The three networks will celebrate “Music Independence Day” on July 4, broadcasting a 12-hour block of music that includes music from acts participating in the networks’ online Artist Platform operation.
At the music discovery site Artist Platform (artists.MTV.com, artists.CMT.com, artists.VH1.com), artists create their own pages and opt in on “Music Independence Day.” Artists will be able to drive audiences to their pages via social networks and #MusicIndependenceDay, where they can invite listeners to purchase music, leave tips or otherwise show their support. Participating artists will have their music and videos considered for MTV, CMT and VH1.
Each of the networks will target their programming between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. MTV will bring in artists as hosts, spotlight independent artists that have emerged from Artists.MTV and re-play major music moments from throughout MTV’s history. CMT will hold its annual “BBQ Week,” culminating in the ultimate BBQ playlist with favorites such as the Avett Brothers, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Punch Brothers, alongside.
VH1 will emphasize summer jams during its broadcast from Philadelphia with host Jim Shearer. At 8 p.m. on the Fourth, VH1 will air the Philly 4th of July Jam with the Roots, John Mayer, Jill Scott and Demi Lovato. VH1 will also premiere a new music series, “STOP/WATCH,” in which an act performs a complete song in 60 seconds. [Billboard.biz]
