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MTV News decided that it was time to shut down to help with cost reduction by facilitating a 25% staff layoff after 36 years of operation. The MTV News division was introduced to its audience in 1987. Initially, it televised the “Week in Rock” news program which had Kurt Loder as host. The MTV network later renamed the same show MTV News. Over the years, fans became familiar with SuChin Pak, Gideon Yago, and Meredith Graves. They worked as reporters gathering and covering music and celebrity gossip over the years.
There Was a 25% Staff Layoff Before MTV News Shut Down
MTV News shutdown was ushered in after they laid off 25% of staff, as reported by Variety. Chris McCarthy, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks president said it was a difficult decision. McCarthy explained that it was a critical strategy that would help the production network in general. Via the statement, he added that canceling some units and streamlining others would reduce costs. Consequently, this would boost the efficiency of the company.
Fans React to the News of the Close Down
During their days on screen, MTV News was sufficient enough for fans. Through their programs, the public became acquainted with the lifestyles of their favorite celebrities. Tabitha Soren and Alison Stewart, two MTV News reporters, made the show a must-watch. The pair sparked a frenzy after interviewing former POTUS, Bill Clinton. They asked if he preferred boxers or briefs. After responding, the former president said:
“I can’t believe she did that.”
Apart from creating such sensational moments, MTV News was famous for bringing unfortunate incidents to the forefront. Nirvana fans would not forget the 1994 announcement that informed them of Kurt Cobain’s death.
Hearing of the MTV News shutdown stirred reactions from fans on social media. Gen Xs and millennials all had stories to tell of how the program was a part of their formative years. One person hailed news correspondents, Soren and Loder, claiming they were the real MVPs who knew their onions. Another person recalled how the program spotlighted some significant moments in pop culture. The fan referenced Courtney Love’s interference with Madonna’s interview, 2Pac, Biggie, and Cobain’s deaths. A tweet echoed how MTV News brought so many details to the front screen. Another Twitter user wrote:
“For millennials and Gen X folks, Kurt Loder was basically our Walter Cronkite.”
Before MTV News shut down, the network changed the dynamics of its annual award, MTV Awards. It was scheduled to hold last Sunday with a live audience and Drew Barrymore as host. However, celebrities began to pull out in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America. The association resumed strike on Tuesday which led to cancellations of shows. Barrymore also joined her colleagues. She bowed out as host, claiming she looked forward to next year.
Nonetheless, it was a successful award ceremony. The organizers gave fans a pre-taped show where winners addressed their fans and acknowledged the awards. Tom Cruise, Jennifer Coolidge, and Pedro Pascal shared their gratitude to the viewers. Also, Barrymore who earned a trophy for her “The Drew Barrymore” talk show was full of love and awe as she gave her speech in a re-recording.