Earlier this week, Van Toffler, the president of MTV told a gathering of the Hollywood Television and Radio Society that his cable television network was pushing Generation X out. I have a news flash for Toffler. We dumped the network a long time ago.
We’ve known for years that they’re moving on from that pesky “music” moniker, of course, but MTV is now ready to give the boot to the very generation that arguably created their success, as well. “We’re pushing Generation X out,” said MTV Networks President Van Toffler at today’s Hollywood and Radio Television Society luncheon in Hollywood’s Hyatt Regency Century Plaza (via Live Feed). “We’re slaves to our different audiences, for MTV that’s millennials, who are vastly different than Generation X; they’re definitely less cynical — they’re more civic minded.”
I know, I know you’re already reaching for your blog platform’s “create new post” button, but hold your horses, there’s more: “Millennials are really about authentic reality and family,” he speculated, musing later that the network “played up the camaraderie and family elements [on ‘Jersey Shore’].”
So, what’s your favorite music video of all time? Here are a few of my top MTV favorites from the 80s.
- Nikita by Elton John
- Like A Prayer, Madonna
- Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Cyndi Lauper
- Glory Days, Bruce Springsteen
- Do You Really Wanna Hurt Me, Culture Club
- Life In A Northern Town, Dream Academy
- You Might Think, The Cars
- Every Breath You Take, The Police
- Borderline, Madonna
- Material Girl, Madonna
- Thriller, Michael Jackson
- Billy Jean, Michael Jackson
I wonder if I’m the only one that ever wonders what happened to Nikita. Her name was Anya Major and she was a British actress. She also starred in 1984, a commercial for Apple Computers.
I wish it were 1986, again, so I could do things differently and live the life I was inspired to live when I heard this song, Life In A Northern Town. It’s not so much that I am full of regret. I just see that I didn’t take many risks and in playing it safe, things didn’t turn out the way I thought they would.
Gee, MTV doesn’t want me. Well, I don’t want them. Good riddance. Give me videos (even the cheesy ones) over dreck like “My Super Sweet Sixteen.”
Hi Jen! Michael Jackson’s Thriller video was always my favorite.
Warrant’s ‘Cherry Pie’. Although this is also the worst song of all time.
I want My MTV!!!
Twisted Sister…I’m not gonna take it.
Tony Basil…Mickey.
Video’s were never my thing but I used to watch Real World until about 10 years ago when I started watching Survivor. I don’t think that I’ve watched then channel since then.
awwwww I think it’s cute. Kids just need to feel rebellious. Let them think that it was MTV’s decision to dump us. MTV was made for kids and it’s just not cool if mom and dad like it.
Yeah, JEN, YOU GO GIRL!
We dumped them about… oh, I don’t know, about the time the first season of ‘The Real World’ aired? That sounds about right.
By the way, I finally got up the gumption to add a list of 80s sites to my blog – and of course your outstanding blog is in there -it has taken forever for me to reciprocate – but just thought I’d let you know 🙂
Ha! So true.
I watched the most MTV, by far, in about 1983. We didn’t have cable, but my next door neighbor did. I spent a lot of time in her basement family room. We had this game we played, where we had to see who could name the artist and song first, right as the video was starting, before the music or little caption appeared.
At any rate, my affection for MTV has been all downhill from there. It’s nice to know, all these years later, that I’ve been dumped!
The MTV that was so hip and cutting edge has turned into a station that provides regular 24/7 network daytime television programming. Judging by their soap opera shows they are catering to 65 year old housewives. Rob
Jen, you are so right. I think Mr. Toffler is putting spin on what has to be a sad report for prospective advertisers. “uhh… yeah…we intentionally dumped this demographic…yeah…that’s it…that’s what we did.” Please!!!
Favorite video…Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal. I’m hoping that someone puts together a blu-ray compilation of MJ’s videos. They’re all great.