MTV turns 30

MTV changed the face of music when it launched Aug. 1, 1981. The network not only became the voice of youth culture; it became pop culture’s biggest purveyor and introduced the art of the music video. Its music-oriented programming exposed viewers to new genres and made pop stars out of a multitude of talented artists.

Now, the network is still going strong; however, it’s far from what it was when it first hit the airwaves. Gone are the days when music was the channel’s top priority. For the past decade, the network has thrived on the success of reality series like Jersey Shore and Teen Mom. It has slowly evolved into a new generation’s lifestyle network.

But it’s hard to forget the past, especially when the network was so instrumental in a music lover’s life. Its impact is undeniable. Whether teens or teen moms and dads, the network has influenced the tastes of generations for three decades.

The beginning

John Simon never watched a day of MTV in his life. To the 61-year-old music lover, American Bandstand and The Ed Sullivan Show were his music television.

"I remember watching The Beatles as a kid on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time," Simon said. "Back then there were music videos, but they were more like musical performances that were recorded."

In the ‘60s and ‘70s, before MTV was ever a concept, the McAllen native relied on American Bandstand to discover new sounds.

Simon, a lifelong fan of rock ‘n’ roll, owns Simon Sez, a popular rock bar at 2007 Orchid Ave. in McAllen. He said radio was another medium he relied on to mold his musical taste.

"I remember listening to ‘Hey Jude’ in the car for the first time," Simon said. "I stayed in the car until it was over because I had never heard it before."

When MTV was launched on Aug. 1, 1981, Simon was 30 years old. By that time, he admits, he had no interest in the channel. However, shortly after its debut, he realized its influence on the musical landscape. The channel gave artists a vehicle to sell themselves in a groundbreaking new medium: the music video.

The first video ever broadcast on the network was The Buggles’ "Video Killed the Radio Star." The network’s launch helped define the colorful ‘80s, at times provoking controversy, but most importantly producing pop superstars such as Madonna, Michael Jackson and Prince. It quickly became the voice of youth culture.

Radio Listening: Elvis heads to Salford for Radio Festival

Elvis’ show is syndicated in over 30 markets in America on the Premiere Radio Network, and he’s been on mornings at WHTZ for 15 years. The show is the most listened to morning show in New York, which consistently ranks number one across multiple demographics and can be heard live across places including Philadelphia, Miami, Cleveland, Tampa, Phoenix and Atlanta. Now with 30 years in the business across different cities in America, Elvis has been a programme director as well as presenter. He said: “I am really looking forward to being in Manchester for what is regarded as the best radio festival in Europe, maybe the world. Interesting radio is all about entertaining listeners and coming up with new ideas to keep content fresh and interactive. I am excited to address some of the UK’s best radio talent and collaborate with the audience to share invaluable knowledge and skills.

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