"Buzz": The Avant-Garde 1990s MTV News Show Revived in Captivating Documentary

In October 2025, a new documentary titled "This Is Buzz" is set to premiere, shining a spotlight on a pioneering news program that aired on MTV over 35 years ago. "Buzz" debuted in April 1990 with little fanfare, but quickly gained a devoted cult following for its innovative, collage-like approach to delivering news and information.

Produced by ABC news veteran Jon Klein and experimental filmmaker Mark Pellington, "Buzz" eschewed the traditional news anchor format in favor of a fast-paced, visually striking style that foreshadowed the visual language of modern digital media. The show covered stories and perspectives that were often overlooked by the mainstream media, presenting them through a lens that was both informative and avant-garde.

Despite its critical acclaim, "Buzz" was short-lived, airing for just 13 episodes before MTV pulled the plug on the experiment. However, its influence can be seen in the rise of platforms like YouTube and TikTok, which have embraced the show's unconventional approach to news and information dissemination.

Now, Pellington has directed "This Is Buzz," a documentary that delves into the history, making, and lasting impact of the groundbreaking program. The film features interviews with the show's creators, as well as fans and critics, and incorporates footage from the original series to explore the ways in which "Buzz" anticipated the future of media. With its immersive, multimedia approach, "This Is Buzz" aims to capture the spirit of the original program and inspire a new generation of media innovators.