MTV, the world’s first 24-hour music broadcaster, is set to stop airing rolling music videos in the UK after almost four decades. Five channels—MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live will close on 31 December, while the flagship MTV HD channel will continue, focusing on reality shows such as Naked Dating UK and Geordie Shore.

The decision reflects changing viewing habits, with audiences increasingly consuming music online via platforms like YouTube and social media. Paramount, MTV’s parent company, has not commented on the closures.

Former MTV VJ Simone Angel expressed sadness at the move, highlighting MTV’s role in bringing music and youth culture together. MTV Europe launched in 1987, with the UK gaining its own channel in 1997. Iconic moments included the premiere of Michael Jackson’s Thriller video and Live Aid broadcasts in 1985.

While MTV now largely focuses on reality programming, Angel emphasized the brand’s cultural significance, recalling how it influenced youth behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. Paramount is also reportedly closing MTV music channels in other countries as part of cost-cutting measures.

Despite modest UK viewership—MTV Music attracted 1.3 million viewers in July—the brand will maintain a presence on social media and the Paramount+ streaming service.