Sky and Virgin Media TV customers will soon have fewer channel options starting tomorrow, including popular music services. The decision to remove several MTV stations was made public in October, and viewers now have just one day left to enjoy these iconic channels. The updated TV schedules confirm that MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live will all stop broadcasting on December 31.
Users trying to access upcoming programs via the TV planner are greeted with a message indicating that the channel is no longer available.
The shift towards streaming seems to be the primary reason behind this change, as MTV, after nearly four decades of music television broadcasting, is facing a decline in viewership who are now turning to platforms like YouTube and apps such as TikTok for their music consumption.
According to a source speaking to The Sun, MTV has fallen victim to the rise of streaming. The source lamented the current state of MTV, stating that it has diminished from its former status as a powerhouse in the music industry.
Reports suggest that MTV services in certain regions like Asia, Australia, and Latin America are also being discontinued.
While the music-centric channels are being shut down, MTV HD will continue to be accessible, offering reality shows like Naked Dating UK and Geordie Shore to fans.
MTV has played a significant role in shaping youth culture and launching music and TV careers for decades since its inception in 1981. It revolutionized the music industry by changing how music was consumed, promoted, and visualized.
The closure of MTV channels is not the only change occurring, as four children’s TV channels – Pop, Tiny Pop, Pop+1, and Tiny Pop+1 – are also scheduled to be permanently removed from the lineup by the year-end.
In total, nine channels will be disappearing from Sky and Virgin Media TV services.
