MTV is shutting down its 24-hour music channels in many regions worldwide after today, 44 years after the brand’s initial launch.

This closure affects dedicated music channels like MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live, but the broader MTV brand and network will continue.

The channels are being removed from UK providers such as Sky and Virgin Media, with remaining U.S. music-only feeds also scheduled to go dark as contracts expire.

MTV debuted in the U.S. in 1981 with The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star,” revolutionizing music and pop culture. (The Independent)

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced that ICC cricket rights in Sri Lanka up until the end of 2025 have been awarded to MTV Channel (Private) Limited.

MTV will exploit the broadcast rights via their free-to-air channels, TV1, Shakthi TV and Sirasa TV. The digital rights will be exploited via www.sirasatv.lk and by icc.tv enabling more fans to watch ICC world events over the next two years. 

The MTV network covers a large proportion of the Sri Lankan population with channels covering the main three languages in the country and a dedicated sports channel carrying live broadcasting of all major sporting events.

The events covered in the deal are the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

ICC Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice said “We are delighted to be partnering with MTV which is an exciting addition to our suite of broadcast partners. Sri Lanka has such a rich history of cricket and this partnership is a fantastic opportunity to create more fans who can enjoy the sport.”

Chevaan Daniel, Group Director- Capital Maharaja Group (CMG), which owns and operates MTV said: “We are delighted that MTV has successfully secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for world cricket in Sri Lanka for the next two years especially considering CMG’s close association with cricket in Sri Lanka since over many decades. This exciting development marks a significant stride in our commitment to delivering premium sports content to our viewers. Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans, and we are thrilled to bring the exhilarating action of world cricket to screens across the nation, as we aim to elevate the cricket viewing experience for fans.” (ICC)

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