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CMT (American TV channel)
CMT (American TV channel)
CMT (American TV channel)
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Country Music Television, often abbreviated to CMT, is an American pay TV network that launched on March 5, 1983. It is currently owned by Paramount Skydance Corporation through the MTV Entertainment Group unit of its networks division. CMT was the first nationally available channel devoted to country music and country music videos, with its programming also including concerts, specials, and biographies of country music stars.

Key Information

Over time, the network's programming expanded to incorporate original lifestyle and reality programming, and acquired sitcoms. As of December 2023, CMT is available to approximately 56 million pay television households in the United States; down from its 2011 peak of 93 million households.[2] The channel's headquarters are located at the Paramount Pictures lot in Los Angeles, and has additional offices in Nashville, Tennessee.

History

[edit]

Early years (1983–1997)

[edit]
Logo used during the 1990s and 2000s.

CMTV, an initialism for Country Music Television, was founded by Glenn D. Daniels, the owner of Video World Productions in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Daniels put together the ownership group of Telestar Corporation and the Blinder Robinson & Company investment bank in a three-way split. Daniels also served as the program director and the first president of the network.[3] The network launched on March 5, 1983, at 6:19 p.m. CT, beating its chief competitor, The Nashville Network, to air by two days. The first video clip to air on CMT was Faron Young's 1971 hit "It's Four in the Morning".[4] The following summer, MTV (which would be acquired by Viacom 16 years later) filed a trademark infringement lawsuit over the initials CMTV, and the network changed its name to simply CMT.[5]

In 1991, Opryland USA and its owner Gaylord Entertainment Company acquired CMT in a $34 million deal.[6] The network was sold by a group led by radio station owner Robert Sillerman, record producer James Guercio and Nyhl L Henson.[6] Opryland USA and owner Gaylord also owned CMT's competitor The Nashville Network. In October 1992, CMT launched its first international channel, CMT Europe, as part of the Sky Multichannels package. In July 1995, CMT launched its Brazilian version in association with Grupo Abril's TVA.[7] By 1998, Gaylord reported $10 million in losses from CMT Europe and decided to cease broadcasting the network on March 31, 1998.[8] Gaylord had planned to emulate the successful model created by E!, by selling large programming blocks to other European channels, but these plans never occurred.[8]

On October 1, 1994, CMT made its first major format change by adding several new music-oriented programs.[9] In 1995, CMT dropped all videos by Canadian artists without U.S. record contracts in response to the network being replaced in Canada by Calgary, Alberta-based New Country Network.[10] By March 1996, CMT had eventually returned the dropped videos to its playlist after reaching an agreement to acquire a 20% ownership of New Country Network, relaunching it as a domestic version of CMT.[11]

Under CBS/Viacom (1997–2017)

[edit]
CMT's Nashville offices for music-based operations.

In 1997, both CMT and TNN were sold to Westinghouse, then-owner of CBS, for a reported $1.5 billion.[12] CBS would in-turn be acquired by Viacom in 2000, assuming ownership of CMT and TNN and folding them into the MTV Networks. TNN would phase out country programming to avoid overlap with CMT, changing its full name to "The National Network".[a] In-spite of the decrease in music programming, in part due to the rise of internet-based platforms in the 2000s, CMT would experience significant ratings gains in the years' since its acquisition. By 2007, the channel was available in more than 83 million homes.[13]

On April 4, 2012, CMT announced its first adult animated series, Bounty Hunters; and Trinity 911, a 10-episode "workplace docu-comedy".[14] Trinity 911 was later renamed Big Texas Heat[15] and was removed from the schedule after airing four episodes.[citation needed]

On June 10, 2016, CMT announced that they would pick up the ABC series Nashville following its cancellation. The network would order a fifth season of 22 episodes.[16]

Restructuring (2017–present)

[edit]

