The iconic MTV music channels shutting down in the UK and other countries by year’s end. Get the details on which channels are closing and why this marks the end of a pop culture era.
Global Shutdown for MTV’s Music-Focused Channels
In a move that signals the end of a pop culture institution, MTV is set to stop broadcasting its dedicated music channels in the UK and several other countries. The decision, part of a global restructuring by parent company Paramount, will see channels including MTV Classic, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, and MTV Music go off the air after December 31, 2025.
This action confirms the long-anticipated shift in how audiences consume music, moving from scheduled television programming to on-demand streaming platforms and social media. The flagship MTV HD channel will remain but will continue to focus on reality television, having long abandoned its music video roots.
A Heartbreaking Moment for Music Television
The announcement of MTV music channels shutting down has sparked a wave of nostalgia and sadness among fans and former staff. Simone Angel, a former MTV VJ from the 1990s, expressed her heartbreak, stating that the channel was a vital place where music and community came together.
The first 24-hour music video channel launched in 1981 and revolutionized the music industry, making the music video as important as the song itself. It became a cultural powerhouse, known for world premieres of videos like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and for creating star-making events like the MTV Video Music Awards.
Is MTV Shutting Down in the USA?
A common point of confusion is whether this means MTV shutting down in USA entirely. It is important to clarify that these closures primarily affect the linear, music-dedicated channels in several international markets, including the UK, Australia, Poland, France, and Brazil.
The core MTV channel in the US and other regions will continue to operate but will not return to its music video format. Its programming is now dominated by reality shows, reflecting the broader strategic shift by Paramount to cut costs and adapt to modern viewing habits.
The Final Curtain for a Cultural Pioneer
The closure of these channels, particularly those celebrating specific decades like MTV Classic, marks the final step in a transition that began over a decade ago. It solidifies the end of an era where television was the primary destination for music discovery, closing a vibrant chapter in music history.
Which MTV music channels are shutting down?
The channels confirmed to be shutting down include MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live. This also includes the channel known as MTV Classic in some markets.
Is the main MTV channel in the USA shutting down?
No, the announcement does not mean MTV shutting down in USA. The flagship MTV channel will continue to broadcast but focuses on reality TV, not music videos.
When will the MTV music channels go off the air?
The MTV music channels shutting down will cease broadcasting in the UK on December 31, 2025. Similar channels in Australia and other countries are also closing throughout late 2025.
Why is this happening?
The shutdown is due to a major shift in viewer habits to platforms like YouTube and TikTok, as well as cost-cutting measures by Paramount, the parent company.
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