After more than four decades of shaping how music is discovered on television, MTV is preparing to shut down several of its music-focused channels in the United Kingdom. The change signals a notable turning point for a brand that once defined pop culture through round-the-clock music videos and landmark live events.
According to reporting by BBC News, MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live will all stop broadcasting after December 31, 2025. While these closures mark the end of an era for UK viewers, MTV HD—the network’s flagship channel that currently airs reality programming such as Naked Dating UK and Geordie Shore—will continue operating and is not impacted by the decision.
Why MTV Music Channels Are Shutting Down in the UK After 40+ Years
The move reflects a broader shift in audience behavior, with music videos now primarily consumed through platforms like YouTube and social media rather than traditional television. As viewing habits have evolved, linear music channels have become less central to how audiences engage with artists and new releases. BBC News noted that a spokesperson for MTV’s parent company, Paramount Skydance, declined to comment on the shutdowns.
The decision also comes shortly after Paramount’s merger with David Ellison’s Skydance Media, forming a new company led by Ellison. In a recent letter to investors cited by Bloomberg, Ellison outlined plans to achieve at least $3 billion in cost savings and reduce the workforce by approximately 1,600 employees. These financial restructuring efforts provide important context for the broader changes taking place across the company’s global media portfolio.
While the UK closures are confirmed, it remains unclear whether MTV’s music channels in the United States will face a similar future. However, media reports in countries including Australia, Poland, France, and Brazil have indicated that comparable shutdowns are expected in those markets as well.
MTV’s Legacy as a Global Music and Pop Culture Powerhouse
MTV first launched in the United States in 1981 with a groundbreaking concept: a channel dedicated entirely to music videos. The first video aired, The Buggles’ Video Killed the Radio Star, symbolized the network’s mission and became a defining pop culture moment. Over time, MTV played a central role in premiering iconic works, including Michael Jackson’s Thriller, broadcasting the 16-hour Live Aid concert in 1985, and launching the MTV Video Music Awards.
Former MTV VJ Simone Angel, who worked with MTV Europe and MTV UK during the 1990s, shared with BBC News that she felt deep sadness and disbelief over the decision. She emphasized the importance of shared musical experiences and reflected on how MTV once brought artists and audiences together in a collective cultural space.
