It seems to be the end of an era at MTV.
MTV is not shutting down entirely, but it is ending its dedicated music channels. On December 31, 2025, the network ceased broadcasting several music-exclusive channels. Thus, concluding decades of 24-hour music programming, a move initially reported by Rolling Stone.
The network first launched on August 1, 1981. Their very first video aired was “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles.
Let’s look at what MTV was like throughout the decades. We’ll delve into why it’s shutting down many of its dedicated music channels.
Early Beginnings
To understand the change, one must look at MTV’s journey through the decades. Before the network, music on television was largely limited to live performance shows like Soul Train. The modern music video concept was nonexistent. MTV emerged perfectly alongside the rise of cable TV, improved special effects, and the growing teenage market.
The channel faced early struggles but found success after two pivotal moments: the 1982 “I want my MTV” campaign and Michael Jackson’s 1983 “Thriller” video. The campaign was a network effort to convince cable providers to carry the channel. Championed by fans and artists such as Mick Jagger and David Bowie.
Jackson provided the final push with the video for “Billie Jean,” which preceded the 14-minute “Thriller” short film. MTV technically co-financed the production, and “Thriller” became the best-selling album ever, elevating both the network and the art of the music video to new heights.
Music videos were a lucrative business throughout the 80s and early 90s. They drove album sales and inspired a wave of teen-oriented films. However, MTV discovered a challenge. If fans disliked a video or genre, they simply changed the channel and might not return.
A significant cultural contribution from MTV was the Video Music Awards (VMAs), first broadcast on September 14, 1984, from Radio City Music Hall in New York City, hosted by Bette Midler and Dan Aykroyd. The VMAs became famous for creating iconic pop culture moments, such as Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” performance, her dual kiss with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé’s pregnancy announcement, and Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift. These are just a few moments that highlight just how iconic the VMAs became.
The 1990’s
MTV began to diversify its offerings, exploring new genres with shows like the game show “Remote Control,” but its major new venture was the 1992 launch of “The Real World.” This reality show was an immediate hit, showing the network that there was demand for entertainment beyond music videos.
By the mid-1990s, the channel was a hub of youth culture. Its lineup included diverse and popular programming such as Unplugged concerts and various celebrity sports games. This programming was not universally loved. Some longtime fans complained that “reality TV is ruining the network” and missed the focus on music videos. The network persisted, targeting newer generations with a different set of interests.
Late 90’s-Early 2000’s
MTV also developed animated series like “Daria“ and “Beavis and Butt-Head,” alongside MTV News, which covered social and political issues relevant to its young adult audience.
Between 2006 and 2013, the channel heavily prioritized reality TV. Shows like “Room Raiders,” “16 and Pregnant,” “My Super Sweet 16,” and “Jersey Shore” dominated, while music programming was phased out almost entirely. The VMAs remained a major event, but the channel never truly returned to its original music-focused identity.
What Was Canceled and Why
Recently, dedicated channels such as MTV Music, MTV 80s, and MTV 90s went off air in various countries on December 31. According to the BBC, the channels in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Australia, and Brazil were affected.
Each channel chose a different final video; MTV Music fittingly chose “Video Killed the Radio Star.” While MTV 90s ended with the Spice Girls‘ “Goodbye.” Viewers trying to tune in now see a cycling logo and a message to switch to the main MTV HD channel. Paramount has offered no official comment on the reason for these closures.
This is not the first instance of programming cuts by the network. Earlier this year, MTV suspended several award shows. Notably, the MTV Europe Music Awards and the MTV Latin America’s MIAW awards. Furthermore, the news division, MTV News, was closed in May 2023 after 36 years of operation due to “pressure from broader economic headwinds,” a statement reported by People magazine
Overall, MTV has been a network for many generations. Though this generation may not know the impact it had on music and pop culture. We cannot let it be forgotten. Many of the most famous artists have come from MTV in some way or have had their careers impacted by it. We may see more changes coming as time goes on. We’re sure there will be some people today who say, “I want my MTV,” and will say it for a good while.
Editorial Note: Portions of this article were reviewed and refined using AI-assisted editing tools to support grammar, clarity, and style. All content has been fact-checked and approved by our editorial team.
