What’s Changing: MTV to Axe Music-Video Channels
Paramount Global has confirmed that it will shut down several MTV-branded music television channels in the UK and across Europe by December 31, 2025, as part of a sweeping restructure. The affected networks include MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live HD.
The closure is not limited to Europe. Reports suggest that these changes will ripple globally, with music channels in Latin America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand also likely to be discontinued.
Paramount says the flagship MTV channel—which now focuses largely on non-music programming like reality series—is not expected to shut down.
Why It’s Happening: Streaming, Costs & Strategic Realignment
The decision follows broader cost-cutting and restructuring moves within Paramount, especially following its merger with Skydance Media.
Key driving factors include:
- Declining viewership and revenues on linear TV music channels in the age of YouTube, TikTok, and streaming platforms.
- High operational costs relative to revenue generation in niche music broadcasting.
- A strategic focus shift: Paramount is reportedly refocusing resources on streaming, studio content, and its core cable and entertainment brands.
- Consolidation of regional channels to simplify operations and branding.
What Has Already Been Cut
MTV’s news arm was earlier shuttered in May 2023. Its website and archives were taken offline in mid-2024.
In Canada, MTV Canada officially went off the air on December 31, 2024, with much of its content migrating to streaming services or sister channels.
MTV’s UK production divisions have also been scaling back. Earlier in 2025, multiple shows were axed and staff reductions announced.
What Viewers & Artists Lose
- Access to music video television: For decades, MTV’s music channels served as a platform for music discovery, charts, and video premieres. Their removal reduces visibility for some artists, especially those outside mainstream playlists.
- Cultural touchstone: MTV shaped pop culture and youth identity. The shutdown marks a symbolic end of an era.
- Regional exposure: Local acts in countries where MTV’s regional feeds remain will lose a distribution channel.
- Archival content: Some video libraries and performances may no longer be accessible on linear TV.
What Remains & Where MTV May Go From Here
Paramount still retains the core MTV brand, which now emphasizes reality, youth culture, and unscripted content. The hope is that MTV becomes less of a music channel and more of a cultural lifestyle brand.
In many markets, MTV’s digital presence and streaming tie-ins may absorb what remains of its music programming. Some legacy video content and archived shows may live on via Paramount’s streaming platforms or online libraries.
Paramount and Skydance are reportedly exploring ways to revive MTV as a music tastemaker, leveraging its archive, brand nostalgia, and live events to remain relevant in the digital age.
