MTV: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 15:49, 9 December 2024

MTV

MTV, originally an acronym for Music Television, is a cable and satellite television channel that was launched on August 1, 1981. It is owned by ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks, a division of ViacomCBS. MTV was initially created to broadcast music videos, guided by on-air hosts known as "video jockeys" or VJs. Over the years, MTV has evolved to include a variety of programming, including reality television, scripted series, and other entertainment content.

History[edit]

MTV was launched with the words "Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll," followed by the music video for "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. This marked the beginning of a new era in music and television, where visual presentation became as important as the music itself.

1980s: The Music Video Era[edit]

In its early years, MTV was instrumental in promoting the careers of artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince. The channel's focus on music videos helped to define the visual style of the 1980s, with iconic videos such as "Thriller" and "Like a Virgin" becoming cultural touchstones.

1990s: Diversification[edit]

In the 1990s, MTV began to diversify its programming. Shows like "The Real World" and "Beavis and Butt-Head" marked the channel's foray into reality television and animated series. This shift reflected changing viewer preferences and the need to adapt to a broader audience.

2000s: Reality Television Dominance[edit]

The 2000s saw MTV further embrace reality television, with shows like "The Osbournes," "Laguna Beach," and "The Hills" becoming popular. These programs focused on the lives of celebrities and young adults, often blurring the lines between reality and scripted content.

2010s to Present: Scripted Series and Digital Expansion[edit]

In recent years, MTV has continued to evolve, producing scripted series such as "Teen Wolf" and "Scream." The channel has also expanded its digital presence, offering content through online platforms and social media to reach a younger, tech-savvy audience.

Impact on Music and Culture[edit]

MTV has had a significant impact on both the music industry and popular culture. By providing a platform for music videos, MTV helped to launch the careers of numerous artists and bands. The channel also played a role in shaping fashion trends and youth culture, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s.

Criticism and Controversy[edit]

MTV has faced criticism over the years for its programming choices and perceived decline in music-related content. Critics argue that the channel has shifted away from its original mission of promoting music and has instead focused on reality television and other non-music programming.

Also see[edit]

