Inside MTV / R. Serge Denisoff.

Author/creator Denisoff, R. Serge
Format Book
Publication InfoNew Brunswick, NJ : Transaction Books, ©1988.
Descriptionv, 373 pages : portraits ; 24 cm
Subjects

Contents "Heartbreak hotel" -- "We are family" -- "Ladies and gentlemen! Rock and roll" -- "Taking care of business" -- "It's the format!" -- The rule of one -- Ted Turner's crusade: economics versus morals -- "Old folks video: VH-1 and Hit Video USA" -- "We're at the hub of it all": the impact of MTV -- "MTV: some people just don't get it" -- Epilogue -- Appendix.
Abstract MTV was the third major breakthrough in music broadcasting, and the first since the late 1960s. "Top Forty" radio was initiated in the 1950s, and along with "free form" or "progressive" rock molded rock music exposure for nearly twenty years. Many observers credit MTV with resurrecting the music industry from the throes of the Great Depression of 1979. Few would dispute its impact on contemporary film, fashion, and radio. This book examines the world of cablecasting, the evolution of WASEC, MTV, VH-1, and some of their competitors. The strategies, personalities, promotions, and the contents that placed MTV on the road to its dominant position are described. The many controversies surrounding the channel are thoroughly detailed, and a good deal of the misinformation on the subject is corrected. MTV began as the third of four Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment Company (WASEC) channels, created by two of America's largest conglomerates. It then became a major force. Before MTV was conceived the relationship between television and rock music was weak, at best. As the new partnership developed, a story of genius, luck, and discrimination began to unfold, and a corporate innovation of major proportions and psychodemographic success emerged. MTV became the most profitable 24-hour cable outlet beamed from a satellite. At the time of publication, it reached 30.8 million households. How all this happened is chronicled in this major new book from a leading authority on the American music business.
Local noteLittle-318613--3051310294971
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliography (pages 339-356) and index.
LCCN 87013820
ISBN0887381731
ISBN9780887381737
ISBN9780887387067
ISBN0887387063

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk PN1992.8.M87 D4 1988 ✔ Available Place Hold