The familiar flicker of music videos on dedicated television channels will soon disappear from Australian screens. In a move signalling a major shift in media consumption, Paramount Global has confirmed it will cease broadcasting its MTV Classic and Club MTV channels in Australia.
The Final Curtain for Music Video TV
The shutdown is scheduled for early 2026, bringing a definitive end to a format that defined youth culture for decades. The decision directly impacts the two remaining linear channels in the MTV music video portfolio available to Australian audiences.
MTV Classic, known for its nostalgic playlists spanning the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, and Club MTV, which focused on contemporary dance and electronic hits, will both go dark. This follows the earlier discontinuation of the main MTV channel in Australia, which transitioned to a reality and entertainment format years ago.
Strategic Shift to Streaming
The closure is part of a broader strategic pivot by parent company Paramount Global. The media giant is increasingly concentrating its resources and content on its direct-to-consumer streaming platform, Paramount+.
Industry analysts point to declining linear television viewership and the soaring costs of music licensing as key factors behind the decision. It is simply more sustainable and profitable to host music content within a subscription-based streaming model than to maintain traditional broadcast channels with high royalty overheads.
This move mirrors global trends, where the once-mighty MTV network has steadily moved away from its music video roots internationally, favouring reality TV and scripted programming on its main channels while offering music content digitally.
What This Means for Australian Viewers
For fans who still tune in to these dedicated music video channels, the closure represents the end of an era of passive, curated music discovery. The linear format offered a shared viewing experience and a sense of anticipation, elements that algorithm-driven playlists on streaming services often lack.
However, the music video itself is far from dead. Audiences are directed towards digital platforms for their fix. Music video playlists and artist channels are hugely popular on YouTube, while streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music increasingly integrate video content.
Furthermore, Paramount+ is expected to bolster its own music-related offerings, potentially including exclusive content, documentaries, and curated music video blocks, to cater to this audience segment directly through its app.
The shutdown of MTV Classic and Club MTV marks a poignant milestone. It underscores the complete transformation of how we consume visual music media, from scheduled television programming to on-demand digital streaming, closing a significant chapter in Australia's entertainment history.
