MTV, VH1 & CMT Will Host A Musical July 4th

Does anyone remember the musical group The Buggles?

Having a hard time remembering The Buggles? Well, allow me to refresh your memory.

The Buggles is most famous for their song “Video Killed the Radio Star.” That song was part of the accompanying video that helped launch Music Television (MTV) on August 1, 1981.

In its heyday, MTV was best known for music videos. Over the years, music video channels such as MTV (as well as VH1 and CMT) shifted from the music videos to other programming that has been considered more lucrative. Music programming, as we know it, is now limited at best.

According to news stories from the Associated Press and ABC News, MTV, VH1 and CMT are heading back to their original roots on the Fourth of July. At least for one day, that is.

All three networks announced on Wednesday they will throw a “Music Independence Day” party on July 4, showing videos and giving exposure to artists at a time where it can be hard to break through to a larger audience.

On July 4, MTV will have hours devoted to particular music genres, highlighting artists like Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

VH1 will show videos and performances from the likes of Alicia Keys, Pink and Maroon 5, and telecast a live concert that night from Philadelphia featuring the Roots and John Mayer.

CMT will offer a “barbecue playlist” of artists like the Avett Brothers, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan.

According to the Associated Press, all three networks will also offer emerging bands a chance to set up their own online pages on the Artist Platform and compete to have their videos shown on TV.

Viacom Networks head Van Toffler told the Associated Press that even if artists don’t make it on the air, it’s good exposure for the artists and provides a gathering place for fans.

The AP says there’s not much for the networks to lose from such an event. The first week of July is traditionally the lightest week of the year for television watching, primarily because so many people are outside or doing other things.

This event can help the networks by offering themselves up as soundtracks for Fourth of July parties.