Fuse (TV channel)

Fuse is an American pay television channel that first launched in 1994 and was originally dedicated to music. After merging with the Latino-oriented NuvoTV in 2015, Fuse shifted its focus to general entertainment and lifestyle programming targeting multicultural young adults.

Fuse
LaunchedJuly 1, 1994 (1994-07-01)
Owned byFuse Media, LLC.
Picture format1080i (HDTV)
(HD feed downgraded to letterboxed 480i for SDTVs)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Broadcast areaNationwide
Worldwide
HeadquartersNew York City, New York, U.S.
Formerly calledMuchMusic USA (1994–2001)
MMUSA (2001–2003)
ReplacedNuvoTV
(merged into Fuse on September 30, 2015)
Sister channel(s)FM
Websitewww.fuse.tv
Availability
Satellite
DirecTVChannel 339
Channel 1339 (VOD)
Dish NetworkChannel 164
Cable
SpectrumChannel 169 (SD)
Channel 900 (SD)
Channel 1352 (HD)
IPTV
AT&T U-verseChannel 1182 (HD)
Channel 182 (SD)
Streaming media
Fubo TVIPTV
AT&T TV NowInternet Protocol television
Sling TVInternet Protocol television

As of February 2015, Fuse was available to approximately 71,491,000 pay television households (61.4% of households with television) in the United States.[1] With the loss of carriage on Xfinity and Verizon Fios on January 1, 2019 and a number of cable operators discontinuing their carriage since 2015, it currently has an availability of around 38 million pay television households.[2]

History

As MuchMusic USA

The channel originally launched on July 1, 1994, as MuchMusic USA; it was founded as a joint venture between Rainbow Media (currently known as AMC Networks), a division of New York-based Cablevision and Toronto-based CHUM Limited. (CHUM also launched a Canadian counterpart to then-Rainbow owned arts network Bravo around a year later, though since then the two networks' programming have completely diverged.) CHUM would later sell its 50% stake in the network to Cablevision in 2000, but allowed the continued use of the "MuchMusic" name under a brand licensing agreement. Initially, the network mirrored the schedule of its Canadian equivalent with U.S. advertising, but with French-language programming and programs licensed from MTV and VH1 blacked out and replaced with reruns of other programs or with infomercials.

However, through its' early years, the channel suffered from a lack of carriage; outside of Cablevision's own systems (mostly in the New York City metro area, and at the time, Boston and Cleveland), as well as satellite providers DirecTV (which carried it as, at the time, fellow satellite provider USSB, with which it shared transponders and equipment, had the exclusive rights to all Viacom-owned channels, including MTV and VH1; these channels would eventually move to DirecTV shortly before USSB merged with them) and now-defunct PrimeStar (which added the channel as part of an expansion to their lineup on April 20, 1997; due to limited bandwidth on their FSS platform, MuchMusic was a part-time channel running from 2:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST on weekdays, and from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the weekends[3]), not many providers carried the network, an exception being Continental Cablevision (later MediaOne)'s systems in New England, Ohio and Florida. Beginning in 1996, Rainbow began an effort to include US-produced original programming and music video blocks on the network's lineup, partially as a way of alleviating criticism for the channel's Canadian origins.[4] Certain Cablevision systems in major markets also experimented with locally-oriented music countdown shows, typically produced in cooperation with a local radio station (such as Cablevision's Boston system producing the MuchMusic Boston Countdown together with radio station WFNX).[5]

Programming from the network was also carried by two low-power television stations: W53AV (currently WDNI-CD) in Indianapolis, IN, and W24BW (currently WMYO-CD) in Louisville, KY.

In 1998, the network also began to be included in a sub-unit of Rainbow focused upon live pay-per-view events taking place at New York's world-famous Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden (both also owned by Cablevision's founding Dolan family), Radio City Networks.[6]

By 2001, MuchMusic USA began to diverge from its Canadian parent; it introduced a new logo identifying itself as MMUSA, and began to air its own original programming and music video blocks, often featuring user-submitted videos; the network's new direction centered around viewer interactivity via the Internet, with the "mmusa.tv" website being the focal point of the interaction.[7][8]

Carriage of the network began to expand with the rise of digital cable, with Time Warner Cable and Comcast beginning to carry the channel around this time.[9] By December 2002, MMUSA had replaced almost the entirety of its schedule with domestically produced programming, with the only MuchMusic program remaining being RapCity. An interactive TV component was also launched as part of Cablevision's iO digital cable service in the New York area.

After CHUM revoked its licensing agreement for the U.S. channel to use the MuchMusic brand, Cablevision announced that it would relaunch MMUSA as Fuse in 2003.[10]

As Fuse
Fuse studios on Seventh Avenue across from Madison Square Garden.