In 2017, as part of Viacom's restructuring plans, CMT would begin a transition back to unscripted programming.[17] As a result, Nashville's sixth season would also be its last.[18][19]

As part of its shift back to unscripted programming, CMT announced Music City in September 2017,[20] a reality series created by Adam DiVello of The Hills and Laguna Beach fame.[21] Set in Nashville, the show features Bryant Lowry, a drummer in the Nashville pop band Jet Black Alley Cat.[22][23] The series premiered on March 1, 2018.[24][25]

In 2019, Viacom acquired Pluto TV, and launched several CMT-branded channels, including a channel focused on Western genre movies (CMT Westerns) and a channel dedicated to Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team.[26][27][28]

In October 2021, CMT picked up the second season of The Last Cowboy—a reality series by Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan.[29] The program had moved from Paramount Network following abandoned plans to relaunch the outlet as a movie network.[30]

Programming

[edit]
Main article: List of programs broadcast by CMT

CMT's current programming consists largely of acquired sitcoms and movies. The channel's daily country music programming consists of a five-hour music video block, seen during the early morning hours, as well as CMT Hot Twenty, which airs on weekend mornings. Of Paramount's former music channels (not counting its suite of all-music digital channels), CMT has historically been the most devoted to music-related programming and previously set aside at least six hours of its daily schedule for music videos during the overnight and morning hours.[citation needed] In addition, most of CMT's original programming is centered on, or related to, the Culture of Dallas or Nashville, Tennessee, where the network's studios are located.[31]

CMT's music mix is primarily focused on mainstream hit country songs, but also includes occasional videos from crossover, Americana, and alternative acts (dubbed "CMT Edge"). Specials seen on the network include the annual CMT Music Awards (with an "extended version" airing since 2022, when the live telecast moved to CBS[32]), and CMT Crossroads, which pairs country music artists with musicians from other music genres. It also carries simulcasts of MTV and Nickelodeon's own award specials as part of Paramount's common "road block" event programming strategy.

[edit]
  • CMT Europe - Launched in October 1992 and closed in March 1998.
  • CMT Brazil - Launched in July 1995 and closed in March 2001. Replaced by MusicCountry.[33][34]
  • CMT Australia - Launched on July 1, 2020, as a replacement for Country Music Channel (CMC). Dedicated to country music videos. Closed in 2025 to relaunch CMC.
  • CMT Canada - Canadian version majority-owned by Corus Entertainment with Paramount owning a 10% stake. During the 2010s, the channel drifted away from country-related programming, phased out CMT's original programming (while producing its own programming), and eventually dropped music programming altogether.
  • The Nashville Network - A former rival network, TNN became a sibling to CMT in 1997. TNN would eventually shift to a general entertainment format in order to prevent overlap; later relaunching as the male-oriented Spike TV in 2003 and, Paramount Network in 2018.

CMT Music

[edit]
CMT Music
CountryUnited States
HeadquartersNew York
Programming
LanguageEnglish
Picture format480i (SDTV)
Ownership
OwnerParamount Media Networks
ParentMTV Entertainment Group
Sister channelsCMT
History
LaunchedAugust 1, 1998; 27 years ago (1998-08-01)
Former namesVH1 Country (1998–2006)
CMT Pure Country (2006–16)

CMT Music (formerly CMT Pure Country) is an American pay television channel and a sister network to CMT. It exclusively carries country music videos in an 8-hour programming wheel schedule similar to several other video-exclusive networks owned by Paramount Skydance Corporation.[citation needed]

In recent years, CMT Music has lost carriage with the growth of streaming alternatives including its parent company's Paramount+, and has generally been depreciated by Paramount Skydance in current retransmission consent negotiations with cable and streaming providers.

