Sky and Virgin Media TV subscribers will see a reduction in available channels starting tomorrow, including well-known music services. The decision to remove several MTV stations was initially made public in October, and viewers now have just one day left to enjoy these iconic channels. Updated TV schedules confirm that MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live will no longer be airing after December 31.
Those checking the platforms’ TV guide will encounter a message stating, “This channel is now closed.”
The shift towards streaming seems to be the driving force behind this change, as MTV, after nearly four decades of music television broadcasting, is struggling to retain viewers who are now turning to platforms like YouTube and apps such as TikTok for their music consumption.
Sources suggest that MTV has fallen victim to the rise of streaming, with one stating, “It’s a dark day for the music industry.” The channel, once a dominant force, is now a mere shadow of its former self.
Aside from the music-focused channels being discontinued, MTV HD will continue to be accessible, featuring reality shows like Naked Dating UK and Geordie Shore.
While MTV has played a crucial role in shaping youth culture and launching music and TV careers since its inception in 1981, it is not the only channel undergoing changes. Four children’s TV channels – Pop, Tiny Pop, Pop+1, and Tiny Pop+1 – are also permanently shutting down at the year’s end.
In total, nine channels will no longer be available on Sky and Virgin Media TV services.