MGEITF 2004: Airey Denies Beleagured Music Channels To Close

Sky Networks managing director, Dawn Airey, has categorically denied accusations that beleaguered digital music channels, The Amp, Scuzz and Flaunt, will be forced to close following a wide-ranging review of their performance.

The future of the channels, which launched less than two years ago, was called into question in July following a shake-up that saw BSkyB’s head of music, Jo Wallace, move to oversee original programming at flagship entertainment channel Sky One.

It was widely expected that the channels would close, marking an embarrassing end to BSkyB’s first major attempt to compete against the likes of MTV, MTV2, Smash Hits and Q in the highly competitive and increasingly cluttered music television market.

However, speaking at this year’s International Television Festival in Edinburgh, Airey said: “I can confirm that The Amp, Scuzz and Flaunt are definitely not going to close. However, we are currently looking at what to do with the channels going forward.”

All three channels launched last April in an attempt to cater for highly specialised musical tastes. The Amp is aimed at indie music fans, rock channel Scuzz targets metal bands and Flaunt offers a mix of pop and urban music, along with celebrity fashion and lifestyle programming (see Sky Prepares To Launch New Digital Music Channels).

Airey went on to emphasise that BSkyB remains fully committed to the launch of a free-to-air satellite package comprising more than 200 television and radio channels. The so-called Freesat service will launch later this year as part of an initiative to drive the UK towards digital switch-off (see BSkyB To Launch Free-To-Air Satellite Package).

The former Five chief executive denied accusations that BSkyB is championing the service in an attempt to cash in on the success enjoyed by BBC-backed Freeview. She said: “We are not launching Freesat because we are fearful of Freeview. It is a natural extension to digital terrestrial television that will help drive the market.”

Airey also confirmed that BSkyB is talking “very actively and closely” with the BBC about how Freesat will work, following reports that the Corporation was planning to launch its own free-to-air digital satellite service in an attempt to steal the satellite giant’s thunder (see BBC Contemplates Taking On BSkyB With Satellite Service).

MGEITF: 020 7430 1333 www.mgeitf.co.uk

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