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Quick History |
In the summer of 1994, MMUSA was launched, a network partnership between Rainbow Media and CHUM Limited to simulcast MuchMusic in the U.S. On July 27, 2000, Rainbow Media bought a 50% stake in MMUSA from CHUM Limited. On June 15, 2001, MMUSA introduced its first original programming. It dropped many shows that we view as some of the best MuchMusic has to offer, including Ed's Big Wham Bam, GoWithTheFlow, and CombatZone. At this point, Americans with MMUSA were starting to wonder if MMUSA was really reliable to its original vision of being a MuchMusic simulcast channel. In February 2002, MMUSA dropped MuchOnDemand when the new format with Rick and Jenn was launched, and replaced it with Dedicate Live. MuchDedications was also removed. In April 2002, MMUSA dropped MuchMegaHits, and returned Ed's Big Wham Bam but only at a 2:30 AM timeslot. In July 2002, MMUSA began a weekend summertime programming special, temporarily dropping Much Vibe and MuchNews Weekly from their schedule. Electric Circus was dropped as well and never returned. In September, Much Vibe and MuchNews Weekly returned. In October 2002, MMUSA permanently dropped TheNewMusic, Ed's Big Wham Bam, Going To Meet A Rock Star, MuchNews Weekly, The DownLo, and Much Vibe. Loud returned to MMUSA after a few months absent. The only MuchMusic Canada shows remaining at this point were Spotlight, RapCity, Loud, and the Monday-Friday 3:00 PM ET VideoFlow (however, the 4 PM hour was cut on Fridays for another MMUSA original). Effective January 6, 2003, all of the remaining Much Music Canada programming was permanently removed by MMUSA, thus making MuchMusic no longer available in the United States. On January 13th, MMUSA also debuted a show called IMX at 6 PM ET (a bad decision because it is going up directly against BET's popular 106 & Park). In June 2003, Rainbow Media's license to use the "MuchMusic" name in MMUSA expires. (If MMUSA at this point is not bought by another company that agrees to bring MuchMusic Canada programming back to the states, expect MMUSA to be forced to change its name.) According to our sources, this summer CHUM Limited plans on bringing MuchMusic Canada back to the states. They are currently "looking at options," and we are not yet sure if the existing MMUSA will be bought out to return MuchMusic programming, or if the existing MMUSA will become a completely separate entity, allowing a new MuchMusic USA channel to be launched. To MuchMusic fans across Canada and the United States, now you see why we must come together to bring The Nation's Music Station back to everyone. Please sign the petition!
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