The website started in 1996 and now it’s gone.
Music fans and journalists are reeling from the sudden closure of MTVNews.com, resulting in the apparent loss of over 20 years of articles. The website, launched in 1996 as an extension of the 80s MTV program, covered major stories in music, film, and politics. It remained active even after the brand’s YouTube channel shut down last year.
On Monday, visitors to MTVNews.com were unexpectedly redirected to the main MTV website without any formal announcement, sparking outrage on social media. Many were angry about the lack of communication and the loss of the extensive archive. Patrick Hosken, former music editor for MTV News, expressed his frustration, stating that “eight years of my life are gone without a trace.” Similarly, Rolling Stone senior writer Brian Hiatt criticized the move, calling it “really despicable” and lamenting the loss of decades of pop culture history research material.
It was the original TMZ!
MTV News was well-known for its comprehensive coverage of various music genres, from rock to hip-hop. Its popular weekly column, Mixtape Monday, was highly regarded for spotlighting new artists and featuring insightful interviews. The site also tackled political issues, with fans reminiscing about its coverage of significant events such as the Kendrick vs. Drake rivalry, the Israel/Palestine conflict, and election news.
Despite the closure of MTV News’ broadcast division in May last year by Paramount Global, the website had continued to operate, giving hope that it would survive the company’s 25 percent staff cut. The original MTV News program aired in the late 80s with Kurt Loder as the first correspondent, establishing a legacy that many feel has now been erased.
Additionally, CMT.com, a sister site focusing on country music and also owned by Paramount Global, faced a similar fate last week, with its archive disappearing as well. This abrupt closure of both sites has left many mourning the loss of valuable cultural and historical content.
