MTV to Close UK Music Channels, Ending 40-Year Legacy

London, England — MTV will cease broadcasting its UK music channels, MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live, after December 31, 2025. This marks the end of nearly 40 years of showing music videos on television in the UK. The decision highlights a significant shift in how audiences consume music, with many opting for platforms like YouTube and social media instead of traditional TV.

The flagship channel, MTV HD, will continue to air reality shows such as Naked Dating UK and Geordie Shore. A spokesperson for Paramount, MTV’s parent company, declined to comment on the closures.

Simone Angel, a former MTV VJ, expressed her sadness about the decision. ‘It really does break my heart,’ she said. ‘MTV was the place where everything came together.’ Angel reminisced about the excitement of early MTV, noting its ability to bridge cultural gaps and influence youth in countries behind the Iron Curtain before the fall of the Soviet Union.

MTV launched in the United States in 1981, revolutionizing how music was consumed, and began its UK operations in 1997. The channel helped introduce iconic artists through memorable programming and events. Yet, as viewing habits changed, the UK channel shifted its focus away from music, culminating in its final programming shift in 2011.

The closures come as Paramount seeks to cut $500 million in costs globally. Reports suggest that similar closures are expected in countries including Australia, France, and Brazil. The brand’s diminishing presence in music programming reflects a broader trend where streaming services currently dominate the industry.

Fans of MTV have taken to social media to express their disappointment. One remarked, ‘MTV was culturally and spiritually dead when it stopped airing music videos.’ The closure emphasizes the end of an era that defined pop culture and youth identity for many.

With the forthcoming closures, fans are encouraged to follow MTV’s content on social media and streaming services, as the network seeks new ways to engage audiences in a digital landscape.