On August 1, 1981, MTV (Music Television) began broadcasting in the United States. Its first video, “Video Killed the Radio Star,” symbolized a shift toward visual music culture. MTV quickly changed how artists promoted their work, making music videos a central part of marketing and image-building. The channel helped break new artists and genres to national audiences. It also influenced fashion, youth culture, and advertising. Over time, MTV branched into reality shows and other formats, but its debut marked a turning point in American pop culture.
