This was the first music video played when MTV went on the air in 1981: “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll”
MTV, a music channel that became a pop-culture phenomenon, is celebrating its 44th birthday today.
It is exactly 44 years since MTV made its debut on television screens, co-creator John Lack delivering the now-iconic announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll.”
What was the first song on MTV?
Launched on August 1, 1981, MTV became the first TV channel to play music videos 24 hours a day, kicking off its set list with The Buggles’ aptly-named single “Video Killed the Radio Star”.
Released in September 1979, the track was a No. 1 hit in numerous countries, including the U.K and Australia. However, it didn’t enjoy the same degree of chart success in the U.S., peaking at No. 41 in the Billboard Hot 100.
MTV racks up viewers before switching focus
In the years that followed MTV’s arrival, it established itself as a pop-culture phenomenon, enjoying particular popularity among teenagers.
But after its audience peaked in the mid-1980s - when, for example, over 50 million viewers reportedly tuned in to watch a special Michael Jackson broadcast - the network began to move away from its non-stop-music model.
Amid growing competition from other emerging music channels, MTV opted to diversify its programming, developing into a general entertainment network by adding shows such as sitcoms, cartoons and reality TV to the slate.
Per Billboard, the number of music videos shown on MTV dropped by nearly 40% between 1995 and 2000.
MTV to hit rewind button for VMAs
Ahead of this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, MTV owner Paramount has announced its intention to take the cable channel back to its roots for seven days only, by broadcasting round-the-clock music.
Paramount revealed the programming initiative, which is set to hit viewers’ screens in the final lead-up to September’s VMAs, in a statement in June.
“MTV will air an unprecedented week of 24/7 music videos across MTV2, MTV Live and MTV Classic, both classic and current, in a revival of the brand’s early DNA reimagined for today’s audiences,” the company said.
“Past VMA winners and legendary MTV personalities will return to curate and spotlight their seven favorite music videos of all time, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the music videos that shaped them.”
“Leave it that way”
On social media, many internet users respondeded positively to the news of MTV’s special week of programming.
“Change it and leave it that way,” wrote one Instagram user, while a fellow Instagrammer agreed: “Here’s an idea…they could just do it permanently to get all that viewership back.” Another internet user said: “I’m so excited they are doing this.”
2025 VMA Music Awards: when, where, how to watch?
The 2025 VMA Music Awards are to be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at UBS Arena in Queens, New York City. The event will be broadcast on CBS, Paramount+ and MTV at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. There will also be a one-hour pre-ceremony show.
You can stream CBS on the online platform fubo, which provides new users with a free, introductory trial.
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