MTV and MTV2 to Discontinue Music Channels in the UK

Mark SavageMusic Correspondent

MTV logo is shown on a telephone, as well as being projected on a TV screen” class=”sc-5340b511-0 bGQwLJ”/>Getty Images

MTV Europe launched in 1987, with the UK getting a dedicated channel in 1997

MTV, the world’s first 24-hour music broadcaster, is to stop showing rolling pop videos in the UK after almost 40 years when it closes five channels at the end of the year.

MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live will all stop broadcasting after 31 December, the BBC understands.

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

The move reflects a shift in viewing habits, with music videos largely consumed on YouTube and social media rather than television. A spokesman for MTV’s parent company, Paramount, declined to comment.

‘Breaks my heart’

Former MTV VJ Simone Angel told BBC News she was “really sad, and I’m a little bit in disbelief, and I know it’s been a long time coming”.

“We need to support these artists and we all need to dance again and listen to music,” she said. “And I know we do that online in our own little bubbles, but MTV was the place where everything came together. So it really does break my heart.”

MTV launched in the US in 1981 and the fledgling TV channel quickly captured the public imagination by showing pop videos “on demand”, presented by enthusiastic “VJs” (video jockeys), who became almost as famous as the stars they introduced.

Groundbreaking moments in its early years included the world premiere of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video, a 16-hour broadcast of the Live Aid concerts in 1985, and the birth of the MTV Video Music Awards.

A European offshoot launched in 1987 and the UK got its own dedicated channel in 1997 – launching with the video for David Baddiel and Frank Skinner’s football anthem Three Lions.

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Katy Perry hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards three times, in 2008, 2010 and 2013

The channel gave early breaks to presenters including Cat Deeley, Zane Lowe and Emma Willis; and later branched out into original programming with series like Ex On The Beach and Teen Mom UK.

Angel, who worked for both MTV Europe and MTV UK in the 1990s, said it was a “wild” time.

“It was like being on a school trip without any teachers. We had so much fun,” she said.

“MTV Europe was really the forerunner to the internet. We were the most widespread TV channel in the world at that point. We had between 100 and 150 million viewers.”

‘Shouldn’t just be reality TV’

She recounted a story that former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev once told the boss of MTV that the channel had an influence on young people in the Communist countries behind the Iron Curtain in the 80s.

“He said, ‘Music achieved more than missiles’, because MTV Europe was the first channel that showed what Western life was like. It went past all the propaganda and we showed youth culture, and people wanted that. It was incredibly important.”

There is still a place for music on TV, Angel believes.

“You’ve just got to move with the times. To this day, it’s one of the most recognisable brands in the world. Why on earth throw that away? It’s not thrown away, but it’s just reality TV. That’s not what MTV is or should be.”

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Justin Timberlake pictured at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2006 in Copenhagen

In 2011, the main MTV UK channel abandoned music videos altogether, pushing all music programming to its sister stations, with the exception of the annual MTV European Music Awards.

That ceremony – which was the scene of memorable moments including The Spice Girls’ final appearance before splitting up in 1997, and Rita Ora’s tearful tribute to Liam Payne last year – is currently on pause.

Paramount put the event on ice earlier this year as it pursued a merger with entertainment company Skydance Media.

The deal was approved in July, but no decision has been made about the future of the EMAs.

Wider layoffs

Paramount is also expected to close MTV music channels in countries including Australia, Poland, France and Brazil, according to media reports in those countries.

The closures come as the company seeks to cut costs by as much as $500m (£376m) across its global portfolio.

In August, it closed Paramount Television Studios, which produced series including action thriller Jack Ryan and children’s adventure series The Spiderwick Chronicles.

The layoffs also affected MTV productions in the UK, where original shows Gonzo and Fresh Out UK were cancelled.

According to the latest ratings from Barb, 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.

The brand will also continue to have a presence on social media and Paramount’s streaming service Paramount+.

How has the shift from dedicated music channels to general entertainment impacted music discovery for UK viewers?

The End of an Era for UK Music television

On October 10, 2025, Paramount announced the discontinuation of MTV and MTV2 as dedicated 24/7 music channels in the United Kingdom. This marks a notable shift in the UK’s television landscape, ending decades of music video programming that shaped popular culture. The change will see both channels rebranded, focusing instead on broader entertainment content. This decision follows similar moves in other international markets, reflecting a wider trend in the evolution of music consumption.

What’s Changing with MTV and MTV2?

The core change is a move away from being primarily music video channels. Here’s a breakdown of what viewers can expect:

* MTV: Will be repositioned as a general entertainment channel, featuring reality TV, drama series, and other non-music programming. Expect shows similar to those already airing on MTV in the US.

* MTV2: Will be rebranded as “The Challenge UK,” dedicated entirely to the popular reality competition series The Challenge.

* No More Music Video Blocks: The iconic music video blocks, a staple of MTV and MTV2 for generations, will cease to exist in their customary format.

* Streaming Focus: Paramount is directing viewers towards its streaming platform, Paramount+, for music-related content and artist features.

Why Are MTV and MTV2 Changing?

Several factors contributed to this decision. The primary driver is the dramatic shift in how people consume music.

* Rise of Streaming Services: Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music have become the dominant way people discover and listen to music.

* YouTube’s Dominance in Music Videos: YouTube has effectively become the go-to platform for watching music videos, offering a vast library and on-demand access.

* Declining Viewership: Traditional television viewership,notably among younger demographics,has been steadily declining. Linear TV is losing ground to on-demand and streaming options.

* Advertising Revenue Shifts: Advertising revenue has followed viewership trends, making it less profitable to maintain dedicated music channels.

* Content Diversification: Paramount is seeking to broaden its appeal and attract a wider audience through general entertainment programming.

The History of MTV and MTV2 in the UK

MTV launched in the UK in 1987, quickly becoming a cultural force. It introduced British audiences to a wide range of artists and genres, influencing fashion, language, and youth culture. MTV2 followed in 1996, initially focusing on choice and dance music, providing a platform for emerging artists.

* Early 90s Impact: MTV played a crucial role in the Britpop explosion, heavily featuring bands like Blur, Oasis, and Pulp.

* the Rise of Reality TV: In the 2000s, MTV began to incorporate more reality television programming, gradually shifting its focus.

* MTV2’s Niche Appeal: MTV2 maintained a stronger connection to music for a longer period, catering to niche genres and self-reliant artists.

What Does This Mean for Music Fans?

The discontinuation of dedicated music channels leaves a void for viewers who enjoyed passively discovering music through television. however, several alternatives exist:

* Music Streaming Services: Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Tidal offer curated playlists, personalized recommendations, and on-demand access to millions of songs.

* YouTube: A vast library of music videos, live performances, and artist content.

* Music-Focused Streaming Channels: Platforms like TRACE TV and Box Brasil continue to offer dedicated music video programming, though their reach might potentially be limited.

* paramount+: While not solely focused on music, Paramount+ will likely feature some music-related content and artist spotlights.

* Online radio: Internet radio stations provide a curated listening experience with minimal interruption.

The Future of Music Television

The future of music television is uncertain. While dedicated 24/7 music channels may become