The channel officially relaunched as Fuse on May 19, 2003, with the debut of the critically acclaimed hip-hop comedy series Kung Faux. Fuse originally focused on more underground and indie music genres. Overtime, the channel would cover a much broader range of music genres such as pop, urban, punk, and heavy metal while still encompassing underground indie music scenes and popular culture.

In its early days, Fuse programming was very music-intensive. The network indirectly bashed MTV with a slogan touting Fuse as the channel "where the music went." Fuse's advertising in this period, by New York-based Amalgamated, generated controversy both through its more direct criticism of MTV, and through its parodies, particularly that of the iPod ad campaign.[11][12][13][14] Viacom, corporate owner of MTV and, for a short while, the former owner of many of Fuse's current sister properties, protested when a Fuse billboard appeared across from its headquarters featuring Sally Struthers' plea to "save the music video."

2008–2011

In 2008, Fuse became the exclusive television partner for some major music events, including signing a three-year deal to air the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony[15] and the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Fuse also works with the Van's Warped Tour, Voodoo Experience, and Lollapalooza, airing interviews and live news from the festivals. The same year, as part of a corporate reorganization, Cablevision moved Fuse from its Rainbow Media division to its Madison Square Garden unit – aligning it with a group of co-owned music venues across New York City. In 2009, Fuse debuted a two-minute music news program called The Daily Noise which is updated courtesy of Billboard Magazine.

In April 2010, Cablevision's MSG unit, including Fuse, was spun off as a separate publicly traded company, The Madison Square Garden Company.[16]

On June 20, 2010, Fuse simulcast the 2010 MuchMusic Video Awards, marking its first broadcast of MuchMusic programming since its relaunch as Fuse.[17] Other MuchMusic programming would return in 2011, including The Wedge and Video on Trial (which would also gain an American version).

Blink-182 and former +44 singer/bassist Mark Hoppus began hosting his own weekly television series on Fuse that year, titled Hoppus on Music.[18][19] The show has featured a star-studded lineup of guests, including Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, Linkin Park, Snoop Dogg, Phil Collins, Ben Folds, Kid Cudi, Angels and Airwaves, Simple Plan and Ozzy Osbourne.

On June 28, 2011, Vevo and Fuse entered into a video syndication and content partnership. As part of the partnership, Fuse.tv syndicates Vevo's music video and entertainment programming, including exclusive music video premieres, live music events, and originally produced series.[20]

Through its Fuse Presents series, the network has also presented live concerts from various venues, primarily from those owned by MSG. These have included:

2012–2014

In the fall of 2012, Fuse refocused itself with a new on-air branding campaign[26] created by design agency LoyalKaspar, and focused more of its website, fuse.tv, on trending music news stories. During music video programming, the channel runs a ticker which features the latest news stories from Fuse News and Twitter. That winter, Fuse launched a mobile app for Android and iOS devices. In November 2012, Fuse announced the launch of Fuse News,[27] a daily news update program which debuted in February 2013, along with additional newsworthy programming including Trending 10. The channel continues to focus on music but has also diversified with reality shows such as Off Beat and Ex-wives of Rock. Top 100 Playlist aired in 2012 presenting various artists and bands.

In March 2013, anonymous sources leaked news that MSG was planning to sell all or part of Fuse, as the network had been struggling, and was facing growing competition from digital outlets such as Vevo.[28]

On April 4, 2014, MSG and SiTV Media, the parent company of the Latino-oriented entertainment network NuvoTV, announced that SiTV would acquire Fuse for $226 million.[29] SiTV outbid Revolt, who had made a $200 million offer to acquire Fuse. As part of the deal, the Madison Square Garden Company would take a 15% stake in SiTV. Prior to the official announcement, Benny Medina (manager of Jennifer Lopez, the network's chief creative officer) stated that if SiTV were to acquire Fuse, there were no immediate plans to make any major changes to the network's programming, emphasizing that Fuse and NuvoTV would be "two different companies with two different identities, audiences and goals."[30] However, on May 1, Fuse News was cancelled with immediate effect, with the entire staff let go, along with other cuts throughout the network.[31][32]

The acquisition was completed on July 1, 2014.[33]

2015–present

In March 2015, NuvoTV was folded into Fuse, and the parent company was renamed Fuse Media.[34] New shows were announced, including White Guy Talk Show, a late-night talk show hosted by Grace Parra and Saurin Choksi, which debuted on March 2, 2015; and, debuting on April 9, Skee TV, hosted by DJ Skee, featuring interviews and live performances.[35] In addition, the newly rebranded parent company, Fuse Media, announced the launch of a new music channel focusing on "up-and-coming, young, diverse talent".[36] The new channel, FM, would later launch on September 30, 2015, replacing NuvoTV.[37]

