MTV
MTV (
Music Television) is an
American cable television network based in
New York City and launched on August 1, 1981.
[[1] About.com: 80s Music] The original purpose of the channel was to play
music videos guided by on-air hosts known as
VJs.
Today, MTV still plays a limited selection of music videos, but the channel primarily broadcasts a variety of
popular culture and
reality television shows targeted at
young adults and teenagers.
Since its premiere, MTV has had a profound impact on the
music industry and popular culture. Slogans such as "I want my MTV" became embedded in public thought, the concept of the
VJ was popularized, the idea of a dedicated
video-based outlet for music was introduced, and both
artists and
fans found a central location for
music events,
news, and
promotion. MTV has also been referenced countless times in popular culture by
musicians, other
TV channels and
shows,
films and
books.
