Entertainment

MTV to Shut Down All Remaining Global Music Channels by December 2025


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Entertainment Desk

MTV is preparing to shut down all of its remaining music channels worldwide by December 2025, marking one of the most transformative shifts in the brand’s four-decade history. What began in 1981 with the iconic debut of “Video Killed the Radio Star” is now giving way to a media landscape dominated entirely by streaming platforms. Paramount Skydance, MTV’s parent company, has confirmed plans to close channels including MTV Music, MTV Hits, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Europe. Similar closures will also take place in France, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Brazil, and Australia. The decision underscores how dramatically audience habits have shifted, with platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok replacing traditional music television as the primary mode of music discovery and consumption.

Over the past decade, MTV had already begun pivoting away from music programming, focusing instead on reality entertainment and digital content as linear viewership sharply declined. Advertising revenue for its music channels continued to fall, and the rise of on-demand audio and video platforms undermined the purpose of 24-hour scheduled music rotation. Industry reports note that this global shutdown represents the end of linear music TV as a mainstream format, closing the chapter on a broadcast model that shaped generations. With this transition, MTV’s global presence will now center on entertainment properties and digital platforms, further accelerating its evolution into a streaming-first brand. The shutdown not only concludes a significant era for the network but also symbolizes the broader transformation of the media and music landscapes worldwide.

Business

Ishq FM Sale Falls Through as TV Today Terminates Deal with CCAMPL


The planned sale of TV Today Network’s FM radio business has collapsed after Creative Channel Advertising and Marketing Pvt. Ltd. (CCAMPL) withdrew from the agreement. The India Today Group-owned broadcaster has formally terminated its sale and advertising agreements with CCAMPL, ending a ₹20 crore deal that aimed to offload its Ishq FM operations in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.

The termination was confirmed via a regulatory filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). According to the filing, CCAMPL issued a formal email on September 9, 2025, citing its inability to proceed with the proposed transaction. As a result, both the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an Advertising Sales Agreement have been dissolved.

The MoU, signed earlier in 2025, was part of a broader strategy by TV Today to exit the FM broadcasting sector, following a Board resolution dated January 9, 2025. The deal was valued at ₹20 crore and was structured for completion in two tranches—₹10 crore at the time of signing and ₹10 crore upon deal closure, subject to regulatory clearances. CCAMPL was also engaged to act as an advertising sales agent for the FM stations, with professional fees attached.

TV Today had already received approval from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) to transfer its FM operations to its wholly owned subsidiary, Vibgyor Broadcasting Private Limited. The approval, issued on August 20, 2025, covered three Ishq FM stations broadcasting at 104.8 FM across Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

The company had earlier updated investors through multiple disclosures, noting progress and anticipated timelines. The transaction was expected to be completed by January 31, 2026, making CCAMPL’s sudden withdrawal a major disruption in the strategic shift away from FM radio.

The collapse of the deal underscores ongoing challenges in the FM radio industry, where revenues have come under pressure due to shifts in digital media consumption, advertising declines, and increased operating costs. For now, TV Today Network retains its radio assets under the Vibgyor brand, and its next steps in divesting or reimagining the business remain uncertain.

Business

Shaurya Sharma Joins ZEEL as Head of Marketing for Zee TV


Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has announced the appointment of Shaurya Sharma as the new Head of Marketing for Zee TV. In this new capacity, Sharma will also serve as Vice President at ZEEL, bringing his extensive marketing leadership experience to one of India’s most iconic television brands.

Making the announcement via LinkedIn, Sharma shared his enthusiasm about the move, noting that he is excited to begin this new chapter with ZEEL. His appointment marks a strategic addition to the company’s leadership at a time when the television landscape is becoming increasingly competitive and dynamic.

Sharma transitions to ZEEL from Sun TV Network Limited, where he held the position of Cluster Marketing Head. During his tenure, he successfully led the marketing efforts for multiple channels under the network, including Sun Neo, Sun Marathi, and Sun Bangla. His time at Sun TV saw him play a pivotal role in growing regional reach and strengthening audience engagement across multiple markets.

With over 13 years of professional experience, Sharma brings a deep understanding of consumer behavior, content marketing, and brand building in the media and entertainment space. He began his career at United Spirits Limited, but his foray into the entertainment industry began with Disney Star, where he spent nearly six years honing his craft in media marketing and strategy.

His professional journey also includes valuable stints at Shadowfox and further leadership responsibilities at Sun TV before making the leap to ZEEL. His diverse experience across multiple networks gives him a strong edge in crafting innovative marketing strategies tailored to India’s vast and varied audience base.

Academically, Sharma holds a B.Tech degree in Computer Engineering. He later pursued his management education at the reputed T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), where he developed the business and strategic acumen that has fueled his career in marketing.

With his appointment, ZEEL aims to further strengthen Zee TV’s brand presence and reinforce its legacy as a leading name in Indian television. Sharma’s blend of creativity, analytical thinking, and deep industry insight is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the channel’s future direction.