Spain hears MuchMusic

Canuck co., Canales creating music chan

By ERIC OLSON

HOLLYWOOD -- ChumCity Intl., the distribution and development arm of Canada's Chum Television, has formed a joint venture with Spain's Canales Tematicos for the development of a local "made in Madrid" music channel.

Modeled after the streetfront studioless operating system created by Chum Television's MuchMusic Canada, the new channel is being dubbed MuchMusic Espana. The joint venture is currently negotiating carriage agreements for the service and expects to announce launch plans shortly.

Local sounds

"Our agreement with Canales Tematicos will allow the creation of a truly local and representative music channel combining our unique brand and expertise in music channel development with the vast knowledge, profile and strength of a true Spanish media leader," said Stephen Tapp, VP and general manager, ChumCity Intl., in a statement.

The brainchild of president/exec producer Moses Naimer, the MuchMusic format has been adopted in Argentina, Finland and Montreal.