Much speculation this morning as to the future of Sky's three music channels - The Amp, Flaunt and Scuzz. The speculation follows the promotion of BSkyB's head of music Jo Wallace to a post overseeing original programming on the Sky One channel. Although a replacement has been appointed for Wallace - former Head Of Interactive And Commercial Chiara Cipriani takes on the post - the network has begun a review of its music programming and some reckon the three music stations may be merged into one.
The three Sky music channels were launched last year in a bid to challenge both MTV and EMAP - and especially the latter who at the time were starting to dominate the music TV sector in the UK. However the three channels have lagged behind MTV, The Box et al in the ratings and some reckon Sky are no longer so enthusiastic about propping up three channels in an increasingly competitive space.
Sky may also be looking to shift viewers from its music channels to Sky One because the satellite broadcaster hopes to revitalise it's flagship channel to attract a more up-market 16-34 audience. Wallace will be overseeing that revamp, and the Tim Lovejoy fronted music show reported in yesterday's Daily is one of the first new programmes confirmed for the Sky One schedules. If music is an important part of the new look Sky One it doesn't bode well for Sky's niche music channels.