History

[edit]
Logo as CMT Pure Country, 2006-2016

The network was first launched as VH1 Country, a country music video-oriented spinoff of VH1, on August 1, 1998; predating the folding of CBS Cable networks TNN and CMT into Viacom.[citation needed] On May 27, 2006, the channel rebranded as CMT Pure Country to realign the CMT brand to solely represent Viacom's country music-related programming.[citation needed]

On January 4, 2016, the network's name was changed to CMT Music.[35] Outside of the addition of full-length video tags throughout videos and new imaging, no major changes came to the channel's programming.[citation needed] In 2015, the network discontinued specific video blocks due to that year's cutbacks throughout Viacom, including music video programmers.[citation needed]

The network has lost carriage throughout time with the growth of streaming video options, being carried solely in standard definition, and CMT no longer being considered a prime network among those in Paramount Skydance's suite.[citation needed] CMT Music has generally been depreciated by Paramount Skydance in current retransmission consent negotiations with cable and streaming providers for other options; such as Pluto TV, which provides several CMT and Vevo-branded country music channels.[citation needed] In 2021, Spectrum removed it from their current-day packages, with only grandfathered subscribers with older packages able to view the network.[citation needed]

Programming

[edit]

Currently, the network offers an eight-hour wheel of videos, all under the EPG-only title of CMT Music with little theming of video blocks outside promoting special events such as the CMT Music Awards nominees and winners around the ceremony. As Pure Country, the network featured branded blocks of programming sub-divided by genres and periods of time:

  • Pure Vintage featured a mix of classic and vintage country music videos that were filmed and aired prior to 2000, including older performance video clips of songs. The block aired for 30 minutes, twice a day.
  • The Edge Bluegrass, neo-traditionalist country, and Americana music videos are featured. Originally branded as Wide Open Country
  • Studio 330 Sessions Live sessions recorded at CMT's studios in Nashville (330 refers to CMT's Nashville address of 330 Commerce Street). Segments from the sessions continue to air in the channel's current rotation.
  • Pure 12 Pack Countdown As with all of MTV's countdown shows, a limited pool of videos was voted on by fans online and sorted by popularity without industry or recording metrics.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

CMT (American TV channel)

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CMT is an American pay television network owned by Paramount Skydance Corporation through the MTV Entertainment Group unit of its networks division, that focuses on and lifestyle programming, including music videos, concerts, specials, original series, and reality shows. Launched on March 5, 1983, as Country Music Television () by radio DJ Glenn D. Daniels through his company Video World Productions in , it was the first nationally distributed cable channel dedicated exclusively to videos and related content. Over its history, CMT has evolved from a music video-centric network to a broader brand while maintaining its roots in . After periods of independent operation and ownership by , it was acquired by (owner of ) in 1997 for $1.5 billion as part of a deal that included The Nashville Network (TNN). In 1999, Viacom purchased CMT following its merger with , integrating it into what became the MTV Networks division; this structure persisted through subsequent corporate changes, including the 2019 rebranding of Viacom and as ViacomCBS (later ) and the 2025 merger with to form Paramount Skydance Corporation. Following the merger, the network underwent restructuring, including the cancellation of the 2025 . The network rebranded from Country Music Television to simply CMT in 2010 to reflect its expanded focus beyond music videos. CMT's programming highlights include flagship music shows like CMT Hot 20 , which airs top country videos weekly, and , a fan-voted ceremony featuring live by major artists since 2005. The channel also produces original content such as reality competitions (The Last Cowboy), scripted dramas (Landman, created by ), and crossover specials like , which pairs country stars with artists from other genres. Available via cable, satellite, and streaming on Paramount+, CMT reaches millions of viewers and remains a key platform for promoting culture, events, and emerging talent.