In April 2015, Fuse became the exclusive broadcaster of Legends Football League games in the United States.[38] On July 31, 2015, Fuse announced they would relaunch with a new logo and branding on September 30, 2015.[39][40] In addition to new series such as Transcendent, which documents the lives of transgender women at AsiaSF Cabaret & Restaurant in San Francisco, and Revealed, which features music videos, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage of artists at work, Fuse announced a multi-year partnership with comedian Gabriel Iglesias for additional new programming and comedy specials.[41][42]

In November 2017, a partnership between Complex and Fuse was announced in which Fuse will air a block of Complex digital series under the Complex x Fuse banner. The block premiered on November 10, 2017.[43][44]

Towards the end of 2018, both Comcast and Verizon announced that Fuse and FM would be dropped from Xfinity and Fios on January 1, 2019, reasoning that the networks' lack of viewership and Fuse's channel drift towards a sitcom and film repeat-heavy lineup did not justify continued carriage of the networks. Fuse Media CEO Michael Schwimmer made the claim the networks were being dropped as Comcast's Department of Justice consent decree for their acquisition was relaxed regarding channel diversity and a commitment to independent channel operators, giving them an out from carrying the network. In reality, the decree remains in full effect and Fuse's de facto replacement, TV One sister network Cleo TV, launched broadly on Comcast systems on January 19 under the same decree.[45][46]

In April 2019, Fuse's parent company, Fuse Media, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing its lost coverage on Comcast and Verizon systems, as well as defaulting on a loan.[47]

On September 3, 2019, a Fuse-branded channel was launched on Pluto TV.[48]

Programming
Main article: List of programs broadcast by Fuse

Original programming currently seen on Fuse consists of lifestyle, reality, and documentary programming. After merging with NuvoTV and launching FM in September 2015, Fuse would slowly scale down its music programming in favor of acquired sitcoms and feature films. Fuse would remove its music video blocks altogether in Spring 2019.

Former on-air staff

Music blocks
  • Esteban Serrano – host of Top 20 Countdown
  • Katie van Buren – host of Top 20 Countdown
  • Timothy Dunn[49] – host of Got Ur #
  • Yasmine Richard – host of Top 20 Countdown and Trending 10

Entertainment and music shows

Fuse News
  • Matte Babel – host of Fuse News
  • Alexa Chung – host of Fuse News
  • Georgie Okell – host of Fuse News
  • Elaine Moran – host of Fuse News and Trending 10
  • Jack Osbourne[50] – host of Fuse News
gollark: Morphine is opioidish, isn't it?
gollark: > there are evil people and evil deedsright afterward though?
gollark: It's not like you can measure evilness as a physical property like you can mass or something.
gollark: Moral relativism isn't incompatible with disliking people doing things you consider evil, and what would something being "objectively evil" even mean?
gollark: You can get an extra, not very useful sense.

