MTV turns 25! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 07-28-2006, 05:07 PM

MTV isn't making a big deal of it, but the network will turn 25 on Tuesday.
Believe it or not, when the music video cable channel was launched a quarter of a century ago, it literally changed the world.

Seems like the kind of thing any company would want to trumpet - loudly.

Not MTV.

But that's not to say it doesn't deserve credit.

For starters, it helped reinvigorate what was a sluggish music business in the early '80s.

As it grew in popularity, it boosted the careers of such folks as Carson Daly and Nick Lachey's current squeeze, Vanessa Minnillo.

And, with the launch of "The Real World" in 1992, MTV helped give life to the reality TV craze.

Uncharacteristically, though, MTV is letting the birthday slide by unnoticed. No big party, no on-air graphics - nothing.

Insiders say the birthday doesn't matter to its viewers, thus the lack of interest in discussing the milestone.

That also suggests that kids today care more about hot-tub happenings on "The Hills" than acknowledging the groundbreaking moment when MTV played "Video Killed the Radio Star." Or that they want to watch programming on computers, rather than learning about former VJ Martha Quinn.

That could be true. But there's probably something deeper to ignoring the 25th birthday than the audience's not caring.

For most of MTV's shows, the target audience is ages 12 to 24, meaning the network, if it was a viewer, is too old for its own programming. It's outside the demo, as they say in TV land, part of the audience that advertisers don't desire, don't pay for, but who watch anyway.

Being 25 to that crowd is like, well, being older than dirt.

And that's what VH1 is for.

In a way, MTV is a victim of its own success. The cable channel's foundation is built on being hipper and more happening than any other. As anyone who has watched in the past 25 years knows, that means younger.

MTV has had a dramatic impact on media - print and television - it shouldn't be afraid of touting. However, rather than point out the milestone - which would also include noting it's, um, advanced age - the birthday will pass faster than a William Hung music video.

Yet, by ignoring the birthday, MTV is acting like an aging starlet, shaving years off her résumé, fearing roles will dry up. That seems wrong for a network which has thrived, in part, because of its history - a history that will fuel its future.

Maybe Mick Jagger was right when he sang, "What a drag it is getting old."

Ireneparalegal · 07-28-2006, 05:09 PM

they probably aren't making a big deal out of it because IT ISN'T THE SAME ANYMORE. It was THEE THING BACK THEN...not now...too many shows, reality shows, crap, garbage...Sweet 16 (pathetic spoiled rich little bitches) etc. WHERE IS THE MUSIC???

I remember watching it when it first debuted. What a big deal it was THEN!

Lex Luthor · 07-28-2006, 05:26 PM

Thanks for making me feel old.

I remember watching the very first day (all day) when it aired. Starting off with the one hit wonder video killed the radio star.

How the he** does 25 years go so fast?

Ireneparalegal · 07-28-2006, 06:02 PM

i think this thread needs to be moved to the REALITY SHOW section...LOL

TJL · 07-28-2006, 06:22 PM

Martha Quinn, wherever you are, I still love you.

sweetdiggity · 07-28-2006, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

i think this thread needs to be moved to the REALITY SHOW section...LOL

I used to never go a day without MTV! Now I don't watch it at all. I can't believe crappy reality shows replaced music!

seventies_sitcoms · 07-28-2006, 10:24 PM

I haven't watched MTV probably for 15 years.

I have about 14 tapes of videos I recorded from VH1 Classic. I managed to get some videos that MTV didn't even show back in the day. I'd like to get these transferred over onto DVD. Sadly VH1 Classic is starting to pull the crap by showing garbage like Grease, Dirty Dancing, and other bad non -music programming. How can these Viacom people not understand that people want MUSIC!!??

Here are the videos from MTV's first hour as played recently on VH1 Classic.

The Buggles- Video Killed The Radio Star
Pat Benatar- You Better Run
Rod Stewart- She Won't Dance
The Who- You Better You Better You Bet
Ph.D.- Little Suzi's On The Up (Very obscure new wave. Nice to see again after 25 years)
Cliff Richard- We Don't Talk Anymore
Pretenders- Brass In Pocket
Todd Rundgren- Time Heals
REO Speedwagon- Take It On The Run
Styx- Rockin' The Paradise
Robin Lane and the Chartbusters- When Things Go Wrong (Very obscure group and video)
Split Enz- History Never Repeats Itself
38 Special- Hold On Loosely

Ireneparalegal · 07-28-2006, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventies_sitcoms

I haven't watched MTV probably for 15 years.

