Page 44 - 1984.Millard.North

TV Music Catching

TV - a station devoted "If I'm home I'll watch the video fights.
Ann Benson advertises MTV on her jacket, one she ' ' M entirely to your favorite They have some good groups on some-
wore frequently to school. music videos". That was how times," said Senior Mike Mertz.
they defined themselves and that must have MTV giveaways were also important in
been what people were looking for - the that they kept people interested in the
concept of a 24-hour video music station channel. The odds were tremendous, but a
earned them over 15 million viewers. lucky few won such memories as a trip to
Though some market research firms were Japan to see the Asia in Asia concert or an
convinced that music videos were only a appearance in Loverboy's "Queen of the
passing fad, MTV celebrated its third Broken Hearts" video. Yes, a brief
birthday this year. appearance, but that was more than most
"I think it'll stay around for a while. people could say.
It's more entertaining than TV or radio, Other networks realized MTV's success
and it's a great break from homework," said and started their rock-video shows. NBC
Junior Lisa Spaulding. came out with "Friday Night Videos", USA
Along with its third annual New Year's with "Night Flight", and WTBS with
Eve party, MTV continued some other "Night Tracks."
traditions. For some this was fortunate. Some
For example, on the last Wednesday of parents soon learned to confiscate the
every month a different guest V J (for Video remote control and keep MTV off the
Jockey) had a chance at a new career. Eddie screen.
Murphy, Darrell Hall and John Oates, Dan "My dad always asks me if I don't have
Akroyd, and Colin Hayes of Men at Work something better to do than watch 'that
were some of those who entertained this punk rock station'," complained Sophomore
year. Morgan Hunter. "It really bugs me."
Weekends meant the Friday Night But, with or without everyone's
Video Fights, Saturday night concerts, and consent, Music Television carried on-"all
Sunday's "Fast Forward". day, all night - in stereo."

Thumbing through a Cox Cable Magazine for the
week's TV schedule is Steve Nielsen. MTV was often
supplemented for students with other cable produc-
tions, especially the movie channels.