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-[[file:MTV_2021_(brand_version).svg|thumb|MTV 2021 (brand version)]] [[file:Mtvmoon.png|thumb|Mtvmoon|left]] [[file:Jjjackson-mtv.jpg|thumb|Jjjackson-mtv]] [[file:Cosplay_of_Daria.jpg|thumb|Cosplay of Daria|left]] [[file:MTV_Times_Square_studio.jpg|thumb|MTV Times Square studio]] [[file:AMTV.png|thumb|AMTV]] {{short description|American cable television channel}}
+[[File:Mtvmoon.png|thumb]] [[File:MTV 1981 logo (all outlined except "TV").svg|thumb]] [[File:MTV Logo.svg|thumb]] [[File:Mtvstationid.gif|thumb]] MTV
-{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
-{{Infobox television channel
-| name = MTV
-| logo = MTV_2021_logo.svg
-| logo_size = 150px
-| logo_alt =
-| logo_caption =
-| launch_date = [[August 1]], [[1981]]
-| closed_date =
-| picture_format = [[1080i]] [[HDTV]]
-| network =
-| owner = [[Paramount Global]]
-| country = [[United States]]
-| language = [[English language|English]]
-| area = [[Worldwide]]
-| headquarters = [[One Astor Plaza]], [[New York City]]
-| former_names =
-| replaced =
-| replaced_by =
-| sister_channels = [[MTV2]], [[VH1]], [[CMT (American TV channel)|CMT]], [[Comedy Central]], [[Nickelodeon]]
-| website = {{URL|www.mtv.com}}
-}}
-'''MTV''' (originally an initialism of '''Music Television''') is an American [[cable television]] channel that launched on August 1, 1981. The channel originally aired music videos as guided by [[television personalities]] known as "[[video jockey|VJs]]". At first, MTV's main target demographic was young adults, but today it is primarily teenagers, particularly high school and college students.
+MTV, originally an acronym for Music Television, is a cable and satellite television channel that was launched on August 1, 1981. It is owned by ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks, a division of ViacomCBS. MTV was initially created to broadcast music videos, guided by on-air hosts known as "video jockeys" or VJs. Over the years, MTV has evolved to include a variety of programming, including reality television, scripted series, and other entertainment content.
 == History ==
-MTV was launched on August 1, 1981, with the words "Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll," spoken by [[John Lack]]. This was followed by the original MTV theme song, a crunching guitar riff composed by [[Jonathan Elias]] and [[John Petersen]], playing over a montage of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The first music video shown on MTV was "[[Video Killed the Radio Star]]" by [[The Buggles]].
+MTV was launched with the words "Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll," followed by the music video for "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. This marked the beginning of a new era in music and television, where visual presentation became as important as the music itself.
-== Programming ==
+=== 1980s: The Music Video Era ===
-MTV's programming has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, the channel's focus was on music videos, but it has since expanded to include a variety of other programming. This includes [[reality television]], [[comedy]], [[drama]], and other genres. Some of the most notable shows that have aired on MTV include:
+In its early years, MTV was instrumental in promoting the careers of artists such as [[Michael Jackson]], [[Madonna]], and [[Prince]]. The channel's focus on music videos helped to define the visual style of the 1980s, with iconic videos such as "Thriller" and "Like a Virgin" becoming cultural touchstones.
-* ''[[The Real World]]''
-* ''[[Beavis and Butt-Head]]''
-* ''[[Daria]]''
-* ''[[Jersey Shore]]''
-* ''[[Teen Mom]]''
-== Impact ==
+=== 1990s: Diversification ===
-MTV has had a significant impact on the music industry and popular culture. The channel played a key role in the rise of the [[music video]] as a form of artistic expression and a promotional tool for artists. MTV has also been credited with helping to break down racial barriers in the music industry by featuring videos from [[African American]] artists such as [[Michael Jackson]] and [[Prince (musician)|Prince]].
+In the 1990s, MTV began to diversify its programming. Shows like "The Real World" and "Beavis and Butt-Head" marked the channel's foray into reality television and animated series. This shift reflected changing viewer preferences and the need to adapt to a broader audience.
-== Criticism ==
+=== 2000s: Reality Television Dominance ===
-MTV has faced criticism over the years for various reasons. Some critics have argued that the channel has strayed too far from its original mission of promoting music and music videos. Others have criticized MTV for its portrayal of [[reality television]] and the impact it has on young viewers.
+The 2000s saw MTV further embrace reality television, with shows like "The Osbournes," "Laguna Beach," and "The Hills" becoming popular. These programs focused on the lives of celebrities and young adults, often blurring the lines between reality and scripted content.
-== Related Pages ==
+=== 2010s to Present: Scripted Series and Digital Expansion ===
-* [[VH1]]
+In recent years, MTV has continued to evolve, producing scripted series such as "Teen Wolf" and "Scream." The channel has also expanded its digital presence, offering content through online platforms and social media to reach a younger, tech-savvy audience.
-* [[MTV2]]
-* [[MTV Classic (American TV channel)|MTV Classic]]
-* [[MTV Live (TV network)|MTV Live]]
-* [[MTV Films]]
-* [[MTV Networks]]
-* [[Paramount Global]]
-== See Also ==
+== Impact on Music and Culture ==
-* [[List of programs broadcast by MTV]]
+MTV has had a significant impact on both the music industry and popular culture. By providing a platform for music videos, MTV helped to launch the careers of numerous artists and bands. The channel also played a role in shaping fashion trends and youth culture, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s.
-* [[List of MTV channels]]
-* [[Music video]]
-* [[Reality television]]
-== References ==
+== Criticism and Controversy ==
-{{Reflist}}
+MTV has faced criticism over the years for its programming choices and perceived decline in music-related content. Critics argue that the channel has shifted away from its original mission of promoting music and has instead focused on reality television and other non-music programming.
-== External Links ==
+== Also see ==
-* [www.mtv.com Official website]
+* [[VH1]]
+* [[MTV Europe]]
+* [[MTV Video Music Awards]]
+* [[TRL (Total Request Live)]]
+* [[MTV Unplugged]]
-[[Category:MTV]]
+{{MTV}}
-[[Category:Music video networks in the United States]]
-[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1981]]
-[[Category:1981 establishments in New York City]]
-[[Category:Paramount Global networks]]
-{{MTV}}
+[[Category:Television channels in the United States]]
-{{Television-stub}}
+[[Category:Music television channels]]
+[[Category:ViacomCBS]]