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It’s the end of an era for music television. MTV, once the defining voice of pop culture and youth entertainment, is reportedly shutting down five of its iconic music channels worldwide, marking a huge shift in the brand’s long history.
According to reports, MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live HD will all cease broadcasting in the coming months as part of widespread cuts within parent company Paramount Global.
The closures will affect audiences across the UK and other regions, though MTV USA, the network’s flagship channel, will remain operational.
The decision follows major restructuring and cost-cutting measures following the merger between Paramount Global and Showtime, which has seen several long-running entertainment brands streamlined or axed.
Big names like Emma Willis owe their first big TV break to the station - Credit: Alamy
In the UK, MTV has been a household name since the early ‘90s, introducing generations to groundbreaking music videos, pop culture moments, and celebrity-led shows. It was instrumental in shaping music television, giving viewers access to the biggest artists, from Madonna and Michael Jackson to Spice Girls and Britney Spears.
But in recent years, the network’s focus has shifted dramatically. With the rise of streaming and social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify, audiences have moved away from traditional music channels.
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that MTV UK would no longer produce original content, effectively ending decades of British programming. The channel, which helped launch the careers of presenters Emma Willis, Kelly Brook, and Alex Zane, once produced chart shows, live events, and exclusive interviews with top artists.
At the time, bosses at Paramount said MTV would “still have a presence” in the UK, but acknowledged that its days as a music-driven network were numbered.
“We recognise that audiences now consume music differently,” an insider reportedly said. “MTV remains a powerful brand, but the way people discover and connect with music has completely changed.”
The closure of MTV’s dedicated music channels feels symbolic for many fans, a reminder of how the digital revolution has reshaped entertainment.
MTV 80s and MTV 90s, in particular, had become nostalgic favourites, playing non-stop classics from artists like Duran Duran, Oasis, and Take That. Meanwhile, Club MTV and MTV Live HD catered to dance and festival audiences, keeping live performance culture alive on TV screens long after many competitors had faded.
While no exact shutdown date has been announced, reports suggest the change will come before the end of 2025 as Paramount continues to focus on digital streaming and its Paramount+ platform.
The move marks the final chapter in a legacy that defined generations of music fans. For many, MTV wasn’t just a TV channel, it was the soundtrack to growing up.
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As one fan wrote on social media:
“MTV taught us about music videos before YouTube existed. It’s sad to see it go, but it had one hell of a run.”
