MTV, or Music Television, launched in 1981, revolutionizing the music industry with 24/7 music video broadcasts. It quickly became a pop culture phenomenon,...
MTV stands for Music Television, named for its original focus on broadcasting music videos.
MTV launched on August 1, 1981, with The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star" as its inaugural music video.
While still featuring music-related content, MTV primarily broadcasts reality shows, scripted series, documentaries, and hosts major annual events like the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
The iconic original MTV VJs included Martha Quinn, J.J. Jackson, Alan Hunter, Nina Blackwood, and Mark Goodman.