MTV, the world’s first 24-hour music television network, is set to end its long-standing run of non-stop music broadcasting in the UK after nearly 40 years. The network will shut down five of its UK music channels MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live on December 31, according to reports
The decision marks a significant shift in viewing habits, as audiences now primarily watch music videos on YouTube and social media platforms instead of traditional TV. Paramount, MTV’s parent company, has not issued an official statement regarding the closures.
Launched in the US in 1981, MTV revolutionized music entertainment by airing pop videos introduced by “video jockeys” or VJs, who became stars in their own right. The channel delivered iconic moments such as the debut of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video, the 1985 Live Aid concert broadcast, and the creation of the MTV Video Music Awards.
MTV expanded to Europe in 1987, and the UK launched its own channel in 1997 with Three Lions by David Baddiel and Frank Skinner as its first video. The network helped launch the careers of several presenters, including Cat Deeley, Zane Lowe, and Emma Willis, and later moved into original reality programming with shows like Ex On The Beach and Teen Mom UK.
Reports suggest that Paramount will also shut down MTV music channels in other countries such as Australia, Poland, France, and Brazil, as part of a global cost-cutting plan aimed at saving around $500 million (£376 million).
Earlier this year, Paramount also closed its Television Studios division, which produced Jack Ryan and The Spiderwick Chronicles. In the UK, MTV’s original productions like Gonzo and Fresh Out UK were also cancelled.
Despite declining viewership, MTV’s UK music channels still drew modest audiences, with MTV Music reaching 1.3 million viewers and MTV 90s attracting 949,000 in July, according to Barb ratings.
MTV will continue to maintain its presence through social media platforms and Paramount’s streaming service, Paramount+.
