It’s hard to believe it, but MTV, the very first channel dedicated to airing just music, has already reached a quarter of a century in age. Launched on August 1, 1981, the original purpose of the channel was to show music videos. Since its premiere,

MTV has revolutionized the music industry. Slogans such as “I want my MTV” became embedded in the public consciousness, the concept of the VJ (video jockey) was popularized, the idea of a dedicated video-based outlet for music was introduced, and both artists and fans found a central location for music events, news, and promotion. MTV has also been referenced countless times by musicians, other TV channels and shows, films and books. We have everything from MTV cribs, MTV overdrive, MTV news and MTV Music Awards to MTV Laguna Beach and more.

MTV’s pre-history began in 1977, when Warner Cable (a division of Warner Communications and an ancestor of WASEC, Warner Satellite Entertainment Company) launched the first two-way interactive cable TV system, Qube, in Columbus, Ohio, which offered many specialized channels, including a children’s channel called Pinwheel which would later become Nickelodeon. One of these specialized channels was Sight On Sound, a music channel that featured concert footage and music oriented TV programs. Utilizing the interactive Qube service, viewers could vote for their favorite songs and artists.
Nothing has been out of line with MTV:

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