Former MTV News VJs Ananda Lewis & Carson Daly Address Outlet Shutting Down After 36 Years: ‘A Pillar Of Creative & Diverse Speech Is Crumbling’

Former MTV News VJs Ananda Lewis & Carson Daly Address Outlet Shutting Down After 36 Years: ‘A Pillar Of Creative & Diverse Speech Is Crumbling’

The world is still reacting to the shocking reports that MTV News is closing its doors.

As you may already know, recent reports revealed that the news production division of MTV is coming to an end after 36 years. The shutdown is reportedly the result of parent company Paramount Global dropping 25% of its staff.

Many of the division’s former VJs and staff have started to speak out, sharing thoughtful memories and their sadness about the entire ordeal.

Former VJ (video jockey) Ananda Lewis, who worked for MTV News from 1996 – 2001 reportedly stated:

“A pillar of creative and diverse speech is crumbling. MTV News covered things no one else could…We could get inside the trailer with DMX and Korn as they were taking historic concert stages. Artists trusted MTV News to tell their stories.”

She added:

 “Even though I was technically a VJ, I did many specials with MTV News and know firsthand what a huge loss this is for the culture of music and all who love it.”

Ananda Lewis

“Today Show” host Carson Daly, who was a VJ from 1998 to 2003, also addressed MTV News coming to an end and said:

“Columbine, 9/11, those are big events on our watch at MTV. That generation did turn to MTV News…It will be sorely missed.”

Actress/TV personality Martha Quinn, who was brought on as one of MTV’s first-ever VJs, reacted to the shutdown via Twitter. Sharing an old clip of herself from 1984, she wrote:

“So long #MTV News, it was a great ride”

So long #MTV News, it was a great ride ?? https://t.co/t4ygMnP4LQ

— Martha Quinn ? (@MarthaQuinn) May 10, 2023

MTV News premiered back in 1987 and reportedly quickly soared in popularity, thanks to the arrival of editor and news anchor Kurt Loader, host of  “The Week in Rock” series. The program reportedly continued to do well in the 90s and early 2000s by rotating on-air personalities, many of who went on the become notable names in Hollywood.

Among said celebs include actress/TV host Adrienne Bailon, actress/”Love Is Blind” host Vanessa Lachey, and actor/comedian Bill Bellamy.

Reportedly, a memo from Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks president Chris McCarthy explained the decision to end the beloved media outlet. In the message to staff, McCarthy reportedly stated the network:

“[feels] pressure from broader economic headwinds like many of our peers.”

Are you sad to see MTV News go? Tell us in the comments section below!

[VIA]