History

Launch and early development (1983–1991)

Country Music Television (CMTV), the first nationally syndicated cable channel dedicated exclusively to country music videos, was founded by Glenn D. Daniels, Sr., with his son G. Dean Daniels, Jr., as co-founder, and launched on March 5, 1983, at 6:19 p.m. CST from studios in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The network emerged as a response to the growing popularity of music videos popularized by MTV, but tailored specifically to the country genre, filling a gap in national programming for the format. Daniels, who also served as the initial program director and president, drew from his experience in radio and television production to create the channel, securing startup funding through investors like Blinder & Robinson and distribution support from Telestar Corp. The debut broadcast featured a live performance clip of Faron Young's 1971 hit "It's Four in the Morning," marking the channel's inaugural and setting the tone for its core content of videos, artist interviews, and segments highlighting Nashville's music scene, such as "Down ." Initial programming aired for four hours daily, quickly expanding to six hours within two weeks, 12 hours by May 1983, and a full 24-hour schedule by June 1983, incorporating both archived footage from the Daniels Video Library and new original productions focused on live performances and artist features from Nashville venues. This rapid buildup emphasized conceptual storytelling and cultural immersion in , prioritizing connections to Nashville's songwriting and performance heritage over exhaustive video catalogs. Early distribution posed significant challenges, as CMTV relied on uplink via Comstar D-4 to reach rural cable systems, where had strong appeal but limited urban penetration; affiliates were secured progressively after launch, with a major showcase at the June 1983 National Cable Show accelerating growth. By the mid-1980s, the channel had established a foothold in -delivered cable households, particularly in rural areas, though exact subscriber figures remained modest compared to general cable expansion. A key milestone came in 1984 with the production of early live concert specials, building on the network's foundation in authentic performances and helping to solidify its identity before operational shifts later that year. Headquartered initially in Hendersonville with a small team of around 20 employees handling production and operations, CMTV's lean structure supported its grassroots approach amid these distribution hurdles. Under Daniels' leadership through 1991, these foundational elements positioned CMTV for broader evolution into a major network.

Expansion under (1991–1997)

In January 1991, Gaylord Entertainment Company, the parent of , acquired Country Music Television (CMT) in a multimillion-dollar deal, marking a significant consolidation within the media landscape. This purchase integrated CMT with Gaylord's existing assets, including the Grand Ole Opry, The Nashville Network (TNN), and the Opryland theme park, allowing for synergistic programming and promotional opportunities centered on Nashville's heritage. The acquisition positioned CMT as a key component of 's entertainment ecosystem, leveraging the theme park's live events and the Opry's iconic status to enhance the channel's content and visibility. Under Gaylord's ownership, CMT experienced substantial domestic growth, expanding its subscriber base from approximately 19.7 million households in 1993, reaching 24.9 million by the end of 1994 and 31.7 million by the end of 1995—a 27.4% increase in 1995 alone, contributing to overall growth of about 61% over the two years—driven by aggressive cable carriage negotiations and enhanced . The channel maintained its 24-hour format of videos but introduced structured branded blocks, such as "CMT Request," which featured viewer-submitted song selections to boost audience engagement and interactivity. Programming also incorporated tie-ins with Opryland theme park events, including live broadcasts and specials from park performances that highlighted emerging artists and Opry-affiliated acts, fostering a seamless connection between on-air content and in-person experiences. Gaylord spearheaded CMT's initial international expansion, launching in 1992 as a 24-hour cable service targeting the U.K. and continental markets, which reached 325,000 subscribers by . Further efforts included testing in , where the U.S. feed had been available to about two million subscribers until early 1995, when it was phased out in favor of a domestic alternative. In July 1995, CMT Brazil debuted through a with local media firm Grupo Abril, introducing programming tailored for South American audiences. Key additions during this period encompassed artist-focused specials and award-style events, such as coverage of Opryland-hosted honors that celebrated top country performers, aligning with the theme park's seasonal music festivals.