References
Notes
  1. Seidman, Robert (February 22, 2015). "List of how many homes each cable network is in as of February 2015". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
  2. Littleton, Cynthia (30 December 2018). "Comcast to Drop Jennifer Lopez-Owned Fuse Music Channel". Variety. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  3. Primestar Promos and Commercials (1997-2000), retrieved 2020-01-08
  4. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1996-03-16). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
  5. Moss, Linda. "MuchMusic Tries Local Angle to Woo Ops". Multichannel. Retrieved 2020-01-05.
  6. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1998-10-17). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
  7. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (2001-06-09). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
  8. "MuchMusic USA Changes the Face of Music Programming with New Interactive Shows". 2001-06-01. Retrieved 2020-01-05.
  9. Inc, Nielsen Business Media (2001-03-17). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
  10. Article: muchmusic usa Becomes Fuse; Total Convergence Music Programming `Fuses' Online, TV & Interactive Game Play. HighBeam Research
  11. Mucha, Thomas (2005-03-01). "They Want Their Fuse TV - March 1, 2005". Money.cnn.com. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  12. dabitch (2003-05-15). "Fuse is fuel for fury. MTV doesn't like their tone". Adland.tv. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  13. Tim Arango (2004-07-23). "Apple Blows Fuse Over Ads". NYPOST.com. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  14. dabitch (2004-07-24). "Fuse parodies two campaigns in one – gets Apple on the phone". Adland.tv. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  15. "Fuse Gets Rock Hall of Fame Telecasts In Three-Year Deal - 2008-11-03 06:00:00 | Multichannel News". Multichannel.com. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  16. Riddell, Kelly (2010-02-10). "Cablevision Spins Off MSG to Focus on Cable Franchise". Bloomberg. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  17. "CTV Media Site – MuchMusic". Ctvmedia.ca. 2010-06-08. Archived from the original on 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
  18. "Coming to Fuse This Fall: A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus". Fuse.tv. 2010-06-22. Archived from the original on 2010-06-25. Retrieved 2010-06-22.
  19. "Fuse Announces New Weekly Show 'Hoppus on Music'". PR Newswire. 2010-06-22. Retrieved 2010-06-22.
  20. "VEVO Press Release Media Site – Fuse". Fuse.tv. 2011-06-28. Archived from the original on 2011-09-30. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  21. "CTV Media Site – MuchMusic". Ctvmedia.ca. 2009-09-08. Archived from the original on 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2011-02-04.
  22. "Fuse presents "Drake: Live From Radio City Music Hall" Nov. 24 Media Site = Channel Guide Magazine". channelguidemagblog.com. 2010-11-19. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  23. "Fuse presents "Elton John and Leon Russell Live From the Beacon Theatre" Oct. 19 Media Site = Channel Guide Magazine". channelguidemagblog.com. 2010-10-15. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  24. "Linkin Park Live MSG Concert on Fuse Presents, Friday February 18". www.zimbio.com. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  25. "Fuse Presents Red Hot Chili Peppers Live from The Roxy". www.theaudioperv.com. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  27. Itzkoff, Dave (September 4, 2012). "Fuse Introduces 'Fuse News,' with Some Recognizable Hosts". The New York Times. Retrieved 2013-12-18.
  28. Atkinson, Claire (2013-03-22). "MSG could be at the end of its Fuse". The New York Post. Retrieved 2013-12-18.
  29. "NUVOtv Parent Company SiTV Media to Acquire Fuse Network From The Madison Square Garden Company" (Press release). New York, NY: MSG Networks Inc. 2014-04-14. Retrieved 2019-11-25.
  30. Liberman, David (April 2014). "JLo Outbids Sean Combs for Fuse TV; Snaps Up for $226 million". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  31. Charlton, Jordan (1 May 2014). "The Ticker: Fuse, Oliver, Tapper". TVNewser. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  32. Staff, Report (1 May 2014). "Fuse Readies For NuvoTV Merger By Shedding Some Staff". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  33. "NUVOtv PARENT COMPANY SÍTV MEDIA COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF FUSE NETWORK FROM THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-09-06. Retrieved 2014-01-07.
  34. "Fuse Media, Inc. unveils new ambitious original programming slate for Fuse network, expanding beyond music for 2015-16 season". Zap2it. 2015-03-04. Retrieved 2015-03-25.
  35. "'White Guy Talk Show' & DJ Skee-Hosted Series On Fuse Media's 2015 Slate". Retrieved 2015-03-25.
  36. "Upfronts 2015: Nuvo TV to Meld into Fuse in Q3". Multichannel News. Retrieved 2015-03-25.
  37. "Hilary Ready to Light Up a New 'Fuse'". Multichannel News. Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  38. "LFL Returns to National Television on Fuse in HD". lfl360.com. Retrieved 2015-04-07.
  39. "Fuse TV to relaunch with new identity, programming". Rapid TV News. 2015-08-01.
  40. Khatchatourian, Maane (2015-07-31). "Fuse TV to relaunch with new identity, programming". Variety.
  41. "FUSE RELAUNCHES ON SEPTEMBER 30th WITH NEW NETWORK BRAND AND PROGRAMMING". Fuse Media. Retrieved 2015-08-06.
  42. "Fuse: Fall 2015 - New Network Brand". Retrieved 2015-10-01.
  43. "Complex and Fuse Partner for Special TV Programming Block". November 1, 2017. Retrieved 2018-12-19.
  44. "Complex Brings 'Hot Ones' And 'Sneaker Shopping' To TV". November 20, 2017. Retrieved 2018-12-19.
  45. Lafayette, John (31 December 2018). "Fuse, Dropped by Comcast, Blasts Operator". MultiChannel News. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  46. "TV One Launches New Entertainment Network CLEO TV on January 19, 2019" (Press release). TV Week. 21 November 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  47. "Jennifer Lopez-Owned Fuse Media Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection". Deadline. 23 April 2019. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
  48. "Pluto TV Adds Fuse TV to Its Lineup". Cord Cutters News. September 3, 2019. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
  49. "Meet Our 'Got Ur #' Host, Timothy Dunn". fuse.tv. Retrieved 2015-05-09.
  50. "Alexa Chung's American Fuse News TV Show – Brad Pitt's Second Chanel No.5 Video Ad". Elle. Retrieved 2013-12-18.
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