MTV to Close Iconic Music Channels: Understand the Network’s Decision
After over four decades as a pioneer in music and youth culture, MTV is set to close five of its iconic music channels. Paramount Global announced on 12 October 2025 that MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live will cease broadcasting by the end of 2025. This decision marks the conclusion of an era for music television.
Channels Set to Close
The following music channels are scheduled to stop broadcasting:
- MTV Music – The original hub for music videos
- MTV 80s – Home to retro hits and nostalgic favorites
- MTV 90s – Featuring alternative rock and pop classics
- Club MTV – Focused on dance music and electronic beats
- MTV Live – Showcasing live performances and concert coverage
Impact of the Closures
Even though the main MTV channel will continue operating, its programming has shifted predominantly to reality television. This change leaves behind the original essence of music programming.
The closures will first impact viewers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, followed by other regions, including:
- Australia
- Poland
- France
- Germany
- Austria
- Hungary
- Brazil
Reasons for the Shutdown
Several factors have led to this significant change:
- Changing Viewing Habits: Many audiences now turn to platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify for music, diminishing the demand for traditional music television.
- Corporate Restructuring: Paramount Global’s merger with Skydance Media in 2025 accelerated cost-cutting measures, aiming for a $500 million reduction.
- Declining Viewership: The channels have faced dwindling audiences, with MTV Music attracting only 1.3 million viewers and MTV 90s bringing in 949,000 in July 2025.
A Shift in MTV’s Identity
Since its 1981 launch, MTV has transformed from a music video network to a platform primarily driven by reality shows. Former MTV VJ Simone Angel expressed her disappointment regarding the closures, underscoring the network’s importance in music culture.
Despite the discontinuation of dedicated music channels, MTV aims to maintain relevance through social media and its streaming service, Paramount+. This transition demonstrates the network’s adaptation to the evolving preferences of contemporary audiences.
