MTV to Shut Down Most of Its Global Music Channels by the End of 2025, What's Going On?

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Paramount Global, the parent company of the legendary music television network MTV, announced a major decision.

Most MTV music channels in various territories will officially shut down permanently on December 31, 2025.

As reported by The Economic Times, the company is now changing to a massive shift from television to digital streaming platforms.

The impact of this decision will be felt in various parts of the world, including Europe and Brazil, where several MTV music channels will cease airing.

While MTV's flagship channel (MTV HD) will remain operational, its focus will shift entirely to entertainment programming and reality shows.

MTV shut down their Music Channels after 40 years of activeness. 📺💔MTV use to premiere music videos 24/7 but later focused more on reality shows because it made them more money. pic.twitter.com/CXip5ZM6aX

— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) October 12, 2025

MTV will shut down its five music channels in the UK by the end of 2025.

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

Similar shutdowns will also occur in Europe, where channels such as MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV 00s, MTV Hits, and Club MTV will be discontinued.

In Brazil, Paramount Global will also cease broadcasting all of its linear channels, including MTV, MTV Live, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, and Paramount Channel, on the same date.

This channel will continue to broadcast programming, but with a significantly changed focus.

The content will be dominated by popular entertainment and reality shows like Catfish, Geordie Shore, and The Challenge, with minimal, if any, music content.

Shifting viewing habits are the primary reason behind Paramount Global's decision.

Modern audiences now prefer digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify to enjoy music videos.

As reported by the Hindustan Times, the closure of the UK music channel is reportedly part of a broader cost-cutting initiative by Paramount, which aims to reduce global spending by $500 million, according to the BBC.

Similar closures are expected in other countries, including Australia, Poland, France, and Brazil.

Paramount Global also plans to shift greater investment and focus to its streaming platform, Paramount+.

In some markets, like Brazil, the company aims to become a "Big Tech" by prioritizing direct-to-consumer content sales through its streaming service.

MTV first aired in the United States on August 1, 1981, and quickly became a pioneer as the world's first television channel dedicated solely to music videos.

For nearly four decades, MTV played a crucial role in shaping global pop and music culture, making music videos a crucial medium for artists to achieve popularity.

Previously, MTV News, its iconic news division, closed in May 2023 after 36 years of operation.