Acquisition and growth under CBS/Viacom (1997–2019)

In 1997, Gaylord Entertainment sold its cable networks, The Nashville Network (TNN) and Country Music Television (CMT), to —the parent company of —for approximately $1.5 billion. This transaction integrated CMT into CBS Cable Networks, allowing the channel to leverage 's broader distribution infrastructure and resources for expanded programming and audience growth. The acquisition marked a pivotal shift from CMT's independent Opryland roots, enabling greater investment in original content while maintaining its focus on country music. Ownership of CMT evolved through a series of major media consolidations. In 2000, Viacom acquired in a $37 billion deal, incorporating CMT into its portfolio alongside Networks and other cable properties. Following a 2006 corporate split, retained control of CMT as part of its cable division. This structure persisted until 2019, when merged with Viacom to form ViacomCBS (later rebranded ), reuniting the networks under a unified and positioning CMT for further synergies in content production and distribution. Under CBS and ViacomCBS ownership, CMT achieved significant distribution milestones, reaching a peak of over 92 million U.S. households by the late , reflecting robust carriage agreements with major cable and satellite providers. International expansion complemented this growth, with —originally launched in as a rebranded version of the New —operating as a key affiliate under CBS oversight, delivering localized programming to audiences. Programming diversified during this era, moving beyond music videos to include scripted and reality formats that broadened CMT's appeal. The network introduced reality series such as Gone Country in 2008, which featured celebrities transitioning to under mentorship from artists like . In 2016, CMT acquired the drama series Nashville from ABC for its final two seasons (2016–2018), airing episodes that explored the lives of fictional country stars and boosting the channel's scripted profile. Additionally, the annual , which premiered on the network in 2005 as a fan-voted celebration of country videos and performances, became a flagship event, drawing high-profile artists and solidifying CMT's role in the genre's awards landscape.

Restructuring under Paramount Global (2019–2025)

In December 2019, the merger of and Viacom formed ViacomCBS, which rebranded to in February 2022 to emphasize its streaming and content strategy. As part of the corporate shifts, relocated its primary headquarters to in 2025, while retaining CMT's operational base in Nashville to maintain its connection to country music's epicenter. This restructuring integrated CMT more closely into Paramount's broader media portfolio, focusing on cost efficiencies and digital expansion amid industry challenges. Under Paramount Global, CMT pivoted toward original programming to align with viewer preferences for and lifestyle content, building on earlier efforts like the 2018 launch of the reality series Music City, which followed aspiring musicians in Nashville. The network emphasized affordable, high-engagement formats, introducing events like the CMT Summer Camp concert series in 2020 to capture live music vibes during restricted times, and expanding its unscripted slate with multiple reality shows announced in subsequent years. In 2019, Viacom's acquisition of for $340 million enabled digital extensions, including CMT-branded channels such as CMT Westerns, which distributed country-themed movies and series to a free ad-supported streaming audience. CMT's linear television reach declined significantly due to widespread , dropping to approximately 80 million U.S. households by as pay-TV subscribers fell to 77.6 million amid the rise of streaming alternatives. To counter this, Paramount integrated CMT content into its Paramount+ streaming service upon its 2021 launch, offering episodes of series like —a long-standing cross-genre collaboration format pairing country artists with performers from other styles, such as Halsey and in —to broaden accessibility beyond cable. This move supported hybrid viewing, with select CMT programming available on-demand to Paramount+ subscribers starting at $7.99 per month after a free trial. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted CMT's live events, prompting adaptations like the 2020 , which were postponed from June to October and held outdoors in Nashville with limited capacity and enhanced safety protocols to mitigate health risks. In 2021, similar precautions shaped the CMT Artists of the Year special, which incorporated virtual elements and livestreaming for broader remote participation while maintaining in-person highlights. These changes underscored CMT's resilience, with specials continuing to foster cross-genre innovation, such as the 2021 holiday collaboration between Brett Young and on "This Christmas," blending country and R&B to sustain audience engagement during disruptions.

