Iconic broadcaster ‘shutting down 5 TV channels’ in the UK after 24 years

Two men watching a static on a television
A beloved series of channels are being taken off air (Picture: Getty Images/fStop)

Music and television fans across the UK are set for massive disappointment later this year.

Over the past 24 years, viewers have been able to tune into music videos throughout the day with tunes blaring out of their speakers.

However, that’s reportedly all set to change by the end of the year as MTV is making sweeping changes to its broadcasting output.

A deal between Paramount Global and Skydance Media was finalised in 2024, and the US band is poised for huge cuts.

According to The Sun, MTV is shutting down five channels, including Club MTV, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV Music and MTV Live HD.

Although the flagship MTV channel will remain on air, the network only really airs reality TV shows at this point.

Some major changes are coming for MTV (Picture: Getty Images)
Iconic broadcaster shutting down 5 TV channels in the UK after XX years
Club MTV is among the channels being taken off air (Picture: MTV)

It’s said the music video channels will leave the airwaves on December 31.

‘It’s a dark day for the music industry. MTV was once an industry powerhouse but now is a total shell of its former self,’ a source told the newspaper.

‘All channels bar the main MTV station are being axed — but even that only airs reality TV shows like Geordie Shore.’

Kyle Christie, Nathan Henry, Holly Hagan, Charlotte Crosby and James Tindale attending the MTV Europe Music Awards 2024 at the Co-Op Live Arena, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday November 10, 2024. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire
Shows like Geordie Shore have taken over the main MTV channel (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)
Now, MTV is reportedly closing down its music video output (Picture: Getty Images for MTV)

The insider, who said ‘an official announcement is likely’ in the coming weeks, insisted the network has become a ‘victim’ of streaming.

MTV Music first launched as a nonstop music channel in February 2011 for viewers in the UK and Ireland, before spreading around the world.

MTV 80s was officially launched in 2022 as a permanent replacement for MTV Classic, while MTV 90s was launched in 2022 in place of MTV Base.

Iconic broadcaster shutting down 5 TV channels in the UK after XX years
The MTV 80s and MTV 90s channels both officially launched three years ago (Picture: MTV)
Iconic broadcaster shutting down 5 TV channels in the UK after XX years
MTV Live HD is also being cut (Picture: MTV)

Club MTV, which focuses on techno, trance, electronica, hip hop and other dance genres, first hit TV in 2011.

It was shut down in July 2020, but relaunched in April of this year in place of MTV Hits – but it seems the comeback is short lived given news of the wider cuts.

Meanwhile, MTV Live HD officially launched in 2012, having previously been known as MTVNHD from 2008.

Metro has contacted Paramount for comment.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *