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Channel V
Channel V
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Channel [V] ("V" as in the letter, not the Roman numeral "5") is a Chinese and former Asian pay television musical network originally launched by Star TV Hong Kong (now Disney Networks Group Asia Pacific). It was part of the unit of Disney International Operations, and was launched in September 1991 to replace the first incarnation of MTV's Asian operation before it was shut down on October 1, 2021.

Key Information

The mainland Chinese version is owned by Star China Media, and is still operational. The Australian channels were owned by Foxtel before their closure.

Channel [V] previously operated either a local feed or a relay of the international version in Hong Kong, Macau, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Thailand or localized versions in India, the Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Australia.

History

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Early years

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MTV Asia (15 September 1991 – 2 May 1994)

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Channel [V] was originally launched on 15 September 1991 as MTV Asia (音樂台). It was a 24-hour music channel broadcast in English, Hindi and Chinese, focused on pop music.

On 2 May 1994, MTV Asia left the STAR TV Network as the contract with Viacom expired.

Channel [V]

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On 27 May 1994, under the leadership of managing director Gary Davey,[2] Channel [V] was launched as a replacement of MTV Asia with VJs (who used to work on MTV Asia) celebrating on air from various locations; the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Downtown Tokyo, the Himalayas etc. At the same time, Channel [V] officially 'split' its beam, in effect, providing two separate services for different regional audiences within the AsiaSat 1's footprint.[3] This enables the channel to provide appropriate programming and viewing time for its viewers from different regions in Asia.

On 5 June 1994, Channel [V] has opened up its production facilities in Taipei, Taiwan.

On 4 July 1994, Sigaw Manila was launched on the Northern Beam.

On 1 August 1994, BPL Oye! was launched on the Southern Beam.

On 5 June 1994, Channel [V] has opened up its production facilities in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), India.

On 27 April 1995, the STAR TV Network starts transmitting Channel [V] on the Palapa B2R satellite to Indonesia and the Philippines.

On 30 April 1995, Channel [V] has opened up its production facilities in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates producing Sony Yalla!, the first ever Arabic Top 10 Countdown in the Middle East was launched on the Southern Beam.

On 4 August 1996, a Thai-localized feed of Channel [V] was launched in Thailand, as carried on Thai cable and satellite providers. This apparently replaced Channel [V] International in the country, but the pan-Asian feed would still be available in Thailand via both AsiaSat and Palapa satellites.

In 1997, Channel [V] International was launched in the Middle East on the Middle Eastern digital satellite TV platform Orbit Communications Company as part of the STAR Select package.

On 15 July 1997, Channel [V] International was launched in Japan on the Japanese digital satellite TV platform SKY PerfecTV!.

In 1999, the president of rival MTV Networks Asia conceded that Channel [V] was a very close competitor in Taiwan and Thailand.[4]

On 27 April 2021, Disney announced that Channel [V] would be closing down on 1 October as part of its winddown of traditional cable/satellite networks across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong in favor of focusing on both Disney+ and Disney+ Hotstar.[1] Thus the channel space initially created by the first incarnation of MTV Asia in 1991 subsequently ceased to exist on October 1, 2021.[5] As a result, Channel [V] remains on-air only in Mainland China.[6]

Operating channel

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Mainland China

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Channel [V] Mainland China is the Chinese branch of the Channel [V] network. It started operating in Mainland China in 1994 as part of Channel [V] Asia. Fox International Channels Asia Pacific sold certain Mandarin language entertainment television channels that target Mainland China, including Channel [V] Mainland China, to China Media Capital. As a result, Channel [V] Mainland China is a part of Star China Media as of 2014 along with Xing Kong. The channel is free-to-air on 3715 H on AsiaSat 7 however in areas with strong 5G reception it can be hard to receive stable reception. Channel [V] switches between Simplified and Traditional Chinese with selected Channel [V] International programs airing with Chinese subtitles.

