» Breaking The Fourth Wall: How Fuse Has Saved Music Television

- Breaking The Fourth Wall: How Fuse Has Saved Music Television
  
  A post about Columns by yatesy on March 29th, '08
  
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- I am old enough to remember when MTV played videos almost all the time. The only other show they had was Remote Control and an occasional sketch comedy show, or something of that nature. My friends and I would make watching Headbanger’s Ball, hosted by Adam Curry then, who was later replaced by Rikki Rachtman, a weekly event. We would even tape as many videos as we could and rewatch them during the week and any time we were bored. As time went on, MTV kept adding more and more “regular” shows that had nothing to do with music until it ended up what it is today….slightly music themed. They really had no competition and the idea of music videos and music themed television went away until a new channel popped up…Fuse.
  
  Fuse has been around for quite a few years now, but is now only starting to gain a larger audience by more cable systems ageing to carry the channel. What makes it special? It not only plays videos, but music shows. Things like “Talking Metal”, which was a really popular metal podcast that was picked up by Fuse. Bands and bandmembers come in and talk not only about their newest release or tour but inspirations and tell stories about anything from memorable moments to influences growing up with hosts that are serious fans. It literally oozes music.
  
  This show is a great example of why Fuse is blowing up. It remembers exactly what Music Television is: a combination of videos, live performances, interviews, countdowns, and anything else having directly to do with music. MTV started curving away from that sort of thing when The Real World became a ratings hit and money started rolling in. Instead of seeing how they could connect reality TV (which was almost brand new at the time) with music, it seemed like the almighty dollar became the goal instead of staying true to what worked in the first place. On one hand, I understand that it is a business and having money and making a profit are good things and allow people jobs, but on the other, being true to what got you to the place you are at, well, to me at least, seems like a great ideal to have.
  
  So, here’s to Fuse; to the programmers, to the creators, to the viewers for keeping it on the air, to the people behind he scenes! While I might not like every video you show, or every little special or music themed whatever, it’s nice to know that someone is out there showing it, giving some kid out there the chance to connect with a band he has only seen online, or reminding a grownup why they love music in the first place. Rock on!
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