MTV's First Broadcast 44 Years Ago Proved "Video Killed the Radio Star"

This August marks 44 years since MTV first appeared on TV screens. The channel became a hub for youth culture and an essential resource in keeping up to date with trending songs and new releases, changing pop culture forever. On August 1, 1981, the small New Jersey cable channel launched its iconic, ironic first statement by airing “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles. Many think the debut choice was a prophetic sign of the dominance the channel would have in the music industry, and in how videos would shape musical identities. In its first few months, MTV aired videos by Blondie, Genesis, Michael Jackson, Mötley Crüe, and many other rock bands. In the decades that have followed, some have seen the platform as a visionary force, and some blamed it for the commercial homogenization of pop music. But one thing is for sure, its influence has completely reshaped pop forever.

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By: Fiona MacPherson-Amador
Title: MTV's First Broadcast 44 Years Ago Proved "Video Killed the Radio Star"
Sourced From: collider.com/mtv-first-broadcast-was-44-years-ago-has-video-killed-the-radio-star/
Published Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2025 20:45:13 GMT