Current VJs

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Former feeds

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  • Hong Kong, Macau, Southeast Asia, and International

Channel [V] Asia was the flagship of the Channel [V] network. It was founded after MTV Asia separated with the STAR TV Network after the expiration of its contract. It was produced and operated from Hong Kong from January 1994 until January 2002, after which operations and studios were shifted to Malaysia with some aspects still operating in Hong Kong. Since January 1, 2008, Channel [V] International has moved back to its original studio in Hong Kong, which is also the same studio of Channel [V] China and Taiwan.

Channel [V] along with most of the other The Walt Disney Company channels across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong [7] ceased broadcasting on October 1, 2021, with the final music video being "M to the B" by Millie B.

Former VJs

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  • India (1994–2018)

Channel [V] India was the Indian branch of the Channel [V] network. It was operated by Star India. It started operating in India in 1994 as part of Channel [V] Asia. On 1 July 2012, the channel discontinued its musical programming and started focusing on original content through fiction dailies and studio formats that address teenage issues.[8] On 30 June 2016, stopped airing original programming. On 1 August, it rebranded its graphical package.[8] Later, it discontinued operations on 15 September 2018.

  • Philippines (1994–2012)

Channel [V] Philippines was the Filipino branch of the Channel [V] network. It was a joint venture between Fox Networks Group Asia Pacific, Fox International Channels, Previous channel providers and partners like Ermita Electronics Corporation (Channel 23 where MTV Asia also air on the same channel as a first launch), CityNet (Channel 27, A GMA Network affiliate), TV Xtreme Broadcasting Company and Northern Star Productions.[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] It started operating in the Philippines in 1994 as part of Channel [V] Asia. It discontinued operations on 13 July 2012.

  • Australia (1995–2020)

Channel [V] Australia was the Australian branch of the Channel [V] network. It was first launched as Red in 1995 and was owned by Foxtel. It ceased broadcasting in Australia on 26 February 2016, as it merged with [V] Hits (later rebranded as [V]), focusing only on music video programming and countdowns. V Hits was also formerly known as Club [V] and Channel [V] 2, and ceased broadcasting on 1 July 2020.[17] Former VJs included Osher Günsberg (then "Andy G"), Jabba, James Mathison, Chloe Maxwell and Yumi Stynes.

  • Taiwan (1994–2018)

Channel [V] Taiwan was the Taiwanese branch of the Channel [V] network. It started operating in Taiwan in 1994 as part of Channel [V] Asia. On 1 September 2012 it was replaced by Fox Taiwan (and later Star World Taiwan).

  • South Korea (1994–2008)

Channel [V] Korea was the Korean branch of the Channel [V] network. It started operating in South Korea in 1994 as part of Channel [V] Asia.

  • Japan (1994–2002)

Channel [V] Japan was the Japanese branch of the Channel [V] network. It started operating in Japan in 1994 as part of Channel [V] Asia.

  • Thailand

Channel [V] Thailand was the Thai branch of the Channel [V] network. It is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, GMM Media and TrueVisions.[18] It started operating in Thailand in 1994 as part of Channel [V] Asia.

Channel [V] Thailand also officially ceased transmission on 1 October 2021.

Former VJs

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Channel [V] was a pan-Asian network focused on music videos, youth entertainment, and original programming, launched in 1994 by Star TV to target young audiences across the region. It operated as a 24-hour channel, initially emphasizing international and localized music content to fill the market gap left by Asia's departure from Star TV earlier that year. Over its lifespan, Channel [V] expanded with region-specific feeds, such as for , , , and the , incorporating VJ-hosted shows, talent competitions, and fiction series to adapt to evolving viewer preferences. Originally owned by Star TV—a Hong Kong-based broadcaster under Rupert Murdoch's —Channel [V] became part of following corporate restructurings in the 2010s. acquired these assets, including Fox Networks Group Asia Pacific and Star India, in a $71.3 billion deal completed on March 20, 2019, integrating Channel [V] into Disney's international portfolio. Under Disney, most of the network continued operations briefly but faced challenges from declining linear TV viewership and the rise of streaming platforms. As part of Disney's strategic pivot to services like [V] India ceased broadcasting on September 15, 2018, and was replaced by the sports channel Star Sports 3 due to unprofitable performance in the youth general entertainment category. Subsequently, the broader Asian feeds, including those in and , were shut down on October 1, 2021, alongside 17 other Disney-owned channels, as the company consolidated resources toward digital distribution. However, the feed, operated by , remains active as of 2025. At its peak, Channel [V] reached over 126 million households, pioneering localized music television in and launching careers for numerous VJs and artists.