Merger with Skydance Media and recent changes (2025–present)

In August 2025, completed its merger with , forming the new entity Paramount Skydance Corporation in a deal valued at approximately $8 billion. The transaction, which had been in negotiation for over a year, officially closed on August 7, 2025, integrating Skydance's production capabilities with Paramount's extensive media assets, including cable networks like CMT. This merger marked a significant shift in ownership and strategy, with Skydance founder assuming the role of CEO and chairman of the combined company. The merger immediately impacted CMT's operations, leading to the cancellation of the 2025 , a staple event for the network since 2005. Announced in February 2025 amid ongoing merger preparations, the pause was attributed to corporate restructuring and transitional uncertainties, with no immediate plans confirmed for resumption. In September 2025, Paramount Skydance announced broader organizational changes, including a mandate for employees to return to office in and New York starting January 2026 or opt for buyouts, alongside subsequent layoffs affecting approximately 2,000 positions across the company in October. In November 2025, approximately 600 employees accepted voluntary severance packages in response to the return-to-office mandate, costing the company an estimated $185 million, as part of the broader $2 billion cost-cutting initiative. These adjustments, part of a $2 billion cost-cutting initiative, influenced CMT's production teams and administrative functions, though specific details on headquarters relocations for the network were not disclosed. In November 2025, CMT announced that its long-running video countdown show Hot 20 Countdown, a staple since 2007, would air its final episode in December 2025, reflecting further shifts toward streaming and reduced linear programming. By late 2025, CMT's linear TV reach had further declined to approximately 56 million U.S. households, reflecting ongoing trends and the industry's pivot away from traditional cable. The merged company emphasized streaming as a core growth area, redirecting resources from cable websites—including CMT's—to Paramount+ to consolidate content and reduce operational costs. Ongoing initiatives include deeper integration of CMT programming into Paramount+, such as select episodes and originals available on the platform, alongside explorations of digital-first content to appeal to younger audiences via streaming and .

Programming

Music videos and countdown shows

CMT has maintained a core focus on videos since its launch on , 1983, as the first nationally available cable channel dedicated exclusively to the genre, airing a 24/7 rotation that began with Faron Young's "It's Four in the Morning" as its inaugural video. This format emphasized continuous playback of videos interspersed with artist interviews and promotional segments, establishing CMT as a direct counterpart to for country audiences. Over time, the channel incorporated themed video blocks to highlight specific eras or styles, such as rotations featuring hits from legacy artists to complement its current hits programming. The network's flagship countdown program, CMT Hot 20 Countdown, debuted on January 5, 2013, evolving from the earlier Top 20 Countdown that ran from 2001 to 2012, and quickly became a cornerstone of its lineup. Hosted by Cody Alan and Carissa Culiner, the weekly show airs new episodes Saturday mornings with repeats on Sundays, counting down the top 20 videos based on a combination of fan votes, industry input, and chart performance, while including segments like Heatseekers for emerging tracks and for viewer opinions. Artist appearances, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage enhance the broadcasts, fostering direct engagement with fans; the program is set to conclude its run in December 2025 after over a on air, marking the end of CMT's primary original series amid broader network changes. Earlier in its history, CMT offered interactive countdown formats like Most Wanted Live, which aired from 2001 to 2004 and allowed viewers to call in requests for the top 10 most-wanted country videos, often featuring live performances and studio audience participation. Daily video rotations on the main channel and its companion CMT Music network have long incorporated ties to country charts, prioritizing high-ranking singles from artists like and to reflect real-time popularity trends. CMT has also dedicated programming blocks to artist spotlights, providing extended airtime for emerging talents and niche subgenres such as bluegrass and Americana, through initiatives like the Next Women of Country franchise launched in 2013, which showcases up-and-coming female artists via curated video sets and performances. These segments highlight acts like Dasha and Lanie Gardner, offering focused hours that blend music videos with interviews to promote underrepresented voices in country music. Additionally, countdown shows like Hot 20 often tie into the CMT Music Awards by honoring standout videos, with categories such as Video of the Year recognizing top entries from the year's rotations.

