MTV News Bows Out: A Generation Mourns the Loss of Their News Voice

MTV's classic image that welcomed viewers for 36 years. Screenshot from Rock and Roll Globe. com
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The end of an era has arrived.  After 36 years of reporting on pop culture and global events, the iconic news outlet has shut its doors as part of a mass layoff from Paramount.  Many who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s grew up to the sights and sounds of MTV News.

According to CNN:

Chris McCarthy, who heads Paramount Media Networks, MTV and Showtime, said in a memo to staff Tuesday that despite the media giant’s “success” in streaming, the company continues to “feel pressure from broader economic headwinds like many of our peers.”

“As a result, we have made the very hard but necessary decision to reduce our domestic team by approximately 25%,” he continued. “Through the elimination of some units and by streamlining others, we will be able to reduce costs and create a more effective approach to our business as we move forward.”

MTV News’ meteoric rise began in the 1980s when Rolling Stone editor-turned-TV host Kurt Loder joined the network and launched its “The Week in Rock” program, as well as other specials. During the ’90s, MTV News also provided an alternative to traditional cable news that appealed to young Americans.

The cuts, described by McCarthy as a “strategic realignment,” aim to streamline units and reduce overall costs, allowing the company to be more effective as it moves forward.

Jenny McCarthy made her name on MTV.  Kurt Cobain’s death was announced on MTV.  Michael Jackson danced his way into our hearts through the power of MTV News. MTV News was able to make Generation X and older millennials to pay attention to local and global events.  Stars were made, news was reported, memories live on. RIP MTV News!


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