MTV

MTV, originally an initialism of Music Television, is an American cable television channel based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs. Today, MTV primarily broadcasts a variety of reality and scripted television programs targeted at adolescents and young adults. Since its debut, MTV has had a profound impact on the music industry and popular culture. Its slogans such as "I want my MTV" were embedded in public thought, the concept of the VJ was popularized, a dedicated video-based outlet for music was introduced, and both artists and fans found a central location for music news, concerts, events, and promotion. MTV has been referenced countless times in popular culture by musicians, celebrities, other TV channels and programs, films, books, and websites. MTV has spawned numerous sister channels in the U.S. and affiliated channels internationally, some of which have gone...