VH1 Classic will live on, at least according to an internal memo sent out yesterday by VH1 general manager Tom Calderone. Forget the fact that there's nary a PA to run tapes around, but that channel that's now in 45 million homes? Yeah, it'll still be on that channel you can't find.

It's been a tough week, and I'll be coming around to talk to all of you over the next few weeks about how we're moving forward. But before the dust settles, I want to dispel any rumors or speculation that we're shutting down VH1 Classic. That's just not true. [...]

The painful staff reductions we had to make will ensure that the channel continues to grow exponentially as we invest even more in VH1 Classic's programming. VH1 Classic is an even bigger priority now, and I will make sure that the channel continues its upward trajectory.

To recap: Nearly the entire staff of VH1 Classic has been fired, but the channel will continue to operate … you know, as per usual.

Calerdone's full staff memo, after the jump.

#####

From: Hopkins, Robin on behalf of Calderone, Tom
Sent: Fri 2/16/2007 10:17 AM
To: M_VH1__ALL
Cc: Kedas, Jeannie; Toffler, Van; Newman, Nancy; Eigendorff, Rich;
Graden, Brian
Subject: Vh1 Classic

It's been a tough week, and I'll be coming around to talk to all of
you over the next few weeks about how we're moving forward. But
before the dust settles, I want to dispel any rumors or speculation
that we're shutting down VH1 Classic. That's just not true.

Our friends at Classic created a channel that is truly a shining,
beloved star in the television and music universe. Now in 45 million
homes, the channel expanded to a full 24-hour programming wheel this
past year, debuting a number of now signature franchises including
"BBC Crown Jewels," "Classic Albums" and "Hangin' With." taped in the
VH1 Classic studio. New episodes of all will debut throughout 2007.

We just announced that VH1 Classic will present its first tentpole
event by airing the upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
ceremony live in its entirety next month, delivering appearances by
Van Halen, R.E.M, Patti Smith and The Ronettes.

Typical of the channel's commitment to being THE source for news and
developments in the classic music world, VH1 Classic aired The
Police's press conference this past Monday which included live
performances of seminal songs like "Roxanne" and "Message In A
Bottle."

Last year, we launched VH1 Classic Records which has already yielded
the #1 music DVD "KISSology: Volume One" — with more to come. We
also just expanded the VH1 Classic channel on VSPOT. And we'll soon
have news about the channel's growing presence on the web with a
dedicated Classic vertical as well as VH1 Classic's first-ever public
affairs campaign.

The painful staff reductions we had to make will ensure that the
channel continues to grow exponentially as we invest even more in VH1
Classic's programming. VH1 Classic is an even bigger priority now,
and I will make sure that the channel continues its upward trajectory.
To help us keep the momentum going, some key functions are being
absorbed into the VH1 mothership:

* Michele Dix, who continues to develop music-centered shows
for VH1, will now also develop the programming for the channel that
salutes the music icons of the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s.

* Rick Krim and his group will foster relationships with the
classic music world, ensuring that classic artists see us as their
biggest supporters. To help achieve that, Erik Luftglass re-joins the
VH1 fold.

* Lee Rolontz will oversee production duties for the channel
while Jay Moran from the VH1 Classic team becomes part of her group.

* Ben Zurier will manage the programming strategy for the
channel with the help of Mike Lopez and Nan Tozzi who now join VH1.

When you look at the gigantic strides this channel has made, it's
difficult to believe that VH1 Classic was just launched over 6 years
ago. Our deepest appreciation goes to Eric Sherman and his team who
worked so passionately to set it on its path of success. We are in
awe, and we can only hope to match your enthusiasm and commitment.

Thank you.
Tom