It’s an oft-repeated platitude that MTV hasn’t merited the “M” in its name for years—but a disagreement with video syndication service Vevo means that MTV.com is, in fact, missing a whole lot of music today.
Vevo backer Universal, one of the largest record labels in the world, has pulled many of its biggest artists’ music videos from the site, pending resolution of the conflict.
That means no Gaga, no Bieber, no Black Eyed, Peas, no Taylor Swift or Eminem or Rihanna or Kanye or Miley or Mariah or M.I.A. or Sugarland, until the contract talks are settled. For now, visitors attempting to watch these artists’ clips on MTV.com will see only the caps-lock message “WE’RE SORRY, THIS VIDEO ISN’T AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW. WE’RE DOING OUR BEST TO BRING IT BACK.”
As the New York Times and several other media outlets report, MTV has released a statement saying, in part, that the two sides “were unable to reach a fair and equitable agreement.” While Universal claims that MTV has been “unwilling to negotiate a fair syndication deal with Vevo to carry our artists’ videos.”
There may be a light at the end of the stand-off tunnel, however; MTV has said they’re amenable to a solution, and Universal claims, “we are engaged in active discussions with MTV Networks, with whom we hope to work with in the near future as one of our syndication partners.”
(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)
More news from EW.com’s Music Mix:
Lady Gaga Kicks Off Lollapalooza: On the Scene
Kanye debuts ‘Power’ video
Eminem’s ‘Love the Way You Lie’ video: Watch it here
Robyn at New York’s Webster Hall: Best show of the year?
Beach Boys’ label wants writing credit and royalties for Katy Perry’s ‘California Gurls’—but they’re not suing yet
NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! If I can’t watch a video on MTV.com, then where WILL I watch it??
Vevo has their own YouTube channel
I think Rion is being sarcastic, Sparkles.
How will I ever get my Justin Bieber fix?
(Did I just type that out loud?)
He is good for a laugh. That’s about it.
so was your mom last night
You can go to Youtube and watch him get a water bottle thrown at his head. Far more entertaining than his “music.”
And you get to see him walk into a glass door.
Lool yes you did ! and theres alwayz youtube
Good thing there are no major new releases dropping in the next few weeks save for Katy Perry, whose is on Capitol & quite safe. The biggest fall out is for Eminem & Rihanna whose #1 “Love The Way You Lie” should have gained some(not quite sure how many) points due to views of the video online. Another group & song feeling the heat is probably Maroon 5 (love ‘em) whose “Misery” finally hit the top 20 of Billboard’s Hot 100 last week. This should help NON Universal artists like Ke$ha whose new single “Take It Off” officially is worked at radio this week. Te biggest debut on the ew Hot 100 should be Taylor Swift’s “Mine” which has been the #1 selling song on iTunes since last week when it was rush released, but no video is finished yet.
Haha: Katy Perry as a major release.
We’ve got problems if she’s considered “major”.
Regardless of your musical tastes, she is indeed considered a major new release in the industry. #1 song of summer & heavily promoted on iTunes. I love snarky comments, but on this you fail.
I hate Katy Perry but have to agree with Phil here.
You missed the point:
WE’VE GOT PROBLEMS IF SHE’S CONSIDERED “MAJOR”.
Oh no, the music industry doesn’t mesh with Chris’ tastes! We have problems people!
If that’s what you enjoy, there’s no hope for the human race there pal.
Christian’s dad makes him listen to such crappy music when they’re playing hide the pickle.
Oh no! The music industry doesn’t mesh with Chris’ tastes, so now there’s no hope for the human race!
Seriously, get over yourself. We’re talking about pop music here. As far as I’m concerned there’s been little of value since Lennon died, but I don’t act like it’s a big deal. Why? Because it’s not.
nice hyperbole Chris. Either that or you’re just a bloviating moron.
Wow. Both E’s bro and Christian are dating each other. It must be a real sausage fest in whichever one of your mother’s basement you live in.
LOL, i watch all my stuff on FUSE where Music Lives
Do they still make music videos?
Wow that’s a lot of artists that aren’t going to be on MTV.com, so hopefully people will start turning to other sources. I’m sorry, but MTV needs to at least change its name if it’s never going to play music videos. Maybe this will be a wake up call. Until then I’ll stick to Vevo, Vh1 and Fuse for my music videos.
Since most viewers of MTV and its’ website are looking for crap like Jersey S(w)hore, Disaster Date, and the (un) Real World and have no clue there ever was a” V” in MTV , this news is invalid.
you sure know a lot about mtv’s programming for being so judgmental about it.
Are you suggesting that there is no longer any Vision at MTV? Since that’s what the V stood for.
That was my thought Jonathan. This has been coming for awhile. That “M” should forever be in quotes if they aren’t going to play videos anymore. Those are mighty big names for MTV to not have.
Does it really matter since MTV rarely plays music videos anymore??
I use to think that VJs choose the videos that go on the air, based on public popularity.
What really happens is that companies like Vivo pay MTV to put the videos on the air. The more Vivo pays the more often the video is played. No wonder there’s so much crap on MTV.
MTV is just trash now anyway. Can watch video’s other places with out the ad’s.
yeah,mtv was awesome in 80s and 90s,its just trash now
LETS GET OUR CASH BACK!!!
I have set up a place that the poor in the country can start to get their fair share of the giveaways. It is our turn to have a piece of the action.
Just GOOGLE “CASH TEACHER” and click the first link. They are that good. Then you will find the ways to cash in that no one wants you to know. Go to the “BANKRUPTCY” section to see things that the corporate fat cats keep secret from the general public.
If you are filthy rich, then please don’t come and visit. This is for us middle and lower class people. You rich have enough of OUR money already.
The bailouts were billions of our dollars and they went to mostly to help the rich. When do we poor folks get ours??? That time is NOW!!!
There are a million other places to watch these videos. Besides, since when do people associate MTV with music?
Is anyone REALLY upset about not being able to see Lady Gaga’s videos? I mean, come on.
I can’t stand her either, but to deny that she is massively popular is just stupid.
MTV Sucks
I truly believe that Lady Gaga is in fact an man by the name of Simon Hendricks of East Fishkill, NY and currently has 4 outstanding warrants for his arrest by the state of New York and Dutchess County for lewd conduct and sexual performance with a minor under the age of 15.