MTV has officially Shut Down its remaining music-only television channels, ending an era that shaped global pop culture. The closures took effect on December 31 and mark the end of almost 40 years of nonstop music video broadcasting.
According to BBC News, the channels that have been Shut Down include MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live. In the UK, these channels were removed from platforms such as Sky and Virgin Media. Similar closures have also occurred in Ireland, Germany, Austria, France, Poland, Hungary, Australia, and Brazil.
MTV HD will continue to operate in the UK. However, it will focus mainly on reality shows rather than music videos. The US-based music channels are not affected at this stage.
The decision reflects changing viewer habits. Music fans now prefer watching videos on YouTube, TikTok, and other social media platforms. Traditional television no longer attracts large audiences for music content.
MTV’s parent company, Paramount Skydance, did not issue a detailed statement. However, it previously confirmed that several channels would be Shut Down as part of major cost-cutting measures. Following a recent merger, the company aims to reduce global expenses by over $500 million.
The final broadcast was symbolic and emotional for longtime fans. As reported by NME, the last music video aired was “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles. This was also the first video played when MTV launched in the US in 1981.
Former MTV VJ Simone Angel called the closure heartbreaking. Speaking to BBC News, she said the moment felt unreal. She added that MTV once brought music, fashion, and youth culture together in one place.
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MTV first launched in the US in 1981 and expanded to Europe in 1987. A dedicated UK channel followed in 1997. While the main UK channel stopped music videos in 2011, sister channels kept the tradition alive for years.
