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Buggles' Hit Signals End for MTV's Music Channels
1 Jan
Summary
- MTV's 24/7 music channels ceased operations on Wednesday.
- The final broadcast featured "Video Killed the Radio Star," mirroring MTV's debut.
- Several music awards shows are also being discontinued due to budget cuts.
On Wednesday, MTV's global network of 24/7 music channels ceased broadcasting permanently. The final moments for these channels echoed their inception, as the iconic "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles played, a nod to the video that first launched MTV in August 1981. This marked the end of an era for viewers who grew up with the music video format as the centerpiece of the channel.
The shutdown affects multiple MTV channels internationally, including those in the United Kingdom, Australia, Poland, France, and Brazil. Viewers seeking MTV content are now directed to MTV HD. While MTV channels in the U.S. remain unaffected for now, the parent company's CEO has expressed intentions to revitalize the brand, though specific plans are yet to be detailed.
Beyond the music channels, budget cuts have also led to the discontinuation of several prominent awards shows. The MTV Europe Music Awards and MTV Latin America's MIAW Awards are among those no longer proceeding. These closures are part of a larger strategic shift and consolidation following a recent merger.
