In 1980, the iconic Video killed the Radio Star music video aired on MTV, marking the beginning of a new generation in television. Since then, MTV has aired countless memorable moments such as the MTV Music Awards (2010-present), Nirvana Unplugged (1994), and even The Real World. (1992-present)

Today, MTV schedules very little music. Teen Wolf, Ridiculousness, Guy Code, Fantasy Factory, and Teen Mom are just some of the shows suck up air time. Although some of them are arguably good shows, none of them have anything to do with music. In fact, music only airs for three hours a day in the early hours before dawn.

In a Lancer Media survey, people agree that MTV should play more music. Senior Cory Haddock said, “I think that MTV needs to go back to their old ways. The best way to put it is in the lyrics from the song ‘1985’ by Bowling for Soup.” The song Haddock is referring to has a chorus of “There was U2 and Blondie and music still on MTV.”

What happened?

Some of MTV’s best moments weren’t just music. “When I got to high school, Beavis and Butthead was extremely popular at the time. My friends and I had t-shirts and we quoted lines,” said social studies teacher Mr. James Hines. He recognizes that some of the reality shows are similar to what aired when he watched MTV, but he is not satisfied.

People like Madi Ambush, who did not grow up in the generation of Beavis and Butthead, said something similar to Mr Hines. “I’ve been watching MTV since I was in fifth grade, and I remember they use to play music all the time. Now, they just play it in the morning.” She also said that MTV appeals more to teenagers now than any other age group.

English teacher Mrs. Natalie Rebetsky, who grew up in the 70’s and 80’s, remembers when cable was rare. “My boyfriend had MTV (cable). That might be why I dated him. I would take my sister to his house to watch Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller.'”

So why don’t they play music anymore? The answer that makes the most sense is the internet. Vevo, YouTube, and iTunes are just a few places where the internet offers music. Even with the internet, people still agree that MTV should play more music. Maybe they’d make more money, gain more viewers. Surely, money would be made in what the viewers are interested in.

Junior Mariah Strawley said, “Please take the pregnant teens off my TV and bring back the music.”