Sky and Virgin Media TV viewers will soon experience a reduction in available channels, including popular music services starting tomorrow. In a decision made back in October, several MTV stations, including MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live, will cease broadcasting on December 31. TV schedules now reflect these changes, with messages indicating the closure of the channels.
The decline in traditional TV viewership due to the increasing popularity of streaming platforms like YouTube and social apps like TikTok appears to be the driving force behind MTV’s decision. A source mentioned to The Sun that MTV is struggling to compete in the era of streaming services.
While the closure of music-centric channels is a disappointment for many, MTV HD will remain accessible, offering reality programs like Naked Dating UK and Geordie Shore. MTV services in several regions, including parts of Asia, Australia, and Latin America, are also reportedly facing discontinuation.
MTV has been a significant influencer in youth culture and the music industry since its inception in 1981, revolutionizing music consumption, marketing, and visualization. In addition to MTV, four children’s TV channels – Pop, Tiny Pop, Pop+1, and Tiny Pop+1 – are set to be permanently removed from the TV listings by the end of the year.
In total, nine channels will no longer be available on Sky and Virgin Media TV, reflecting the ongoing changes in the television landscape.