On Aug. 1, 1981, with the help of the Buggles and their song "Video Killed the Radio Star," MTV launched into orbit. That means that MTV is turning 30. That's nearly a generation older than those in its 12-to-18 target demographic. Break out the dentures and Depends!
Seriously though, MTV is far different now. Really, with the boost of Jersey Shore and the 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom shows, it's a different animal from when the channel was 27. When people talk about its changing face, the "Play videos again!" critique is never far from the discourse; yet, it's hard to see how straightforward music-video programming would fit in to a YouTubed world. Plus, MTV already has a bunch of offshoot stations like MTV Jams to do just that.
That said, it would be nice for MTV to relive what it once did well as a general pop-culture authority.
Check out five suggestions of themes the network could revisit to cover its age spots...
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