MTV

MTV is a major American cable television channel.

Its name is an initialism for Music Television. It serves as the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group. This group is a subdivision of Paramount Media Networks. MTV is significant because it helped cable programming rise to fame. This rise allowed American corporations to dominate the television economy during the 1990s. While it began with music, the channel later shifted toward original reality programming. This programming targets teenagers and young adults.

In its early years, the channel operated through a specific mechanism. It aired music videos and related entertainment programs. These shows were guided by television personalities called video jockeys, or VJs. VJs performed several key roles to connect the music to the audience. They hosted blocks of music videos for viewers. They also interviewed artists and musical bands. Furthermore, VJs introduced live musical performances and other special programs. This format turned music consumption into a guided, social experience.

MTV has developed many distinct types of programming and events. One major type is the annual Video Music Awards, known as the VMAs.

The first VMAs took place in 1984. A notable moment from that first show was Madonna's live performance of "Like a Virgin." Another major category includes special annual events. For example, MTV began Spring Break coverage in 1986. The channel set up temporary operations in Daytona Beach, Florida. They broadcasted live for eight hours every day during the week in March. The channel also holds week-long music events. These include All Access Week for live concerts and Spankin' New Music Week for new videos.

The history of MTV involves many changes in ownership. It launched on August 1, 1981, at 12:01 a.m. The original owner was Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment. The first video ever played was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. On June 25, 1984, Warner spun off MTV into MTV Networks. Later, Viacom acquired shares of MTV Networks. After forty years, the ownership changed again. Now, MTV is under Paramount Skydance through a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery.

The scale of MTV's reach is reflected in specific numbers. In 2011, the channel reached a peak of 99 million households. Currently, it is available to approximately 67 million pay television households in the United States. The channel also produces films through its MTV Films label. In 2010, a study by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation looked at the channel's content. They analyzed 207.5 hours of prime-time programming. They found that 42% of that content reflected the lives of gay, bisexual, and transgender people. This was the highest percentage ever recorded in the industry.

Many surprising facts define the MTV brand. The very first images shown on the channel were a montage of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Because of this, the "moon-man" became a permanent part of the branding. The Video Music Awards even give out statuettes of the moon-man. The original logo was also very unique. Designed in 1981 by Manhattan Design, the "M" was a block letter. The "TV" part looked like it was spray-painted on. Unlike other networks, the logo constantly changed colors and patterns. This was seen in "station IDs," which were short clips used to identify the channel.

MTV connects to broader global and social systems. It has covered massive global benefit concerts. In 1985, MTV broadcast 16 hours of the Live Aid concerts. These concerts helped raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. In 2005, the channel also broadcast the Live 8 concerts. These events were held in the G8 states and South Africa. The channel also connects to local culture through New Year's Eve celebrations. Every year, MTV broadcasts live from Times Square in New York City. They often feature a tradition where a band performs a cover song at midnight. This helps mark the beginning of the new year for viewers.