LONDON -- U.K. satcaster BSkyB on Monday unveiled further details of its three music channels that will launch on Sky Digital next month.
Flaunt, the Amp and Scuzz will join rival music providers MTV and VH1, backed by Viacom, and Emap's the Box, Smash Hits, Q, Kerrang and Kiss.
Flaunt will mix chart music, fashion, celebrities and gossip aimed at streetwise, fashion-conscious girls 13-16. Featured artists will include Justin Timberlake, Pink, Ms Dynamite, J-Lo and Kelly Rowland.
Scuzz will be "the natural viewing home for disruptive rock fans," targeting 15- to 19-year-old male youths with a playlist including Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Good Charlotte and AFI.
The Amp is aimed at "discerning fans of authentic, unmanufactured music" and will target the 25-29 group with music from White Stripes, Oasis, Doves, Coldplay and Massive Attack.
Sky claimed the three channels will feature "more extensive interactive opportunities than any existing music channel." Each channel will have its own Web site and individual enhanced TV application, allowing viewers to vote for their favorite artists' videos, catch up on music news and take part in exclusive competitions.
Lester Mordue, BSkyB's head of music television, said, "Sky is entering the music category with the same passion it has for sport and other entertainment. Our channels will be highly interactive, with a unique mix of music, lifestyle and entertainment that reflects their audience."
The satcaster is renegotiating carriage deals and has threatened to drop MTV from its lineup if it does not agree to satisfactory terms. Sky reportedly pays £20 million ($33.2 million) to MTV to broadcast its music services. Sky also recently renewed carriage deals for Emap's channels.
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