I have about 14 tapes of videos I recorded from VH1 Classic. I managed to get some videos that MTV didn't even show back in the day. I'd like to get these transferred over onto DVD. Sadly VH1 Classic is starting to pull the crap by showing crap like Grease, Dirty Dancing, and other bad programming. How can these Viacom people not understand that people want MUSIC!!??

Love your avatar...I HAVE THAT DVD!!!!!!!

seventies_sitcoms · 07-28-2006, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Love your avatar...I HAVE THAT DVD!!!!!!!

I wish they would release the whole show. I never got a chance to see an episode with "The Freak" back then. I heard she was worse than Vera. The DVd is on my want list. I don't have it yet. We only had a few early years of Prisoner released in the states.

Ireneparalegal · 07-28-2006, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seventies_sitcoms

I wish they would release the whole show. I never got a chance to see an episode with "The Freak" back then. I heard she was worse than Vera. The DVd is on my want list. I don't have it yet. We only had a few early years of Prisoner released in the states.

I know. I want to see EVERY EPISODE, not choice episodes. Some of them aren't even choice. "The Freak"...yeah!!!!!

God this show was great!!!!

ABlairican Pie · 07-29-2006, 12:55 AM

For banning Headbanger's Ball in the early 90's and forcing us to deal with that poseur Rikki Rachtman:

AKA · 07-29-2006, 08:22 PM

"Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll." Those were the first words uttered on MTV on August 1, 1981 (YouTube clip).

You know, the fact that the network has devolved into what it is now doesn't bother me as much as it just bums me out. MTV was really something special back then, but now it's E! for tweens. That's fine, I guess, because I have the choice not to watch it anymore (which I don't). But I really wish they'd stop calling it "Music Television."

As for the original VJs, Martha Quinn, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter and Nina Blackwood can all now be heard on Sirius Satellite Radio channel 8. Sadly, J.J. Jackson passed away in 2004.

TheGreatPretender · 07-29-2006, 09:12 PM

Eh vh1 classic is better now.

theshark8777 · 07-30-2006, 09:22 AM

Its funny how MTV isn't making a big deal of it, but VH1 Classic is. They are devoting all of August 1 to airing the first day of MTV.

But I agree with the above poster who said VH1 classic is going downhill showing movies like Grease. I noticed they even show commericals now. I guess there is always "The Tube" if you want just music videos.

musicradio77 · 07-31-2006, 11:37 PM

I used to love MTV from the start when I was a kid, but I don't watch it anymore.

Happy anniversary!

07-28-2006, 05:07 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	MTV turns 25! MTV isn't making a big deal of it, but the network will turn 25 on Tuesday. Believe it or not, when the music video cable channel was launched a quarter of a century ago, it literally changed the world. Seems like the kind of thing any company would want to trumpet - loudly. Not MTV. But that's not to say it doesn't deserve credit. For starters, it helped reinvigorate what was a sluggish music business in the early '80s. As it grew in popularity, it boosted the careers of such folks as Carson Daly and Nick Lachey's current squeeze, Vanessa Minnillo. And, with the launch of "The Real World" in 1992, MTV helped give life to the reality TV craze. Uncharacteristically, though, MTV is letting the birthday slide by unnoticed. No big party, no on-air graphics - nothing. Insiders say the birthday doesn't matter to its viewers, thus the lack of interest in discussing the milestone. That also suggests that kids today care more about hot-tub happenings on "The Hills" than acknowledging the groundbreaking moment when MTV played "Video Killed the Radio Star." Or that they want to watch programming on computers, rather than learning about former VJ Martha Quinn. That could be true. But there's probably something deeper to ignoring the 25th birthday than the audience's not caring. For most of MTV's shows, the target audience is ages 12 to 24, meaning the network, if it was a viewer, is too old for its own programming. It's outside the demo, as they say in TV land, part of the audience that advertisers don't desire, don't pay for, but who watch anyway. Being 25 to that crowd is like, well, being older than dirt. And that's what VH1 is for. In a way, MTV is a victim of its own success. The cable channel's foundation is built on being hipper and more happening than any other. As anyone who has watched in the past 25 years knows, that means younger. MTV has had a dramatic impact on media - print and television - it shouldn't be afraid of touting. However, rather than point out the milestone - which would also include noting it's, um, advanced age - the birthday will pass faster than a William Hung music video. Yet, by ignoring the birthday, MTV is acting like an aging starlet, shaving years off her résumé, fearing roles will dry up. That seems wrong for a network which has thrived, in part, because of its history - a history that will fuel its future. Maybe Mick Jagger was right when he sang, "What a drag it is getting old."
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

