November 2025 | MTV’s parent company, Paramount Global, confirmed on 12 October 2025 that five of its dedicated music-video channels, MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live, will cease broadcasting by 31 December 2025 in the UK and Ireland, with further closures expected in Europe, Australia, Brazil, and other territories.

Launched in the United States on August 1, 1981, MTV revolutionised the music and entertainment industry with the first video broadcast (“Video Killed the Radio Star”), and quickly became the home of music-videos, VJ,s and pop-culture moments for millions.

Why the shutdown now?

• Viewership has plummeted: For instance, in the UK in July 2025, MTV Music averaged only ~1.3 million viewers, while MTV 90s attracted ~949,000.
• The rise of online platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and streaming services has shifted how audiences discover and consume music videos.
• Paramount Global is undergoing major restructuring, including a cost-cutting plan of up to US$500 million, and refocusing on digital/streaming assets like Paramount+ rather than linear music feeds.

What stays and what goes?
While the dedicated music-video channels will shut down, the flagship MTV channel (often known simply as “MTV HD”) will remain operational but has already pivoted away from music videos toward reality and entertainment programming.

In markets such as India, MTV India has publicly denied imminent closure, emphasising it will continue operations.

Why this matters for artists, labels and culture:
For decades, MTV served as a launching pad for artists, a globally shared platform where music videos broke new acts and connected generations.

With the closure of its music-video channels, the industry may see further shifts in how videos are funded, distributed and monetised. According to industry commentators, the once-lavish music-video budgets are shrinking as video releases now prioritise algorithmic reach, social media fragments, and short-form content.

“We all change. We have to evolve.” — Daisy Fuentes, former MTV VJ, reflecting on the network’s move.

What comes next?
Artists, labels and rights holders must continue adapting their strategies — from music-video premieres on TV, to multi-platform digital campaigns, brand partnerships, and social clips. The demise of MTV’s music-video channels marks the closing of a chapter but also a renewal of how music will be seen, shared and monetised.

About Paramount Global
Paramount Global is a major global media and entertainment company with interests in television, film, streaming and music. It is executing a broad strategic shift away from traditional broadcast channels toward digital platforms, global rights management and streamlined cost structures.

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