MTV2 Europe
| MTV Rocks | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Launched | 10 October 1998 |
| Owned by | Viacom International Media Networks Europe |
| Picture format | 16:9 (576i, SDTV) |
| Audience share |
UK: 0.01% (May 2017, BARB) |
| Formerly called | M2 (1998–02) MTV2 (2002–07) MTV Two (2007–10) |
| Sister channel(s) | |
| Website | mtv.co.uk/mtv-rocks |
|
Availability
|
|
| Satellite | |
|
Sky (UK & Ireland) |
Channel 355 |
| Cable | |
|
Virgin Media (UK) |
Channel 315 |
|
Virgin Media (Ireland) |
Channel 702 |
| WightFibre | Channel 93 |
| IPTV | |
|
TalkTalk TV (UK) |
Channel 541 |
MTV Rocks (formerly MTV Two, MTV2 and M2) is a 24-hour rock/alternative music channel operated by Viacom International Media Networks Europe. Available in the United Kingdom and Ireland on subscription satellite and digital television services.
The structure of the MTV Networks is different in Europe from in the US and so the role that MTV Two plays is somewhat different. The various nation MTV channels remain the flagship channels bringing a wide variety of popular music and many different show formats (including documentaries, reality TV, charts, text shows, and countdowns) however digital satellite in the UK has allowed MTV to operate subsidiary channels with their own specialist areas. So while in the US MTV2 was a varied, slightly alternative channel in the past, in Europe MTV Two is dedicated exclusively to alternative rock and indie, with the occasional alternative hip hop song; while other music output carried on MTV Base, MTV Dance, MTV Hits covering urban music (hip hop, rap, R&B and garage), electronic dance music, and chart music respectively.
MTV Rocks initially began as M2 in October 1998: the channel had an interactive feel to it. Here viewers controlled the overall content of M2 in terms of its playlist and channel identity. The channel initially had limited availability only being available in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scandinavia, France and Spain. In 2002, MTV Networks Europe expanded M2's availability across Europe and decided to rebrand M2 as MTV2 similar to the rebranding on its sister network in the US. The structure of the MTV2 in the United States differed from its European counterpart. MTV2 Europe primarily focused on alternative indie themed shows and music videos, while MTV2 in the US focused on reality TV programming, alternative music videos and alternative hip-hop. The TV station was one of the first media outlets to lead with its website strategy and follow with the TV programming. Viewers could program an hour of television content via the website, designed by Bradley Smith and Mickey Stretton with the agency Digit, it broadcast later that month.
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