07-28-2006, 05:09 PM	#2
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	they probably aren't making a big deal out of it because IT ISN'T THE SAME ANYMORE. It was THEE THING BACK THEN...not now...too many shows, reality shows, crap, garbage...Sweet 16 (pathetic spoiled rich little bitches) etc. WHERE IS THE MUSIC??? I remember watching it when it first debuted. What a big deal it was THEN!
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

07-28-2006, 05:26 PM	#3
Lex Luthor I'm bringing Lexy back Senior Member Join Date: Jun 07, 2005 Location: The Great White North Posts: 2,374	Thanks for making me feel old. I remember watching the very first day (all day) when it aired. Starting off with the one hit wonder video killed the radio star. How the he** does 25 years go so fast?
	__________________ I look forward to resuming our verbal judo - Lex Luthor It's a complicated world, Clark. Only the naïve view it in black and white - Lex Luthor Genevieve: "I underestimated you, Lex." Lex: "Well, that’s a common mistake." Lionel Luthor: "We don't need to play games, son." Lex Luthor: "Dad, games are all we got."

07-28-2006, 06:22 PM	#5
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,588	Martha Quinn, wherever you are, I still love you.
	__________________ "I think I'll stroll up to the front to see how the shooting's going..." - Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce Read my blogs! http://centralparkamisguide.com/ http://dvdcriticscorner.com Visit me on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=641138880 Hey, I do the tweet thing too! http://twitter.com/TomLevier My shop of handmade items! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColdGarageCreations

07-29-2006, 12:55 AM	#11
ABlairican Pie Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 12, 2001 Location: Living where cats reign more Supreme than a pizza. Posts: 31,619	For banning Headbanger's Ball in the early 90's and forcing us to deal with that poseur Rikki Rachtman:
	__________________ Release the kitties. --Nathan Explosion Last edited by ABlairican Pie; 07-29-2006 at 11:45 PM.

07-28-2006, 06:02 PM	#4
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	i think this thread needs to be moved to the REALITY SHOW section...LOL

07-28-2006, 10:24 PM	#7
seventies_sitcoms * Senior Member Join Date: Jan 09, 2005 Posts: 2,244	I haven't watched MTV probably for 15 years. I have about 14 tapes of videos I recorded from VH1 Classic. I managed to get some videos that MTV didn't even show back in the day. I'd like to get these transferred over onto DVD. Sadly VH1 Classic is starting to pull the crap by showing garbage like Grease, Dirty Dancing, and other bad non -music programming. How can these Viacom people not understand that people want MUSIC!!?? Here are the videos from MTV's first hour as played recently on VH1 Classic. The Buggles- Video Killed The Radio Star Pat Benatar- You Better Run Rod Stewart- She Won't Dance The Who- You Better You Better You Bet Ph.D.- Little Suzi's On The Up (Very obscure new wave. Nice to see again after 25 years) Cliff Richard- We Don't Talk Anymore Pretenders- Brass In Pocket Todd Rundgren- Time Heals REO Speedwagon- Take It On The Run Styx- Rockin' The Paradise Robin Lane and the Chartbusters- When Things Go Wrong (Very obscure group and video) Split Enz- History Never Repeats Itself 38 Special- Hold On Loosely

07-29-2006, 08:22 PM	#12
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	"Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll." Those were the first words uttered on MTV on August 1, 1981 (YouTube clip). You know, the fact that the network has devolved into what it is now doesn't bother me as much as it just bums me out. MTV was really something special back then, but now it's E! for tweens. That's fine, I guess, because I have the choice not to watch it anymore (which I don't). But I really wish they'd stop calling it "Music Television." As for the original VJs, Martha Quinn, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter and Nina Blackwood can all now be heard on Sirius Satellite Radio channel 8. Sadly, J.J. Jackson passed away in 2004.

07-29-2006, 09:12 PM	#13
TheGreatPretender just because Forum Veteran Join Date: May 22, 2004 Location: Trying to think of a creative, witty location. Posts: 7,628	Eh vh1 classic is better now.
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07-30-2006, 09:22 AM	#14
theshark8777 Hats for Bats Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 23, 2001 Location: northeast Ohio. Posts: 5,315	Its funny how MTV isn't making a big deal of it, but VH1 Classic is. They are devoting all of August 1 to airing the first day of MTV. But I agree with the above poster who said VH1 classic is going downhill showing movies like Grease. I noticed they even show commericals now. I guess there is always "The Tube" if you want just music videos.
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07-31-2006, 11:37 PM	#15
musicradio77 Disney Expert Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 14, 2003 Location: Brooklyn, NY USA Posts: 6,475	I used to love MTV from the start when I was a kid, but I don't watch it anymore. Happy anniversary!
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