JamTV is a hip-hop and R&B music show consisting of celebrity appearances, artist interviews and performances by music icons and new artists.
Producers said Marco Mall, James Shade and DJ Dap created the program in February 2004.
The three met while working at former radio station WHJX-FM.
Shade, director and writer of Jam TV, was an on-air radio personality who played hip-hop and R&B.
Marco Mall, producer of Jam TV, was the account executive of the station at the time. Dap, the music director and host, was the music director and played hip hop as an on-air personality.
“While working at Hot 105.7, we decided to start a show,” Shade said. “We saved money to purchase the equipment we needed to start our show. The three of us went to UPN and showcased our idea for a show. UPN liked the quality and accepted the offer.”
JamTV debuted on UPN in the fall of 2005.
“The show’s goal is to expose viewers to the latest in hip-hop and R&B, promoting album sales and to interview established artists. The show also tries to assist up-and-coming artists in getting publicity in the music industry,” Dap said.
Mall further explained the show’s goals: “We want to give aspiring artists the opportunity to get their videos aired without being as expensive as the other entertainment stations,” Mall said. “JamTV is the number one independent TV station in the state of Florida and that’s because of our great team’s persistence, energy and chemistry.”
Last season, Jam TV featured artists such as T-Pain and Young Joc. The show also featured Rick Ross before everyone was “Hustlin.”
The show aired last season on Thursdays and Fridays at 2:30 a.m.
The musical director believes the time slot may have been a hindrance because its target audience, ages 18-35, would be asleep or out of the house.
“The new time slot promotes growth. It gives us a shot at reaching a larger audience,” Dap said. “The show will be able to reach more viewers with its new time slot at noon.”
The second season premieres Friday at noon on the new CW on channel six.
Shade believes the show this season will be worthy of “tremendous feedback.”
JamTV is also a community-oriented business that offers internships to students interested in producing, directing, writing, video editing, acting, cinematography, marketing and promotions.
Students will be able to meet the JamTV family today on the set of Florida A&M University.