MTV to shut its popular music TV channels after 4 decades: Which popular MTV channels are being closed, and what triggered the big move; all you need to know

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The fans of MTV, the world's first 24-hour music broadcaster, were left sad and shocked after Paramount Global announced its decision to permanently shut down five beloved MTV music channels by December 31, 2025. The decision comes nearly 44 years after MTV ruled the hearts of millions worldwide and shaped the worlds of music, fashion, and pop culture.

A spokesman for MTV's parent company, Paramount, declined to comment. MTV served entertainment to people with music videos featuring rock, pop classics, and dance music, along with live performances and concert coverage.

MTV Music – The flagship music video destination

MTV 80s – Home to beloved retro hits and nostalgic favorites

MTV 90s – The ultimate throwback channel for alternative rock and pop classics

Club MTV – Dance music and electronic beats around the clock

MTV Live – Live performances and concert coverage

The flagship channel, MTV HD, however, will remain on air and showing reality series including Naked Dating UK and Geordie Shore.

Which countries will majorly witness MTV shutdown

According to Rolling Out, these channels will cease broadcasting first in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Later, similar shutdowns will also take place across continental Europe and other international markets. Paramount is also likely to shut MTV music channels in countries including Australia, Poland, France and Brazil, BBC reported, citying media reports in those countries.

Meanwhile, the big move also signals towards a shift in viewing habits. Music videos are largely watched on video streaming YouTube and social media rather than television.

The big shutdown decision comes as the company seeks to cut costs by as much as $500m (£376m) across its global portfolio, according to BBC

In August, 2025, it closed Paramount Television Studios, which produced series including action thriller Jack Ryan and children's adventure series The Spiderwick Chronicles. The layoffs also had an impact on MTV productions in the UK, where original shows Gonzo and Fresh Out UK were cancelled.

What do the latest ratings say?

The latest ratings from Barb reveal that MTV's music channels continued to attract modest audiences in the UK. MTV music had 1.3 million viewers in July, with MTV 90s attracting 949,000, according to BBC. The brand will also continue to have a presence on social media and Paramount's streaming service Paramount+.

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