London, October 12, 2025 (Khyber Mail) – In a move that marks the end of an iconic chapter in global pop culture, MTV will shut down five of its dedicated music channels across the United Kingdom and Europe by December 31, 2025, as part of a strategic restructuring by parent company Paramount Global. The affected channels include MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live, all of which will cease broadcasting by year’s end.
The decision reflects a broader shift in audience behavior, with music consumption now dominated by streaming platforms, YouTube, and TikTok, rendering traditional 24-hour music television increasingly obsolete. Paramount confirmed that MTV HD will remain operational, but will focus primarily on reality and entertainment programming, such as Geordie Shore and Naked Dating UK.
The closures extend beyond the UK, with similar shutdowns planned in Germany, Austria, Poland, and Hungary, where additional channels like TeenNick, NickMusic, and Comedy Central Extra will also be discontinued.
Founded in 1981, MTV revolutionized the entertainment landscape by becoming the first television network dedicated entirely to music videos. Its debut broadcast—“Ladies and Gentlemen, Rock and Roll”—was followed by the airing of “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles, a moment that symbolized the dawn of a new media age. MTV quickly became a cultural powerhouse, launching the careers of artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Nirvana, and introducing generations to music through its charismatic VJs and genre-defining programming.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, MTV expanded globally, including its European launch in 1987, and became synonymous with youth culture, fashion, and social commentary. Shows like MTV Unplugged, TRL, and The Real World redefined television formats and gave voice to emerging trends and movements.
However, as digital platforms rose to prominence in the 2000s, MTV gradually shifted its focus from music to reality-based content. Despite attempts to revive its music roots through niche channels and retro programming, the network struggled to retain its original influence.
Former MTV VJ Simone Angel expressed sadness over the closures, calling MTV “a cultural movement” that shaped the identity of millions. Media analysts say the shutdown signals the final transition of music television from broadcast to digital-first ecosystems.
Paramount has not issued a detailed public statement but is expected to invest further in streaming and mobile-first content strategies, aligning with global trends in media consumption.