Channel V Australia, stylized as Channel , was an Australian subscription television music channel that is available on Foxtel, Optus TV and Austarsatellite and cable services. It was also previously available in New Zealand on TelstraSaturn's cable TV service in Wellington, Kapiti and Christchurch, until a channel shake-up occurred under new owners TelstraClear in 2002. Channel was targeted at the youth market, and played both mainstream and alternative music from local and international artists. Although it used the name Channel in Australia, it had little association with the international affiliates and used the name under the license of News Corporation via STAR TV. Previously called Red, Channel commenced broadcasting in April 1995 on the now defunct Galaxy service. The name change to Channel came about after owners XYZ Entertainment and Channel International came to agreement over naming rights in March 1997. The first Channel Manager of Channel was ex Network TEN Video Hits Producer Donna Andrews. After the successful launch, ex radio man Barry Chapman took over. In 2004, the launch of Foxtel Digital and other digital cable and satellite services, saw a second branded channel begin broadcasting called V Hits, which is a 24-hour music channel that focuses more on music without TV shows. Channel closed on 25 March 2016, replaced with a two-hour timeshift channel of Hits. Starting from 27 February 2016, ' saw programming changes, which included the end of all programs which involved VJs and other personnel. This was followed by the relaunch of Hits as the main music clip channel, featuring only music videos and countdowns. The closure came as viewers increasingly sought music videos from online sources rather than on television, which had resulted in a steady decline in s'' viewership. As a result of the closure, three staff members were made redundant, and Danny Clayton's contract with the network was not renewed. However, in 2017 Foxtel refocused Hits to Foxtel and Hits +2 became +2; a time-shift channel. On 1 July 2020, was replaced by NickMusic, bringing the Channel brand in Australia to an end after 25 years on television.
Over six thousand people applied for a chance to become a Channel presenter. These applicants were shortlisted to a top 20, with 4 finalists announced on Saturday 16 June 2012.
As of 12 January 2007, Club has been re-branded as Channel ² and began showing a more varied range of video clips. Channel remains as a more entertainment orientated channel and began broadcasting in widescreen on the same day. Channel boasts programming including: The Dudesons, BDO & various music specials. On 15 November 2009, Channel ² was relaunched as Hits.
