TORONTO – On June 30th, MTV Canada and MTV2 will disappear, replaced by Razer and PunchMuch.
The youth lifestyle and pop music video channels complement and expand CHUM’s established roster of services including MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic, says the company.
CHUM gained control over the MTV Canada and MTV2 licenses when it purchased Craig Media last year. Since then, MTV opted out of its name licensing deal with the two channels in Canada, forcing CHUM to make a change.
Both Razer and PunchMuch “will offer enhanced access to a variety of interactive experiences, and foster the next wave in community for young Canadians on the digital platform,” says today’s press release.
Razer is a youth lifestyle destination with a decidedly irreverent edge, adds the release. “Connecting audiences aged 12-24 with what matters to them in the world of music, television, hit movies, anime, gaming, gear, sports and leisure, Razer represents an all new place for fans to access a 24/7 world of custom-styled programming and interactive options.”
Viewers will be able to program, host and contribute to elements on the Toronto-based, national service, and make a schedule of homegrown and international programs their own. Titles including World Famous For Dicking Around, Cops-Cars & Superstars: Bullrun, HighSchool Project USA, Air Master and Extreme 16mm take off June 30th, along with teen classics Dawson’s Creek, Buffy The Vampire Slayer and a twice-weekly hit movie night called The RazerFlick. Check it out at www.razer.ca.
In a Canadian Exclusive, The RazerFlick will launch with the television premiere of the Academy Award winning feature film "8 Mile" starring Eminem, Kim Basinger, Brittany Murphy and Mekhi Phifer on Thursday, June 30th at 9 p.m. ET.
PunchMuch (www.punchmuch.com) is what it sounds like. Viewers will literally be able to punch in their own requests, allowing them to request videos, participate in on-screen SMS chat, polling and more – all via their wireless phones.
‘Punch’ weekly playlists, available onscreen and online, will offer choices from new and classic music video titles, along with special features including weekly top 10s, artist picks and never-die favourites. PunchMuch will be powered by MyThum Interactive Inc., a leader in interactive mobile media. www.mythum.com.
“Creating exciting new services and delivering choice to our fans is synonymous with the CHUM brand. We’ve got an outstanding track record for staying connected to our viewers and responding with what they want," said David Kines, vice-president, music and youth specialty channels, CHUM Television, in the release.
"Razer and PunchMuch are all about an energized community, and the digital landscape is a great new place to make that happen."
Effective June 30th, subscribers nationwide will receive Razer and PunchMuch in channel positions formerly occupied by MTV and MTV2 respectively. New subscribers can contact their TV service provider for full details on receiving Razer and PunchMuch as part of a theme package, or individually.