Original series and specials

CMT has produced a range of unscripted original series, focusing on reality formats that capture Southern culture and lifestyles. One prominent example is Party Down South, a reality franchise that aired from 2014 to 2016, following groups of young adults from the South as they partied and worked together in coastal settings like and . The series, produced by JWM Partners for CMT, spawned spin-offs such as Party Down South 2 in Biloxi and became CMT's highest-rated original at the time, drawing over 2 million viewers for its premiere. In the scripted realm, CMT co-produced the drama Nashville for its final two seasons from 2016 to 2018, after the series transitioned from ABC. Produced by Lionsgate Television and ABC Studios in partnership with CMT, the show centered on the intertwined lives of country music stars in Nashville, emphasizing themes of ambition, romance, and the music industry. This co-production marked CMT's entry into prestige scripted television, with seasons 5 and 6 filmed primarily in Tennessee and featuring original music that tied into country charts. More recent unscripted efforts include CMT Summer Camp, a 2023 youth-oriented music series that debuted as part of CMT's summer programming slate, where emerging artists and fans engaged in camp activities like archery and performances led by headliners such as Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line. Produced in-house, the series highlighted Nashville's role in nurturing young talent through interactive music experiences. Signature specials have been a cornerstone of CMT's , with launching in 2002 as a series pairing artists with performers from other genres for collaborative concerts. Notable episodes include the 2005 mashup of and , which featured joint performances of hits like "Who Says You Can't Go Home" and debuted the track live, filmed at in New York. The special, produced by CMT Productions, has continued annually, showcasing genre-blending events with artists like and . Holiday specials round out CMT's event programming, including annual Christmas countdowns and tributes such as CMT: One Tennessee Christmas and collaborative holiday concerts featuring stars like Brett Young and . These in-house productions, often aired in , emphasize festive performances and have included multi-artist lineups to celebrate seasonal themes. Awards programming has been central to CMT's originals, with the running annually from 2005 to 2024, broadcast live from Nashville's Municipal Auditorium and later . Produced by CMT in partnership with sponsors like , the event featured fan-voted categories, elaborate performances, and tributes, such as those to in 2024 with renditions by and . The 2025 edition was canceled amid Paramount Global's merger with , pausing the ceremony indefinitely. CMT has also produced artist tribute specials and concert films, such as the 2022 CMT Artists of the Year, where was honored as Artist of a Lifetime with performances by and at the . These in-house events, often tied to milestones, include CMT Artists of the Year tributes and memorial concerts like the 2022 Naomi Judd celebration at the . Post-2017, CMT's production trends shifted toward lifestyle-oriented unscripted content, emphasizing relatable Southern narratives filmed mainly in Nashville and . Series like Music City (2018), a docuseries following aspiring musicians and influencers, exemplified this pivot, produced by Lionsgate for CMT to appeal to younger demographics through everyday music scene stories. Similarly, I Love Kellie Pickler (2017 revival) blended talk show and lifestyle elements, hosted by the country singer in her home. Following the 2025 merger with , CMT has focused on integrating more Paramount+ content, such as the Taylor Sheridan-created drama Landman, while continuing unscripted series amid staff transitions. This focus diversified CMT's slate beyond music videos, prioritizing character-driven realities.

