Who Owns MTV?

MTV launched on August 1, 1981, as a cable television network dedicated to music videos and youth culture. The channel was created by Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment Company, a joint venture between Warner Communications and American Express. The first video aired was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. MTV's launch fundamentally changed the music industry by making visual presentation a central component of popular music marketing.

Throughout the early 1980s, MTV became a cultural phenomenon. The channel's influence on music sales was significant: artists who received heavy MTV rotation, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Duran Duran, saw dramatic increases in record sales. MTV's impact was particularly pronounced in breaking new artists and establishing visual aesthetics that defined the decade.

Viacom acquired MTV Networks, including MTV, in 1987. Under Viacom's ownership, MTV expanded internationally, launching localized versions across Europe, Asia, and Latin America throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. The channel also diversified its programming beyond music videos, introducing reality television formats including The Real World (1992), which is widely credited as one of the first modern reality television series, and Jackass (2000).

By the 2000s, MTV had significantly reduced its music video programming in favor of reality television and scripted content. This shift generated criticism from music industry observers but reflected the channel's evolution toward broader youth entertainment. Jersey Shore (2009) became one of the most-watched cable television series of its era.

Viacom merged with CBS Corporation in December 2019 to form ViacomCBS, which was subsequently rebranded as Paramount Global in February 2022. MTV became part of the combined entity's cable networks portfolio. In September 2024, Paramount Global completed its merger with Skydance Media, bringing new ownership and leadership to the parent company.