MTV’s iconic music channels shut down after 40 years of revolutionizing television
MTV’s music-only channels have closed after 40 years on air. The final broadcast aired on Thursday, ending with the Buggles’ Video Killed the Radio Star—the same track that launched the network in 1981. The shutdown follows a decision tied to industry changes and corporate restructuring.
The closure of MTV’s international music channels by December 31, 2025, stems from the Paramount-Skydance merger. Cost-cutting measures and a sharp drop in linear TV audiences played a key role. Viewers have increasingly turned to streaming services like YouTube and TikTok for music videos, reducing demand for traditional broadcasts.
MTV’s main entertainment channel in the US will continue operating. However, it has axed long-running shows such as Catfish and Ridiculousness. The shift reflects broader changes in how audiences consume music and entertainment. No new programme directors were appointed for the affected music channels before their shutdown. The decision marks the end of an era for a network once synonymous with music television.
The move leaves MTV’s main US channel as the only remaining outlet under the brand’s original name. Streaming platforms now dominate music video distribution, reshaping the industry. The closure finalises a gradual decline for MTV’s music-focused programming over the past decade.
