MTV, the iconic broadcaster that pioneered round-the-clock music videos, is set to end an era in the UK by closing five of its music-focused channels by the end of 2025. This move marks a significant change for a brand that has shaped music and youth culture for nearly four decades. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what it means for fans and the future of music television.
The End of an Era for Music Channels
MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live will cease broadcasting in the UK after 31 December 2025, according to reports from the BBC. These channels, dedicated to music videos from various eras and genres, have been a staple for music lovers since their launch. However, the flagship channel, MTV HD, will continue to air, focusing on reality TV shows like Naked Dating UK and Geordie Shore rather than music videos.
The decision to close these channels reflects how people consume music today. In the 1980s and 1990s, MTV was the go-to destination for watching the latest music videos. Now, platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have taken over, offering instant access to music videos and artist content. This shift in viewing habits has made traditional music TV channels less relevant, prompting MTV’s parent company, Paramount, to rethink its strategy. A spokesperson for Paramount declined to comment on the closures.
A Heartfelt Goodbye from a Former Star
Simone Angel, a former MTV VJ (video jockey) who worked for MTV Europe and MTV UK in the 1990s, shared her sadness about the news with BBC News. “I’m really sad, and I’m a bit in disbelief,” she said. “It’s been a long time coming, but it still breaks my heart.”
Angel fondly recalled her time at MTV, describing it as “like being on a school trip without any teachers.” She highlighted the channel’s global impact, noting that MTV Europe was once the most-watched TV channel worldwide, reaching between 100 and 150 million viewers. “MTV was the place where everything came together,” she said. “We need to support artists and bring back the joy of music and dancing, not just in our own online bubbles.”
MTV’s Revolutionary Beginnings
MTV launched in the United States in 1981, introducing a groundbreaking concept: a TV channel dedicated entirely to music videos, presented by charismatic VJs. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon, giving fans access to their favourite artists “on demand.” Iconic moments from its early years include the world premiere of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video in 1983, a 16-hour broadcast of the Live Aid concerts in 1985, and the creation of the MTV Video Music Awards, which became a global stage for music and pop culture.
In 1987, MTV expanded to Europe, and by 1997, the UK had its own dedicated channel, launching with the music video for Three Lions by David Baddiel and Frank Skinner. The channel not only showcased music but also launched the careers of presenters like Cat Deeley, Zane Lowe, and Emma Willis. Over time, MTV branched out into original programming, producing reality shows like Ex On The Beach and Teen Mom UK, which became popular among younger audiences.
The Cultural Impact of MTV
MTV’s influence extended far beyond entertainment. In the 1980s, the channel played a surprising role in global politics. Simone Angel shared a story about former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who reportedly told MTV’s leadership that the channel had a profound impact on young people in Communist countries behind the Iron Curtain. “He said, ‘Music achieved more than missiles,’” Angel recounted. “MTV Europe was the first channel to show what Western life was like, bypassing propaganda and showcasing youth culture. People wanted that freedom, and it was incredibly important.”
This cultural influence made MTV a symbol of rebellion, creativity, and connection. It brought together music fans across the world, creating shared experiences through music videos, live performances, and award shows.
Why Music TV Is Struggling
The closure of MTV’s music channels is part of a broader trend. In 2011, the main MTV UK channel stopped airing music videos entirely, shifting its focus to reality TV and pushing music content to its sister channels. The annual MTV European Music Awards (EMAs), known for memorable moments like The Spice Girls’ final performance before their 2000 split and Rita Ora’s emotional tribute to Liam Payne in 2024, has also been paused. Paramount, MTV’s parent company, put the event on hold earlier this year as it pursued a merger with Skydance Media, which was approved in July 2025. No decision has been made about the future of the EMAs.
The rise of online platforms has made it challenging for music TV channels to compete. YouTube, for example, allows fans to watch music videos instantly, create playlists, and discover new artists without needing a TV. Social media platforms like TikTok have also become powerful tools for artists to share their music and connect with fans directly. As a result, traditional music TV channels have seen declining viewership. According to Barb, the UK’s audience measurement organisation, MTV Music had 1.3 million viewers in July 2025, while MTV 90s attracted 949,000—modest numbers compared to the channel’s peak.
A Global Cost-Cutting Strategy
The closures are not limited to the UK. Media reports suggest that Paramount plans to shut down MTV music channels in countries like Australia, Poland, France, and Brazil as part of a cost-cutting effort to save up to £376 million across its global operations. In August 2025, Paramount closed its Paramount Television Studios, which produced shows like Jack Ryan and The Spiderwick Chronicles. In the UK, original MTV productions such as Gonzo and Fresh Out UK have also been cancelled, and layoffs have affected staff working on these shows.
The Future of MTV
Despite the closures, MTV’s brand remains strong. The flagship MTV HD channel will continue to broadcast, focusing on reality TV rather than music. The brand also maintains a presence on social media and Paramount’s streaming service, Paramount+, where fans can access music-related content. However, for many, MTV’s shift away from music feels like a loss of its original identity.
Simone Angel believes there’s still a place for music on television if the format evolves. “You’ve got to move with the times,” she said. “MTV is one of the most recognisable brands in the world. Why throw that away? It shouldn’t just be reality TV—that’s not what MTV is or should be.”
A Legacy That Lives On
MTV’s music channels may be closing, but their legacy endures. From launching the careers of music stars and presenters to shaping youth culture and even influencing global politics, MTV has left an indelible mark. As the way we consume music continues to evolve, the closure of these channels serves as a reminder of how far the industry has come, and how much MTV meant to generations of fans.
For those who grew up watching music videos on MTV, the end of these channels is a bittersweet moment. While the brand adapts to a new era, its role in bringing music and culture to the world will not be forgotten.
Flashback: 19 Random Minutes of MTV From the Network’s First Month in 1981
Vido by YT@onestopmusicshop6352
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