Sky and Virgin Media users are about to lose access to several popular TV channels.
Sky and Virgin Media TV users will suddenly notice fewer channels to watch from tomorrow, including popular music services. It was first announced back in October that several MTV stations would be taken off air, and now there’s just 24 hours left to enjoy these iconic channels. Updated TV listings show that MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live will all cease broadcasting tomorrow, December 31.
Viewers attempting to see what’s coming up on the platforms – via the telly planner – are met with a message stating, “This channel is now closed.”
So why is this happening?
After nearly 40 years of broadcasting music television, MTV appears to be another casualty of the shift toward streaming, with fewer viewers tuning in to traditional TV. Many are now getting their fix of music via YouTube or social apps such as TikTok.
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Speaking to The Sun, a source said that MTV has become “a victim of the rise of streaming.”
“It’s a dark day for the music industry,” the source said. “MTV was once an industry powerhouse but is now a shadow of its former self.”
MTV services in parts of Asia, Australia and Latin America are also reportedly being discontinued.
It’s not all bad news for MTV fans. While the music-focused channels are being shut down, MTV HD will remain available. The channel continues to air reality programmes such as Naked Dating UK and Geordie Shore.
For decades, MTV played a major role in shaping youth culture and launching music and television careers. Since its launch in 1981, the channel transformed the way music was consumed, marketed and visualised.
The MTV closure isn’t the only change. Four children’s TV channels are also set to close. Pop, Tiny Pop, Pop+1 and Tiny Pop+1 will all be permanently removed from the listings at the end of the year.
In total, nine channels will disappear from Sky and Virgin Media TV.
