They’ve changed from being like this only to bloody cool, and would have us believe that’s how the youth likes it. We are talking about Channel [V], the youth music channel that’s not so hot on the surf mode currently. But, come August 22, and a whole new [V] is what you can expect, with six new shows and two new VJs. And, of course, the ‘Bloody Cool’ tagline.
Prem Kamath, General Manager, Channel [V] explains the need for a revamp. “It’s not an overhaul as is being projected but more of a concentration on certain elements such as shows. Earlier, we would have only three to four shows on the channel. Now, we are bringing in five new shows this quarter. We have realised that music is the same across channels, and shows are clicking with the youth.”
Incidentally, ‘Launch Pad’, which saw its third season this year, will be yanked off air. “We think it does not warrant a one-hour special episode as it caters to a very niche segment. Instead, we are going to make it an online and on-ground activity with road shows, etc.,” says Kamath.
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As for those craving for some fresh faces, there are just two. Channel [V] continues with the Beauty on Duty Lola Kutty and VJ Juhi for their shows, adding VJ Andy and VJ Manish (you must have seen him on television before). The guys at channel [V] are certain that ‘Bloody Cool’ will be as much a hit as ‘We Are Like This Only’ did.
Kamath says that it was the top contender among some other taglines they thought of. “It has an in-your-face attitude to it. I think it will be a rage.”
Wonder why the revamp makes the channel sound so similar to other music channels? Because, it seems low on music and high on shows. But, Kamath denies it flatly. “It’s different from MTV. Music can’t be the differentiating factor. But as far as shows go, our production quality and the richness and strength of our concepts will speak for themselves.”
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[V] Exhausted: Extreme reality show where contestants will be tested on who can survive death-defying stunts after being kept awake for 48 hours. To be produced for the first time by Endemol for the channel.
[V] Dare To Date: Two absolutely incompatible people set off on a romantic weekend getaway.
[V] Kidnap: A reality show that tests how much you do to rescue your kidnapped girlfriend.
Lola Sunday: A laugh riot with Channel [V]’s Beauty on Duty.
Lola School of Cool: A show throwing up the hippest trends across campuses.
Campus Blogger: The first ever blog show on TV.
VJs: Old & New
VJ Juhi: Co-hosts [V] Exhausted with Gaurav Kapoor.
VJ Manish: Hosts [V] Kidnap.
VJ Andy: Hosts [V] Dare To Date.
VJ Lola: Hosts Lola Sunday.