History

Origins and launch as MTV Asia

MTV Asia was launched on 15 September 1991 by Star TV, a Hong Kong-based satellite broadcaster, as the first pan-Asian dedicated to 24-hour programming. This initiative formed part of Star TV's expansion, which began operations earlier that year as 's inaugural pan-regional satellite network. The channel emerged from a partnership between Star TV and Viacom's Networks, enabling the importation of videos to cater to emerging youth audiences across the continent. Transmitted via the AsiaSat 1 satellite, MTV Asia targeted key markets including , , and Southeast Asian countries within the satellite's footprint, reaching an estimated 52 countries overall. Initially, the programming focused exclusively on English-language videos from Western artists, reflecting MTV Networks' global format. This reliance on imported content posed early challenges, as the lack of local Asian music and artists limited cultural in diverse markets, resulting in modest initial audience reception. Growth remained gradual amid competition from terrestrial broadcasters and regulatory restrictions on satellite dishes in some regions, aligning with Star TV's broader strategy to bridge linguistic barriers for non-English speakers. The channel's foundational role paved the way for its evolution into Channel [V] in 1994.

Rebranding to Channel [V] and early expansion

In May 1994, STAR TV terminated its transmission agreement with Viacom's Networks, ending the three-year partnership that had operated Asia since 1991, primarily due to disputes over creative control and concerns from Chinese authorities regarding 's risqué programming content. On 27 May 1994, STAR TV rebranded the channel slot as Channel [V], stylized with square brackets around the "V" to represent a video cassette, shifting the focus toward n youth culture and music while maintaining a 24-hour format broadcast from its headquarters in . The rebranding emphasized localized appeal by recruiting video jockeys (VJs) from across , including former Asia personalities, to host segments and connect with regional audiences through a mix of international and homegrown music videos. Programming pivoted to highlight Asian artists more prominently than its predecessor, featuring countdown shows that showcased top tracks from the region alongside global hits to foster a sense of cultural relevance. Early expansion efforts in the mid-1990s built on the pan-Asian satellite infrastructure, with Channel [V] launching a dedicated feed in on 1 June 1996 via the newly established Astro satellite service, marking one of the first pay-TV offerings in the country. This was followed by a Thai-localized version on 4 August 1996, tailored for cable and satellite providers in through a with local broadcaster Network Thailand. In 1997, the network extended to the via the digital satellite platform as part of the Select package, targeting Arabic-speaking viewers with adapted music programming. These launches solidified Channel [V]'s presence across diverse markets, prioritizing youth-oriented content to compete in the growing Asian pay-TV landscape.

Ownership changes and global restructuring

In 1993, Rupert Murdoch's acquired a 63.6% stake in Hong Kong-based Star TV, the satellite broadcaster that operated Channel V, for $525 million, enabling the network's expansion into broader Asian markets beyond its initial music-focused origins. This purchase shifted Star TV's strategy toward diversified programming to appeal to diverse regional audiences, including greater emphasis on local content production across . In 2010, formed Star China TV as a by selling a controlling stake to while retaining 47%, separating the operations (including Channel V's China feed and other Mandarin channels) from pan-Asian feeds. By 2014, sold its remaining 47% stake in Star China TV to and the company's management for an undisclosed sum, allowing to independently manage China-specific content and distribution. The Company's $71.3 billion acquisition of Fox's entertainment assets in March 2019 integrated Channel V's international operations, including Southeast Asian and feeds, under Disney International Operations, aligning the network with Disney's global portfolio until its later wind-down. During this period, Channel V underwent restructuring to adapt to the streaming era, including a 2012 pivot in the feed from music videos to youth lifestyle programming focused on fiction and non-fiction shows targeting urban teens. On April 27, 2021, Disney announced the shutdown of Channel V's and feeds, effective October 1, 2021, as part of a broader closure of 18 linear channels to prioritize services amid shifting viewer habits. This move marked the decline of Channel V's traditional broadcast presence in those regions, reflecting corporate emphasis on platforms.

