Yesterday was the thirtieth anniversary of MTV. Back then, it was known as “Music Television” and it was basically a radio with video. The channel played music videos around the clock and was hosted by “veejays”, the video version of a disc jockey. The network’s annual VMA’s (Video Music Awards) has become a highly rated anticipated event.
As years passed, MTV slowly added original programming, such as broadcasting from Spring Break. In 1992, MTV hired Mary-Ellis Bunis, a well regarded producer of several soap operas (As the World Turns, Santa Barbara) and writer Jonathan Murray to create a soap opera for the network. When budget issues stalled the project, Bunim and Murray decided to try a non-scripted soap. In May of 1992, MTV debuted their show, which became an iconic reality show that has spawned countless imitations, The Real World. Soon after, MTV found success with other series such as Beavis & Butthead and The Osbournes. Now, the network is made up almost entirely of scripted and reality series (including the blockbuster The Jersey Shore, and 16 and Pregnant) and music videos are reserved for MTV2, the network’s sister channel, which is now airing more original programming as opposed to music videos. Let’s take a look back at some of MTV”s most memorable moments.
CURRENT CONCEPTS 