This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

MTV Turns 30

An MTV employee looks back at the entertainment the channel has provided for the past 30 years

Remember when you thought 30 was SUPER old? Well, now 30 is the new 20 and if you round that corner you’re still hip in my book.

Yesterday marked the 30th anniversary of MTV, which launched with the words, “ladies and gentlemen, rock ‘n roll” followed by the airing of the Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star.” It was originally accessible by a few thousand people on a northern NJ cable system. Now now it's in the homes of millions across the globe.   John Sykes thought up the idea of MTV in his 1970s senior TV/Radio class at Syracuse University and from that idea the cultural institution was born.   

So let’s recap what MTV has brought us over the past three decades.  Are you old enough to remember Madonna dry-humping the stage at the first ever Video Music Awards in 1984? How about when Nirvana took over the first “Unplugged” session? MTV was one of the first networks to break the story of Michael Jackson’s death. Music moments in our lifetime will never be matched by any other network.

Find out what's happening in Springfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here comes the comment I’m so sick of hearing now, “why doesn’t MTV play music anymore.” Right? Is that where you were headed? Having been an MTV employee for over three years now (yes working here is as awesome as you think), I can promise you—we play music!  In between almost every tv segment and commercial break we play music videos, and we’ve also dedicated channels like MTV Jams and MTV Hits which plays continuous nonstop hits for your musical palate. The reason MTV isn’t solely a music channel anymore is because YOU the viewer get everything online, with youtube, itunes, iPads and iPods and Blackberries before it even premieres. You wouldn’t wait around until 8 p.m. anymore to watch the new Rihanna video – you’ve already seen it three times on TMZ, Perez Hilton and Popsugar.

I rest my case.

Find out what's happening in Springfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Back to the programming which has brought us on a crazy ride. We kicked off reality programming with “The Real World,” a show which has since evolved into twenty six seasons of awesomeness, with amazing characters we’ve been able to roll our eyes at and want to party with. “Daria” captured our heart as the smart, misanthropic teen who is stuck in an awful high school situation. Did you know Daria first appeared as a reoccurring character in “Beavis in Butthead,” the two vulgar comically ignorant boys who will soon be resurrected? You heard it right; these guys will be coming back to the network, targeting snarky comments to the likes of Lady Gaga and co.

We’ve opened your eyes to teen pregnancy with franchises like “16 & Pregnant” and “Teen Mom.”  We’ve taken you behind the scenes of the music, in-depth looks at issues with “True Life” and “Made.” We’ve “Rocked the Vote,” and visited soldiers on bases. We’ve launched campaigns like “A Thin Line,” which hopes to end online abuse.  You’ve fallen in love with our Jackasses, the boys of “Nitro Circus,” and came along for the ride of Bam Margera’s wedding. We’ve captured the audience with our Movie Awards and VMAs (really Kanye!?) and yes, we too are obsessed with the cast of “Jersey Shore.”  

So where is MTV headed? We are diving into the world of scripted programming with shows like “Teen Wolf,” “Awkward” and “I Just Want My Pants Back” on the schedule. We have “Silent Library” and other alternative comedies coming out, like the upcoming “The Substitute” featuring comedian John Gabrus and “Money From Strangers” with host Jeff Dye.

Every few months we also host a comedy showcase in NYC (and in LA). We feature up and coming comedians on the scene and even guests like Springfield resident Jeffrey Ross has showed up for a surprise set. Join us this September. Check for details at our twitter handle @MTVCOMEDY.

Through the Carson Daly, boy band and Britney days MTV has been there for you, entertaining your teenage self and exposing you to great television. As you grow up we hope you continue to keep MTV a part of your lives (and your children!) Take a moment today and reflect upon your favorite MTV moments. We would love to hear from you.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?