Foxtel Group Presses Play on ‘Bold’ Music Channel Rollout

Foxtel Group is getting back into the music TV business.

Announced today, June 30th, the subscription TV platform launches 34 music channels, through new partnerships with background music specialist Nightlife Music and LiSTNR, the personalised audio app that will now make its Foxtel debut, and the extension of its Vevo partnership.

The broadcaster’s “bold, new music proposition” includes the return of popular brands Max and CMC, plus the launch of 100% homegrown music service, Australian Played, and debut channels focusing on fresh tunes, golden oldies and more.

The music rollout accompanies the demise of several Foxtel stations, including MTV Hits, Nick Music, MTV Club and MTV 80s, which are expected to be axed from today.

“Music is a big part of Australian entertainment culture, and our new offering on Foxtel unlocks a world of choice, variety, and fresh ways to experience music,” comments Hilary Perchard, CEO Foxtel, Kayo Sports and BINGE.

This “exciting evolution is all about connecting our customers—across all demographics—with the genres and brands they love, while also championing Australian talent. With the most extensive line-up of music on TV and streaming, we are uniting more Aussie companies as Australia’s greatest entertainer”.

Based in Brisbane, Nightlife will deliver seven music channels to Foxtel, including the relaunch of Max and CMC, and the rollout of Australian Played, which, says Nightlife’s Head of Music & Content, Matthew Lymbury, “puts homegrown talent front and centre – it’s a true celebration of Aussie music, now available in households nationwide.”

Australian Played is an extension of a campaign launched in 2018, with a labelling system to help music fans identify homegrown tunes on Nightlife’s bespoke on-demand platform.

The suite of channels are ad-free, locally programmed and include:

• Trending (ch.801): A mix of top pop hits and predictions, plus what’s trending in the charts and on TikTok. 
• Kids (ch.802): Kids in the morning, tweens in the afternoon and teens in the night—featuring the Wiggles, Disney and clean pop. 
• Club (ch.803): The best of dance, club and electronic. 
• Retro (ch.804): The greatest hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. 
• CMC (ch.805): Nothing but country hits, all day and all night. 
• Max (ch.806): Easy listening classics and contemporary hits. 
• Australian Played (ch.807): Aussie artists only, featuring iconic classics, popular hits and the best emerging talent. 

LiSTNR, meanwhile, curates a line-up of 25 playlists.

Those channels, says Chris Johnson, Executive Head LiSTNR Product & Technology, celebrate “the passion and diverse tastes of Aussie listeners – from Triple M’s iconic rock heritage to the vibrant energy of The Hit Network and the immersive moods of LiSTNR’s playlists. It’s a natural step forward in enhancing the way Australians seamlessly connect with music in their living room.”

Highlights include:

• Triple M’s epic suite of stations: Classic Rock, Country, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s, featuring legends like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Nirvana, Queen, and Luke Combs. 
• The Hit Network’s powerhouse lineup of stations: RnB Fridays Radio, Dance Hits, Blender Beats, Oldskool 80s and 90s Hits and Easy Hits – from Kendrick Lamar, Tate McRae and Dom Dolla to Britney Spears, Michael Jackson and Madonna. 
• Indie & Alt: Fresh favourites and cult classics from Arctic Monkeys, Florence + The Machine, Tame Impala and more. 
• Chill and acoustic vibes: Unplug with Almost Acoustic, mellow out with RnB Chill and Deep Calm, or set the mood with Chill Pop Hits. 
• Good Vibes and Roadtrip anthems: Uplifting pop, singalong classics and the perfect escape soundtrack. 

The news just over five years after Foxtel cut its music network staples, MAX, CMC, [V] and Smooth, after inking a deal with ViacomCBS.

Foxtel Group operates a portfolio of consumer brands, including Foxtel, the country’s largest pay-TV provider; Kayo Sports, a dedicated sports streaming service; BINGE, an entertainment streaming platform; and Hubbl, a connected TV experience. News Corp recently completed the sale of Foxtel Group to global sports streaming provider DAZN in a multi-billion-dollar deal.