Current operations

Mainland China feed

The Mainland China feed of Channel [V], operated by Star China Media—a subsidiary of —has been the network's sole active service since the closure of its international operations in and on October 1, 2021. This feed maintains a localized focus, adapting the pan-Asian origins of Channel [V] to Chinese audiences through content compliant with national broadcasting standards. It broadcasts as a free-to-air service 24 hours a day via AsiaSat 7 at 105.5°E in MPEG-4/HD format, targeting viewers across Mainland China and surrounding regions. The programming consists primarily of music videos and related shows featuring a mix of Chinese pop (C-pop), K-pop, and curated international tracks, with all content undergoing mandatory censorship to align with government regulations on media portrayals of politics, morality, and social values. Emphasis is given to prominent local artists like Jay Chou, whose works exemplify the channel's promotion of Mandarin-language pop culture. To enhance reach amid rising digital consumption, the feed integrates select programming with video-on-demand (VOD) services on platforms such as Youku and Tencent Video, allowing viewers to access archived music content and youth-oriented specials on demand. Current on-air personalities include local VJs who host segments on emerging music trends and youth lifestyle topics, fostering engagement tailored to Chinese demographics. As of November 2025, the Mainland China feed continues uninterrupted operations under Star China Media, facing competitive pressures from dominant streaming platforms like iQiyi and Youku but reporting no significant structural changes.

Former operations

Southeast Asian feeds

Channel [V] feeds in Southeast Asia were established following the pan-Asian rebranding of the network in 1994, enabling localized adaptations across the region. In the Philippines, the local Channel [V] feed launched on December 15, 1999, focusing on local VJs and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) to engage domestic audiences. It ceased operations in mid-2001 due to intense competition from MTV Philippines. The feed launched on 4 August 1996, emphasizing Thai and regional collaborations to build a dedicated viewership. It ceased on 1 2021 as part of Disney's pivot to streaming services. Channel [V] in debuted via the Astro platform on 1 June 1996, integrating local Malay-language content to resonate with national audiences. Like other regional feeds, it closed in 2021 under Disney's strategy to consolidate linear TV assets. In and other Southeast Asian markets, Channel [V] followed similar patterns with launches in the , offering localized programming that included subtitles for broader accessibility. These feeds reached peak viewership in the before facing Disney-led shutdowns in 2021 to prioritize platforms.

South Asian and other feeds

Channel [V] India launched on 27 May 1994 as a music channel targeting South Asian , initially broadcasting a mix of international and content including Bollywood music videos to appeal to Indian audiences. Over the years, it integrated Bollywood elements heavily, featuring programs like Channel [V] Presents Bollywood that showcased film songs and celebrity appearances. In 2012, the channel shifted from music programming to youth-oriented and shows, discontinuing music videos on 1 July to focus on original content such as dramas and formats aimed at urban teens. This pivot included series like and , which often drew on Bollywood-style storytelling and youth themes. Facing declining viewership, Channel [V] India ceased operations on 15 September 2018, replaced by Star Sports 3. In , Channel [V] began operations in the mid-1990s as part of the broader Asian network, launching in 1994 with a focus on Mandarin-language music content. The feed emphasized hits and included cross-strait programming from to bridge cultural ties, featuring artists like and alongside regional chart-toppers. It operated until 15 July 2018, when it shut down amid shifting media landscapes. The Middle East feed of Channel [V] International launched in 1997, targeting Arabic-speaking audiences through platforms like Orbit Communications. Adapted for the region, it aired a blend of Arabic and Western music videos, with shows like Music Master Bos Shoof highlighting local pop and fusion tracks to resonate with Gulf and North African viewers. The service continued until 1 October 2021, when Disney discontinued it as part of broader network closures. Channel [V] had brief presences in and during the . In , it launched in 1994 but discontinued in 2008 due to intense local competition from channels like . Japan's feed started on 15 July 1997 via SKY PerfecTV! but was shuttered early in the decade, unable to compete with dominant domestic music broadcasters. Many of these feeds closed due to persistently low advertising revenue and Disney's post-2019 prioritization of streaming services like Disney+ over linear television. The 2014 ownership restructuring under further separated regional operations, contributing to fragmented viability.

