New U.K. Music Channel Targets Viewers 50+

LONDON: Vintage TV, a channel dedicated to music from the 1940s to 1980s, makes its broadcast debut on September 1 on Sky and Freesat.

The destination targets viewers over 50 with five decades of music, featuring legends such as Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Presenters, known as The OGs (Old Gilts) and The Voxxies, include Paul Gambaccini, Tony Blackburn, David ‘Kid’ Jensen, David Hamilton and Ed Stewart and rock legend Rick Wakeman. Stepping up for the Voxxies are Kim Wilde and Sally James. Each will present highly personal and individual shows with a carefully chosen selection of songs which defined their own lives. As part of its lineup, Vintage TV will air specially created videos for songs that were on the charts prior to 1976, before music videos existed in their present form.

David Pick, the founder and chief executive of Vintage TV, commented, “Vintage TV is essentially a unique celebration of everything which has defined and shaped popular music since its genesis in the 1940s, as well as a reflection of how music is enjoyed today.”

“With its mix of original programming, classic concert footage, brand new music videos and the expertise of a wide range of experienced presenters and pundits to infuse yet more life into the music, Vintage TV will be a unique channel delivering musical content which isn’t available elsewhere on TV.”

Pick added, “We are incredibly excited about the response from everyone who shares our passion for the music of the 1940s to 1980s. We would love people to get involved in shaping our channel by voting for the first song we should play, so please visit www.vintage.tv. Flowers in the Rain by The Move became the defining track for BBC Radio One back in September 1967. What will be the defining track for Vintage TV in September 2010?”