAZN in a multi-billion-dollar deal.