MTV launches all university channel mtvU
MTV, the television channel that changed the world, is hoping to
add another successful network to their arsenal with the debut of
mtvU.
The new network will focus completely on college students and
all aspects of their lives, from music to news and even politics.
Programming began at colleges and universities across the country
in January.
In fact, mtvU was present on the CSU campus this past Monday
filming footage which will air beginning Monday. The footage
includes segments for both “The Dean’s List” as well as “The
Freshman.”
“Music is the heart of the channel. It will serve as a
laboratory for college students to tell us what’s new,” said mtvU
general manager Stephen Friedman.
The channel’s programming will primarily feature music
intermixed with short news segments. Other shows set to air include
“The Dean’s List” which is a top ten video countdown and also “The
Freshman,” which showcases the country’s newest musical
talents.
mtvU plans to be an interactive environment with a Web site that
works in harmony with the network.
“We want to be a resource as well as an entertainment program,”
said Freidman.
One feature called “The Cut” is similar to MTV’s “Buzzworthy”
and “The Leak.” A song is featured and referred to as “The Cut” and
while this track is playing on mtvU it will simultaneously be
available for download at mtvU.com. Artists recently named to “The
Cut” include Atmosphere and Howie Day.
Another way in which the channel wants to serve as a resource is
by allowing watchers to log onto the Web site and give feedback
regarding music and programming. Also, several contests will be
consistently awarding prizes such as “Stand In” where a national
icon will teach a class for a day at the winning student’s college.
Future “Stand Ins” will include musical entertainer Marilyn Manson
and civil rights activist Jesse Jackson.
“mtvU Grants” is also an attempt by the network to get students
involved as social activists in their communities. Every week mtvU,
partnered with YouthVenture, will give away a $1,500 grant to a
young social activist. These grants are intended to both reward the
activist and help jumpstart their initiative.
Following in the footsteps of its older sibling, MTV, mtvU is
trying to have a positive political effect on university-age
students by promoting their “Choose or Lose” programming. The
network hopes to inform the college-level student about the
importance of their involvement in the 2004 election. Also mtvU is
trying to work with colleges and universities to bring polling
stations to campuses.
“It’s a great job,” said new VJ George Oliphant, a recent
University of Colorado graduate.
Oliphant says he basically just got lucky in getting the
position but absolutely loves it.
“It’s great flying around the country and hanging out at
different campuses,” he said. “I loved college and this way I don’t
really have to leave.”
Some feel, however, that they already have enough MTV in their
lives already.
“I probably wouldn’t watch it on a regular basis,” said Sara
Zach, a sophomore psychology major.
“It appeals to me, but certain shows would be the ones I would
watch. I wouldn’t just turn on the TV and head directly to (mtvU),”
said Kerry Greer, a junior health promotions major.
Although CSU does not yet subscribe to mtvU it is possible to
request it by going to their Web site at www.mtvU.com and click on
“Want mtvU at Your School?”
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