Could this be the end of an era? MTV fans were heartbroken to learn that some of its channels will be shutting down by the end of the year. The news came after Paramount Global, MTV’s owner, merged with Skydance Media, which made headlines amid CBS’ shocking cancelation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. CBS said the late-night show’s cancelation was a “financial decision.”
Launched in 1981, MTV became the hottest channel to premiere music videos, with one of the most memorable releases being Michael Jackson‘s “Thriller.” MTV also aired the 1985 Live Aid concert and introduced the MTV Video Music Awards, a long-standing staple at the network.
Here’s what we know so far about the MTV multi-channel shutdown and what it means for the network.
MTV is owned by Paramount Media Networks, which merged with Skydance Media in 2025.
No, MTV is not shutting down entirely. Rumors quickly circulated online, however, after the BBC reported that several well-known channels in the U.K. and parts of Europe were ending.
Five MTV music channels in the U.K. and various regions of Europe will be shut down by December 31, 2025: MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV Live and Club MTV.
