SYDNEY – MTV has announced plans to launch a brand-new local version of TRL in Australia in 2019. Completely re-imagined as the prime destination for youth culture and a meeting point for fans, TRL Australia will be produced locally and each episode will integrate linear, social and digital under the TRL brand.

Anchored around the linear television series airing exclusively on MTV, TRL Australia will bring young fans’ passion points to all screens with live performances, entertainment news, celebrity interviews, music video premieres and more showcased across television and digital with platform-specific content across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

The debut of TRL Australia will mark the first international version of the iconic franchise to launch since its return to MTV US in 2017.

Simon Bates, Vice President and Head of MTV Asia Pacific said, “We want to create a place where music, celebrity, pop culture and superstar content creators collide, and TRL Australia can do that by having something fresh and exciting everywhere fans seek out entertainment. After the successful launch of MTV Unplugged in Melbourne last month, it’s obvious there is an appetite for more live music franchises to showcase Australian artists and connect them with their fans.”

“Music remains core to our vision for MTV around the globe,” said Bruce Gillmer, Global head of music and talent, Viacom and Co-brand head, MTV International. “We are amplifying music content and supporting incredible acts with global and local events, storytelling vehicles like The Ride, and by giving iconic MTV series a new, local flavour as you’re seeing with the launch of TRL Australia and the many local Unplugged specials we’ve taped around the world this year.”

MTV will introduce TRL to a new generation of Australian fans from 31 August 31 to 2 September at VidCon Australia in Melbourne by staging an interactive set for hopeful hosts and content creators.  From shooting segments with an auto-cue to riffing interviews with other creators, MTV producers and hosts will engage with VidCon delegates to provide professional tips and the opportunity to create and post their own original MTV TRL Australia-branded content.

MTV’s TRL Australia originally aired from 2004 to 2006 and hosts included Kyle Sandilands, Maz Compton, Jason Dundas, Nathan Sapsford and Lyndsey Rodriguez.  The first season in 2004 was broadcast live from Sydney Harbour aboard MTV’s first-ever floating television studio, the “MTV Cruiser”.

Bates added, “VidCon gives us the perfect platform to engage with young creators ahead of the 2019 launch, and who knows, we may just find the next DC Young Fly, Ruby Rose, Liza Koshy or Kyle Sandilands on the expo floor.”

TRL Australia hosts, premiere date, venue and guests will be announced at a later date.