Bumper time for music TV: terrestrial channels unveil exciting and fresh music TV for new season.(News)

Terrestrial TV channels are preparing for a bumper autumn and winter of new music with renewed exposure on TV schedules for a raft of programming across all channels.

With ITV's Pop Idol and BBC's Fame Academy set to reach their climax this autumn, a string of one-off music specials on classic artists as well as new programming for Channel 4's 4 Music Zone are preparing for launch.

BBC1's influential Parkinson show returns towards the end of September with Annie Lennox and Jamie Cullum already lined up among the first confirmed music guests, while Friday Night With Jonathan Ross will also return to the national channel.

Meanwhile, a one-off variety show hosted by Michael Parkinson is also being lined up for autumn, and other BBC1 one-off shows are set to include a special on the late Barry White, Led Zeppelin and One Night With Red Stewart. BBC artist specials on Annie Lennox and Barbra Streisand are set to air in 2004.

BBC arts programmes also throw the spotlight on music, with BBC2's Arena on September 20 focusing on the song Imagine, while a BBC1 profile of Bryan Terfel is set to air in November.

BMG's director of TV promotions Jackie Quaiffe says, alongside a re-commissioned CD:UK and revamped TOTP Saturday, the autumn is shaping up to be a healthy one for music on TV.

"There is a lot more out there than there used to be across an genres of music on terrestrial TV, but even on digital channels, people are sourcing music in lots of different places," says Quaiffe.