Programming and format

Core content and music focus

Channel [V] primarily operated as a 24-hour music video channel, broadcasting continuous rotations of music videos interspersed with themed programming blocks that highlighted specific genres, new releases, or viewer requests. This format emphasized accessibility for young audiences across , with a core focus on music discovery and cultural relevance through localized content rather than purely international hits. Signature programs included countdown shows like [V] Countdown, which ranked popular tracks based on viewer votes and airplay, alongside artist interviews and live performances that showcased emerging talent. In the , the channel evolved to incorporate hybrid content, such as reality talent searches exemplified by Project Lotus: The Search for Blush, a 2012 series that formed a pan-Asian and marked a shift toward youth entertainment formats while retaining as a central element. Artist-focused segments and interactive shows further blended music videos with personality-driven narratives, adapting to viewer preferences for relatable, region-specific stories. Initially dominated by Western pop and rock videos in the mid-1990s, Channel [V]'s music focus progressively shifted toward Asian and local genres, including , , and Bollywood tracks, to better resonate with diverse regional audiences and counter competition from global rivals. By the early , this localization strategy featured homegrown artists and VJs speaking in native languages, fostering a monopoly-like position in markets like and until broader competition intensified. The evolution reflected a broader trend of prioritizing cultural authenticity, with programs incorporating and live events to engage younger demographics. Production was centered in in-house studios in from its 1994 launch until the early 2000s, when operations partially shifted to regional hubs like for localized dubs and content creation, while maintaining oversight from . This setup enabled efficient 24/7 broadcasting to an estimated 46 million households across by 2002, with adaptations such as youth-oriented programming in emphasizing relatable teen narratives and moderated content in to align with regulatory standards. VJs served as hosts for these shows, enhancing engagement without dominating the music-centric flow.

VJs and on-air personalities

Channel [V]'s video jockeys (VJs) were instrumental in bridging global music trends with local audiences across and , serving as charismatic hosts for countdown shows and artist interviews during the channel's formative years. Following the launch in in 1994, pioneering pan-Asian VJs emerged from the region, including , who hosted the inaugural Top 20 Countdown and helped establish the channel's format. In , where localized programming began around the same time, became a trailblazing figure by introducing Western tracks to South Asian viewers with her distinctive accent and engaging style. and also joined as fresh talents, contributing to original Indian content that adapted international music formats for domestic appeal. The 2000s marked the peak era for regional VJ stardom, as Channel [V] expanded feeds and empowered local personalities to drive live events and artist promotions. In , (then known as Andrew G) rose to prominence from 1999 to 2009, hosting key music programs like What U Want and The Joint, which propelled his transition to broader television hosting roles. In the , Amanda Griffin emerged as a notable VJ in the early 2000s, blending her modeling background with on-air charm to connect with Southeast Asian youth. These VJs often participated in pan-regional initiatives, such as VJ hunts, fostering a network of notable figures across feeds who localized content while maintaining the channel's edgy vibe. By the 2010s, VJs adapted to shifting formats amid regional restructurings, with a focus on digital integration and localized fiction in some markets. In , during the channel's transition toward youth-oriented shows, , performing as the satirical character Lola Kutty, gained cult status for her humorous takes on beauty and culture, influencing subsequent talents. In , where the feed emphasized domestic artists post-2014 under local ownership, VJs co-hosted programs targeting urban youth, bridging music with segments in both and . Throughout its history, Channel [V] VJs evolved into cultural icons who boosted local music careers by spotlighting emerging artists and shaping youth identity. In , they popularized indipop and infused "coolness" into a generation's tastes, paving the way for VJs to branch into production, , and authorship. Günsberg, for instance, described his Channel [V] tenure as delivering "the most extraordinary moments" of his career, highlighting the platform's role in launching enduring media figures. This legacy underscored VJs' function as tastemakers, often hosting core shows like countdowns to amplify regional voices amid global influences.

References

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