Sky and Virgin Media TV subscribers will soon experience a reduction in available channels, notably affecting popular music services. The decision to remove several MTV stations, including MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live, was initially announced in October. As the countdown begins, viewers will have only 24 hours left to enjoy these iconic channels before they cease broadcasting on December 31.
Users attempting to access upcoming programming via the TV planner will now encounter a message indicating that the channel is no longer available. The shift towards streaming platforms like YouTube and social apps such as TikTok has contributed to the decline in traditional TV viewership, leading to the discontinuation of MTV channels.
A source speaking to The Sun highlighted that MTV has fallen victim to the rising popularity of streaming services, marking a significant shift for the music industry. While MTV services in various regions, including Asia, Australia, and Latin America, are reportedly facing closure, MTV HD will continue to be accessible. The channel will maintain its lineup of reality programs like Naked Dating UK and Geordie Shore.
MTV, a significant influencer in youth culture and music and television careers since its inception in 1981, revolutionized the consumption and presentation of music. Alongside the closure of MTV channels, four children’s TV channels, including Pop, Tiny Pop, Pop+1, and Tiny Pop+1, are also scheduled for permanent removal from the listings by the end of the year.
Overall, a total of nine channels will no longer be available on Sky and Virgin Media TV. This development reflects the evolving landscape of television consumption and the increasing dominance of streaming platforms in the entertainment industry.