When was MTV Founded? Details explored as Paramount to close 5 music channels

MTV was launched on August 1, 1981, and the first video played was titled, Video Killed the Radio Star by the Buggles. The channel was launched under the ownership of Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment. MTV has been owned by Paramount since the 1994 acquisition of Paramount Communications by Viacom.

Paramount Global most recently announced that it will be permanently shutting down five MTV music channels across Europe and beyond by December 31, 2025.

The five channels saying goodbye include:

• MTV Music
• MTV 80s
• MTV 90s
• Club MTV
• MTV Live

The channels, as per Rolling Out, will first cease broadcasting in the United Kingdom and Ireland, followed by similar shutdowns across continental Europe and other international markets.

While the main MTV channel will continue operating, it will now focus primarily on reality shows rather than music content.

The channel's initial concept was born from the idea of combining music and television. The initial programming largely included music videos, introduced by "veejays" (video jockeys), and the network heavily relied on videos provided by record companies. The channel introduced a new concept during an era when music was primarily disseminated through vinyl records, cassette tapes, and AM/FM radio.

Musicians went from thinking of just the audio music to a visual presentation. The channel also played a critical role in promoting genres such as heavy metal, hip-hop, and grunge that were traditionally sidelined by mainstream radio and helped introduce new stars in music.

Why is Paramount Global shutting down 5 MTV Channels?

As per Rolling Out, Paramount Global has been making the decision for years, since viewing habits around the world have transformed with the advent of social media and streaming giants. The decision also comes months after Paramount Global Co-CEO and Head of MTV Entertainment, Chris McCarthy, announced to exit from the role in July 2025, following a Skydance Media merger.

According to Variety, McCarthy became co-CEO of Paramount Global in April 2024, with Brian Robbins, President and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, and George Cheeks, President and CEO of CBS, following Paramount's firing of former CEO Bob Bakish.

Post Paramount-Skydance Media merger, David Ellison, CEO of Skydance, was noted to become the Chief Executive of the new company referred to as Paramount Skydance Corp. The former NBCU CEO, Jeff Shell, would have become President.

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McCarthy's career at MTV and Paramount included major moves such as forging a significant creative partnership with Taylor Sheridan and signing him to his first overall TV deal. McCarthy also brought Jon Stewart back to host The Daily Show, and struck a deal with South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

McCarthy also oversaw brands including Paramount, Showtime, MTV, Comedy Central, and Smithsonian.

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