- Five of MTV’s dedicated music channels are reportedly ceasing broadcast permanently in the United Kingdom.
- The affected channels are MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live.
- The shutdown is scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, marking a significant shift for the iconic brand.
- The flagship MTV HD channel in the UK and all American MTV channels will not be affected by this change.
The End of an Era for UK Music Television
In a move that signals a continuing pivot away from its musical roots, MTV is set to shut down five of its music-centric channels in the UK. According to reports from the BBC and Newsweek, the network will cease broadcasting MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live at the end of the year.
The final broadcast for these beloved channels is slated for Wednesday, December 31. Fans of the brand can take some comfort in the fact that the main MTV HD channel will remain on air in the UK. Furthermore, the company’s American channels, including the primary MTV station, MTV2, MTV Classic, and others, appear to be entirely unaffected by the decision.
A Sign of Shifting Times
This decision is the latest in a series of moves showing MTV’s evolution from a 24/7 music video powerhouse to a broader entertainment brand. For nearly two decades, the network’s flagship channel has prioritized reality television, finding massive success with shows like “The Real World,” “Teen Mom,” and the cultural phenomenon “Jersey Shore.” While the sister channels kept the music-focused content alive, they operated with significantly less reach and revenue.
The shuttering of these UK channels follows the closure of the network’s acclaimed music news division, MTV News, in 2023. This trend dates back even further, with the campus-focused channel MTVU ceasing its university broadcasts in 2018 to become a digital-only channel.
Remembering MTV’s Revolutionary Legacy
When MTV launched in 1981, it completely changed the landscape of television and music. By playing music videos around the clock, guided by charismatic “VJs,” the channel became an indispensable cultural force. It was instrumental in establishing the music video as a serious art form and a vital promotional tool for artists.
The network was also a trailblazer in promoting diverse genres. After initially focusing on rock, MTV broke its own color barrier in the 1980s by championing Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking videos for “Billie Jean” and “Thriller,” paving the way for pop, R&B, and hip-hop to dominate the airwaves. While the main channel continues, the loss of these dedicated music stations marks a poignant moment for the generations who grew up with the brand that truly brought music to television.
Image Referance: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2025/10/13/mtv-music-channels-shutting-down-uk/86668906007/