MTV will close five of its music channels in Europe by the end of this year. Paramount Global’s decision, which comes after 44 years of broadcasting, is part of a cost reduction plan, reflecting declining audiences and changing consumer habits.
It is the end of an era and clear proof of the change in tastes and consumption habits of music and video clips. The music channels of MTV, a North American television channel, will be deactivated in Europe by the end of this year. The announcement comes after 44 years of continuous transmission and is part of the to reduce costs.
Until December 31stfive of the various MTV channels will be taken off the air: MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV e MTV Live. The operation starts at United Kingdom by Irelandextending to other European countries, such as France, Germany, Austria, Poland and Hungaryuntil crossing the other side of the ocean and reaching the Brazil e to Australia.
O decline in audiences and changes in viewer habitswho started to prefer social networks and streamingmay also be behind the decision to close these television channels.
More than four decades of history
Launched in the United States in 1981MTV completely transformed the way the world consumed music by transmit music videos 24 hours a day. In a short time, it became a indispensable platform for artists and fansshaping the music industry and influencing cultural trends on a global scale.
The first music video to be broadcast on MTV was for the song Video Killed the Radio Starby the British band The Buggleson August 1, 1981. This choice was symbolic, marking the beginning of a new era in the music industry, in which the music video would become a central tool for promoting artists.
Have a music video shown on MTV was every artist’s dream who dreamed of a successful career, both in the United States and abroad.
Icons like Madonna, Michael Jackson or Guns N’ Roses saw their songs reach millions of people thanks to the visibility provided by MTV, which forever revolutionized music promotion and consumption.
Furthermore, MTV was marked by successful programs such as MTV Unpluggedwhich is still remembered today by Nirvana’s memorable performance in 1993. Episode only broadcast in 1994, months after the death of lead singer Kurt Cobain.
