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Compilation Reel 'AL TV'

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Compilation Reel 'AL TV' --- 1984-02-22

2/22/84 Epic Records Compilation. One of the earliest Music Video Satellite transmissions. Information taken from Billboard Magazine 2/4/1984: "Label representatives say satellite delivery will save them the costs of duplication, postage, record keeping and tracking, and have the added benefit of increasing exposure for their clips. The program, dubbed "Project Songbird," is the brainchild of Tom Robbins, director of the non-profit Music Magazine Foundation in Philadelphia. Epic was the first to take advantage of the offer. Harvey Leeds, director of video promotion for Epic/Portrait /Associated Labels, says about a third of the more than 100 television outlets Epic supplies with clips were set up to receive the transmission. Leeds says he chose to test "Project Songbird" partly because of the "competitive edge" it gives him with television programmers. He will continue to send out reels with a newsletter and other information to outlets not set up to receive satellite feeds. But, he says, for those outlets who are, "Project Songbird" simplifies the distribution process. "It's a natural next step for us," Leeds says. "We're trying to set this up to streamline the promotion of records. This means working with television stations the way we work with radio stations. We're in the tv business now. Forget Pony Express." "We consider this an evolution, not a revolution," Robbins remarks. "After Epic breaks the ground, other labels will get in. It's cheaper and faster, and there's also a quality advantage over tape distribution." Robbins suggests that the ease of receiving the programming will mean additional outlets for music video. The Music Magazine Foundation will provide partial funding for "Project Songbird," by buying satellite time in bulk from Bonneville Satellite Communications." This version appears to be a screener tape for Music Industry Executives, most likely a VHS dub of the master reel, another version, with slightly different track listing exists, shipped in a plain white box that was mailed directly to video outlets. Hosted by Weird Al Yankovic between videos, this tape pre-dates the first AL-TV special on MTV. The concept of AL-TV originated from this (and the previous) Epic Records Compilation, although this is the very first one to have Al presenting the music videos. The footage of Al is entirely different from the first AL-TV on MTV, although most of the comments on music videos and jokes Al says are the same ones heard on the MTV 4/1/84 AL-TV broadcast. The most notable difference is when he makes a makes a joke about Boy George looking "Like a chick" after the Boy George interview. This appears to be the second transmission in a series, the first one can be found here: https://www.discogs.com/release/4955810-Various-EPA-Satellite-Reel-1