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MTV


MTV

Music Television, more commonly referred to as MTV, is a television network launched in August of 1981 that was originally a 24/7 music video network. The ''VJ'' was popularized through MTV's use of jockeys introducing and playing music videos. MTV has influenced many aspects of the music industry and pop culture through its programming and has helped build the careers of many famous musicians.

About MTV

MTV began in August of 1981 as a 24/7 music video channel. The shows were normally hosted by Video Jockeys (VJs). The first 5 VJs for MTV were Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter, J.J. Jackson, and Martha Quinn. The first video shown when MTV launched was ''Video Killed the Radio Star'' by The Buggles.

Since its premiere, MTV has had a lasting effect on the music industry and popular culture. Slogans such as I want my MTV became household phrases, the concept of the VJ was popularized, the idea of a dedicated video-based outlet for music was introduced, and both artists and fans found a central location for music events, news, and promotion. MTV has also been referenced countless times by musicians, other TV channels and shows, films, and books.

MTV was originally branded 'Music Television,' and carried this slogan on-screen. In February 2010, MTV unveiled their new logo and for the first time dropped the 'Music Televison' moniker in the US, expressing how the TV network's focus had exceeded the relevance of their long-time slogan.

MTV has spawned several other networks as well, most of which are highly successful. All of these are owned by and managed through the MTV Networks, which is a division of media conglomerate Viacom. Some of the networks that have been created from the MTV franchise include:

• MTV2
• Fuse
• Palladia
• VH1
• CMT
• Comedy Central
• Nickelodeon
• Spike
• TV Land

Many of the above have spawned several other related networks as well, but the above are available in the USA. Globally, there are hundreds of channels that are associated with the MTV Networks.

Today MTV has mostly branched away from playing music videos 24/7 and, while they do still play some, they mainly show reality shows. Some of the reality shows that are shown on MTV include 'Jersey Shore,' 'The Real World,' 'Made,' 'Room Raiders,' Rob Dyrdek's 'Fantasy Factory,' etc. The switch to a reality show focus started in the late 90s to early 2000s with shows like 'Singled Out.'

Launched: April 1, 1981
Headquarters: New York City, NY

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