No Rock And Roll Fun

OTHER CHANNELS: While one of their rivals disappears, it's unlikely that they'll be popping open the champagne down at Camden Lock, as Media Guardian are reporting that BSkyB is trying to reduce the price it pays for the MTV portfolio by half. As MTV's biggest audience provider and paymaster, the sudden withdrawal of ten million quid is going to be a shock to the network's system. It could mean that MTV Europe produces less original programming - not that it makes a great deal here as it is - leading to a lot more showings of Shania Twain Behind The Music on VH1, or, if we're lucky, more videos, less flim-flammery like Undressed.
Anyone who thinks there may be some link between the treatment of MTV and BSkyB's plans to launch own-brand pop channels may need to call the DTI.