Posted on 11/01/2025 10:02:13 AM PDT by Red Badger
Paramount Global has delivered a devastating blow to music fans worldwide, announcing the permanent shutdown of five iconic MTV music channels by December 31, 2025 according to the BBC. For 44 years, MTV has been a cultural juggernaut, shaping youth culture, launching musical careers, and defining how generations consumed music, fashion, and pop culture. The closure of these beloved networks signals the end of an era that captivated audiences who once gathered around television screens, eagerly awaiting the next music video from their favorite artists.
The affected channels—MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live—have long served as cherished hubs for music video culture across Europe and beyond. MTV Music, the flagship destination for music videos, has been a go-to for fans seeking the latest hits. MTV 80s and MTV 90s transported viewers back to the eras of synth-pop, hair metal, grunge, and bubblegum pop, offering nostalgic escapes through retro hits and iconic classics. Club MTV pulsed with dance music and electronic beats, catering to club culture enthusiasts, while MTV Live brought the energy of live performances and concert coverage to living rooms worldwide. These channels, each with its own distinct flavor, kept the spirit of music videos alive in an age increasingly dominated by streaming platforms.
The shutdown will begin in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with plans to phase out the channels in continental Europe and other international markets shortly after. While the main MTV channel will continue to operate, its focus has shifted dramatically in recent years. Once a music video powerhouse, it now leans heavily into reality programming like Catfish and The Challenge, leaving little room for the music content that defined its legacy. The decision reflects Paramount Global’s broader strategy to streamline its television portfolio, which also includes the closure of other networks like NickMusic EMEA, Comedy Central Extra, and Paramount Network.
For fans, the loss is profound. MTV’s music channels were more than just entertainment—they were cultural touchstones. They introduced the world to groundbreaking artists, from Madonna to Nirvana, and provided a visual platform for music that shaped global trends. The 80s and 90s channels, in particular, offered a nostalgic refuge, reminding viewers of a time when music videos were cinematic events. Club MTV and MTV Live kept the energy alive, celebrating dance culture and the raw power of live performances.
As the December 31 deadline approaches, fans are left to mourn the fading of a once-vibrant chapter in music history. The airwaves will grow quieter, and the music, as many fear, has died a little more.
One of the first MTV VJs is Colin Quinn, and he is a conservative and a friend of Nick D’Paolo. Both of them have regular podcasts. Nick’s conservative podcast is very good and funny, but I haven’t bothered digging into what Colin does because I already have too many podcasts to get through. I think there’s another ex-MTVer who also does a conservative show too - or I may be conflating some memories - anyway, that’s my pop culture and history lesson to today.
Kennedy the VJ has always been a Republican, and she’s currently on Fox News.
I knew what it was, but I clicked on it anyway.
Maybe I’m also thinking of the guy that does the podcast with John Dvorak.
“I don’t want my MTV!”
I thought they did that 30 years ago.
Interesting. I lived where you could not get cable back then. So for me it began with Friday night videos. There was another show like it, but I can’t remember the name of it. I think it had the word “Tracks” in it.
Those channels were never anything more than “filler” for cable systems that all of a sudden found themselves with channel space. They were used to pad cable advertising budgets. I doubt if they ever made any money.
The music business today is in such a bad state that it would be impossible to launch MTV today. I was looking at the top 40 the other day. There were songs that had been in the top 40 for more than 35 weeks. That is indicative of a very stale market.
The whole cable world is falling apart.
The Superstation WTBS (before it became TBS) out of Alanta had Night Trax That played overnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
“…and the music, as many fear, has died a little more.“
You can only die once. Before that you weaken.
Interesting in that as I recall 80s Alt appealed to college students in the 80s
Streaming killed the video star.....
This is why the cable and satellite companies won’t go to ala cart programming. Half or more the junk on TV wouldn’t survive.
With streaming you can watch whatever you want when you want to watch it.
Cable and satellite companies should get a clue.
I don’t need 20 shopping channels, teh Golf Channel, the Soccer Channel or teh Hockey Channel.
But I had to get them in the ‘Sports Package’ in order to get NFL Network.
In order to get certain programs on Direct TV I have to buy a ‘package’ of shows that contain that particular show. If I want some other TV show I have to buy separate packages that they are in.
For local channels, I have to take Mobile, Alabama TV stations for FOX, CBS and NBC even though Panama City, Florida is closer, 65 miles vs 100 miles. ABC and The CW we get from Pensacola. PBS from Pensacola has been taken off Direct TV here due to a contract dispute.................
This is not surprising. Its been years since decent music was made.
“The minute rap became the new big thing, I was out.”
That was the beginning f the end. When they gave in to the PC mob and added rap.
MTV was fun to watch in the ‘80s. Then it got weird.
Yup.
“And YouTube killed the video channel.”
And killing off cable TV. YT has highly watchable content for me to find every day. While cable TV is a bore for me. I cut the cord 5+ years ago.
Years ago my friends father said that TV is geared to a 12 year old’s mind. Some of tiktok and youtube content is geared to age 6 minds. Some you tube is geared to the 120+ IQ
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.