Launched 31 October 2002 Picture format 4:3, 576i (SDTV) Freeview Channel 21 Virgin Media Channel 313 Founded 2002 | Closed 26 October 2009 Country United Kingdom UPC Ireland Channel 709 Sky Channel 358 | |
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Owned by Viacom International Media Networks Broadcast area United Kingdom, Ireland Sister channel(s) MTV; MTV Two; MTV Base; MTV Dance; VH1; VH1 Classic Owner Viacom International Media Networks | ||
TMF (The Music Factory) was a music video and entertainment channel in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The channel was owned by Viacom International Media Networks and was originally a Dutch channel. Formed after the two other TMF stations, which are based in mainland Europe, the channel was created to counter against EMAP's The Hits channel (now 4Music) on the new free-to-air digital terrestrial television service Freeview in 2002.
Contents
- MTVVH1 programming
- Nickelodeon programming
- Comedy Central programming
- Own programming
- Replacement and closure
- References
Upon launch, TMF's description was "TMF is designed to replicate the rhythms of the whole family, playing the best pop videos with the biggest pop stars to become the sound track to the British family life." However, it had since broadened its content to show programmes from its sister channels MTV, VH1, Nick Jr. and Comedy Central, so no longer relied on just music videos.
TMF broadcast on Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media and as well as in some Irish cable packages. The channel was the most viewed music video related station in the UK, according to BARB ratings.
TMF was originally launched in May 1994 as Channel V Europe on cable TMF had a new look on screen graphics in March 2008 to match the other British MTV channels. The previous on screen graphics were used since July 2005 and the original on screen graphics were used since October 2002. The original DOG was on the top right of the screen, it has been moved to the top left of the screen since July 2005. The new look TMF still used the old pre-2007 TMF logo whereas both the Dutch and Belgian TMF channels adapted the new logo. The DOG on music programmes was TMF: Music.
MTV/VH1 programming
TMF initially launched as a non-stop music channel, though from early 2004 began to show various programmes from MTV and VH1.
Nickelodeon programming
Noggin started broadcasting in 2009 after replacing the former Nick Jr. on TMF block. The final set of programmes shown were Go Diego Go!, Dora the Explorer, Little Bear and Maggie & The Ferocious Beast. It was a children's television slot broadcast on TMF from 07:00 to 09:00 daily.
Nick Jr on TMF had replaced the strand Noggin on 25 September 2006, but its programming has remained identical. It used the same ident and presentation package as its main sister, Nick Jr. The reason for the change is yet unknown, but could possibly due to the fact the Nick Jr brand is more well known in the United Kingdom than Noggin. Programmes shown included LazyTown, Dora the Explorer, Thomas & Friends, and The Backyardigans amongst others.
Noggin was the first commercial children's television channel launched on 30 January 2006 on TMF to air on the UK's DTT platform, Freeview, followed by CITV, then lastly Playhouse Disney on ABC1.
Repeat airings of Nickelodeons UK Kids Choice Awards 2008 were scheduled on TMF and MTV Hits, in September 2008.
Comedy Central programming
In January 2007 TMF began showing comedies broadcast on Paramount Comedy, in a strand entitled Comedy Classics. These have included the likes of The Wonder Years, Ally McBeal and Cheers, as well as various Paramount films. During The Friday Movie strand, the channel's DOG changed to an enlarged version, with a re-arranged name displaying "TFM".
Own programming
In August 2005, TMF commissioned two new shows called Pop the Q and Game One. In early 2006 came The Loaded Hour (a male-orientated themed show named after the magazine sponsor, fronted by Kate Edmondson), and in the summer a new live show called TMF Live (presented again by Edmondson, as well as TMF News anchor Carole Machin). With the exception of Pop the Q, none of the shows had a second series.
Replacement and closure
On 14 October 2009, MTV Networks announced plans to replace TMF with a new music and comedy channel. Viva replaced TMF on 26 October 2009. The final music video that was shown on TMF was Whitney Houston's "Million Dollar Bill" at around 5:55am on 26 October 2009. After this, the channel showed its Noggin children's strand, which has been running since TMF launched. This then faded into a promo consisting of music videos at 9am. The last video played on the promo programme Up Your Viva was Cheryl Cole's "Fight For This Love" at about 3:55pm on 26 October 2009.