MTV2

MTV2 is a cable network that is widely available in the United States on digital cable and satellite television, and is progressively being added to basic cable lineups across the nation. It is also broadcast over-the-air in some markets where the former all-request music channel known as The Box was broadcast. A European counterpart broadcasts from London in the United Kingdom, as does a Canadian version on digital cable and satellite, with a German version being closed down in September 2005. MTV2 began broadcasting on August 1, 1996—MTV's fifteenth anniversary—with the first video Beck's Where It's At. The purpose of the channel was to give music fans a place to see constant, commercial-free music videos, once the original MTV had started concentrating on reality television and soap operas.

Where the music's at (2003)

Through the end of 2002 and the beginning of 2003, MTV2 phased out the format of exclusively music videos, instead adopting a new slogan, "where the music's at," and featuring other music-related shows instead of 24/7 videos. Past "MTV Icon" specials, news documentaries, and countdowns are all as likely to be shown on MTV2 as videos. However, MTV2 still continues to show innovative and up-and-coming musicians and videos, as well as the mainstream ones.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 2003, MTV2 had a "Madonna Weekend" in order to commemorate her new album, American Life. They showed old MTV specials and interviews featuring Madonna, as well as a four hour collection of Madonna videos, called "Madonna A-Z". The weekend ended on Sunday April 20 with the premiere of the "Definitive: Madonna". It was the first episode of "Definitive" to be 2 hours, and completely determined by online viewer voting at www.mtv2.com. Madonna's controversial "Erotica" video was voted into the number one spot, and MTV2 played the video, which was originally banned on regular MTV, uncensored and in its entirety, demonstrating that MTV2 hasn't entirely lost its "alternative" and more risque edge.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MTV2's 2003 schedule included some changes from 2002. Jesse Snider, son of Twisted Sister's Dee Snider, was selected as the host of MTV2 Rock, replacing Abby Gennet. In addition, MTV2 Rock was reduced to one hour per day, and Hip Hop was expanded to 5 hours per day. Much of the daily schedule is occupied by other music-related specials and documentaries, with random-rotation "Music Videos" occupying only the late-night hours.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The long-running show 120 Minutes, which started on MTV in 1986 and was transferred to MTV2 in 2000, came to an end in May 2003 with a final show featuring current host Jim Shearer and former hosts Matt Pinfield and Dave Kendall. The show was renamed to "Subterranean," in a shorter 60-minute format. The show also moved from Sunday to Friday nights.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Also in May 2003, MTV2 resurrected an old MTV show called Headbangers' Ball, which features a wide array of heavy metal and rock music videos. Metallica hosted the first episode, followed by Rob Zombie for the next few weeks. Jamey Jasta from the band Hatebreed has been selected as host of the show, though touring responsibilities have prevented Jasta from hosting on several occasions. The show is preceded on Saturdays by the MTV2 Rock Countdown with Jesse Snider and other rock-related music specials and documentaries.

Related Topics:
Headbangers' Ball - Metallica - Rob Zombie - Jamey Jasta

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In June 2003, MTV2 began an 8-hour block of hip-hop programming on Sundays called "Sucker Free Sundays." Each week, a different guest host serves up Artist Collections, countdowns, and other hip-hop music specials.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~