MTV Australia is no longer programmed locally, as it has been since 1996, which has been described as a blow to Australian music.
In August the long-running music channel exited Foxtel (but retained MTV Hits, MTV Club, MTV 80s and CMT).
MTV is now available as several Pluto TV FAST channels and includes a range of US Reality TV shows such as Jersey Shore, The Hills, Teen Mom. plus MTV Pop, MTV EMA and MTV Love.
Only the country music channel CMT remains locally-programmed.
A Paramount ANZ spokesperson told The Music, “In an Australian-first, MTV music channels are now available for free via Pluto TV on 10 Play.
“These free channels join the MTV line up on Foxtel and SKY. Local programming continues for the popular CMT music channel featuring the best country music from the world with a vast content lineup featuring Australian artists. Our MTV music channels have moved to a global feed that features the best music from around the world.”
But the spokesperson declined to answer whether MTV would be adding more Australian content to their global feed, nor whether Australian artists or labels would be able to pitch their music.
Local initiatives such as the Upload show. which gave a platform to emerging Australian acts, have also been culled.
Leading radio plugger Frank Varrasso said, “When it comes to emerging artists, international channels prioritise established international artists over emerging Australian talent. This can make it more challenging for new artists to break through on a global scale, which concerns me most. As we all know, the music industry plays a significant role in the Australian economy. Reduced exposure could affect revenue streams, including album sales, merchandise, concert ticket sales, etc.”
Fetch TV also broadcasts MTV 90s and MTV 00s.