Putting the M Back in MTV.

Where did MTV's music videos go? The answer: MTV2, the little-sister station launched back in 1996 as virtually 100 percent music. The problem was, until this month, only 10 million satellite-dish owners could get it, compared with MTV's 75 million cable homes.

Then this past New Year's Day, MTV2--with no Road Rules marathons, no Backstreet Boys specials, no Daria--made its way onto cable, tripled its reach, and relaunched its look. Its goal is to be interactive and edgy with a focus on hip-hop and rock. "We're...