Beloved platform

The decision to wind down MTV’s international music channels truly marks the end of an era. Since its launch in 1981 with the iconic “Video Killed the Radio Star,” MTV did more than play music — it shaped global pop culture, defined youth identity, and transformed how artists connected with audiences. For decades, it was a shared cultural experience that crossed borders and generations.

However, its decline also reflects the rapid shift in media consumption. Online streaming platforms and social media have changed how music is discovered, consumed, and celebrated, leaving traditional broadcasters struggling to stay relevant. While progress is inevitable, the loss of MTV’s global music channels feels deeply nostalgic, symbolising the fading of a communal music culture once enjoyed collectively on television.

As technology races ahead, it is worth remembering and honouring institutions like MTV that revolutionised entertainment and left an indelible mark on popular culture worldwide.

Ishaq Ahmed, By email