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Universal videos not appearing on Foxtel music channels in Australia
By Chris Cooke | Published on Thursday 12 November 2015
Music videos from Universal-signed artists are not appearing on music channels operated by Australian TV company Foxtel because of a licensing spat. The Music Network points out that that means Foxtel outlets Channel [V], [V] Hits, CMC, Maz and Smooth currently can’t play over half of the tracks that appear in the Aussie trade mag’s Top 40 airplay chart.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster has confirmed there is currently a stand-off with the mega-major, though didn’t give much information about the dispute, except to say that, if necessary, its music channels can operate just fine without Universal’s content, it just means there’ll be a lot more One Direction than Justin Bieber as the two pop acts go head-to-head with album releases tomorrow.
They told The Music: “Foxtel has been in negotiations with Universal Music for some weeks to resolve a commercially viable agreement to continue to showcase Universal Music artists and music on our five music channels. Regrettably we have not resolved our commercial issues, which has forced us to pull all Universal acts from our contemporary music channels. The Foxtel music channels can continue without Universal artists [but] it is not our desired outcome”.
The stand off does not affect all Foxtel services, and in particular Foxtel Tunes, which is just as well given that’s a joint venture involving Universal Music itself.