Acquired content and films

CMT supplements its music-focused lineup with acquired syndicated series, licensing reruns of classic sitcoms that resonate with country themes to attract viewers during off-peak hours. A prominent example is "" (1979–1985), which depicts rural Southern life and adventures in Hazzard County, Georgia; the series began airing on CMT in high definition starting January 2014, with weekday slots at noon and 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Another key acquisition is "Reba" (2001–2007), a centered on a divorced mother navigating life in small-town ; CMT secured multi-year rights to the show in 2012, integrating it into regular rotations for its alignment with country values like resilience and humor. The network's film library includes licensed westerns and music-related biopics to provide thematic variety and fill programming gaps. Westerns, evoking the central to country lore, have been featured through dedicated blocks, including the launch of a CMT Westerns channel on in 2019, which streams western movies continuously. Music biopics, such as those chronicling the lives of country icons, are occasionally aired, with annual holiday movie marathons tying into seasonal events like Independence Day or to boost viewership. Post-2010, amid accelerating trends that reduced traditional cable subscribers by millions annually, CMT shifted toward cost-effective syndicated acquisitions as filler content to maintain schedule depth without heavy investment in originals. This strategy, exemplified by the 2012 "Reba" deal, allowed the channel to leverage established hits for broad appeal while navigating industry pressures. Acquired content is generally scheduled in late-night or weekend slots, such as overnight reruns of sitcoms like "The Golden Girls" at 11:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., to complement prime-time music blocks and target dedicated viewers. This placement ensures seamless integration, occasionally pairing with original specials for themed evenings focused on country heritage.

CMT Music channel

CMT Music, originally launched in 1998 as VH1 Country, serves as a sister network to the main CMT channel, providing a dedicated outlet for videos. On May 26, 2006, the channel rebranded to as part of Viacom's effort to consolidate programming under the CMT umbrella, emphasizing uninterrupted playback of videos from classic and emerging artists such as , , and . At launch, it reached over 16 million households nationwide, programmed from Nashville with a focus on all genres, including bluegrass selections in video blocks. The channel's format consists of a continuous 8-hour programming of country music videos that repeats daily, featuring deeper cuts and classics without commercials to deliver a pure music experience. This automated loop complements the main CMT channel's occasional music blocks by offering round-the-clock access to a broader catalog of videos. On January 4, 2016, it rebranded again to CMT Music, with minimal changes beyond updated imaging and video tags, maintaining its all-music focus. Following the 2019 merger forming ViacomCBS (later rebranded ), the channel integrated into Paramount's portfolio through the MTV Entertainment Group. CMT Music remains available via major providers including on channel 364 and in packages like Entertainment and Choice. However, like other linear music channels, it has encountered challenges from the rise of streaming services, contributing to broader declines in traditional TV viewership as audiences shift to on-demand platforms.

International versions and partnerships

CMT has pursued international expansion through localized versions and strategic partnerships to distribute content beyond the , adapting U.S. programming for dubbed or subtitled broadcasts in select markets. One of the earliest efforts was CMT Europe, which launched on September 1, 1993, as part of the Sky Multichannel package in the and expanded to cable and satellite across . The channel featured 24-hour programming of country music videos, concerts, and specials, securing distribution deals with operators like Communications and Maclean Hunter. However, carriage declines led to its closure on March 31, 1998. In , CMT established a presence with CMT Brasil, launched in July 1995 as a between Gaylord Entertainment and Grupo Abril (transitioning to Viacom ownership after 1997), delivering localized programming via cable television. The channel operated until March 2001, when Viacom's broader restructuring in the region shifted focus to other networks. CMT debuted in 2007 on , providing dedicated videos and shows to Australian viewers as part of Paramount's international portfolio. It remained a key outlet for the genre until its closure at the end of July 2025, amid Paramount's wind-down of local music channels; the slot was repurposed for a relaunched Channel (CMC) to support domestic artists. This decision aligned with post-merger cost reductions following Paramount Global's $8.4 billion acquisition by in August 2025. In Canada, CMT has operated continuously since its 2001 launch as a focused on and with ties. Following Corus Entertainment's $2.65 billion acquisition of —approved by the CRTC in March 2016—the channel transitioned to full Corus ownership by 2017, retaining the CMT brand while pivoting from to sitcoms and . Beyond dedicated channels, CMT has formed partnerships for content licensing in , including deals enabling Japanese broadcaster to air select programming and specials. These arrangements have facilitated occasional international broadcasts of high-profile events like the , distributed via regional partners in and to reach global audiences. Recent shifts reflect a broader industry trend toward digital platforms, with Paramount phasing out several linear international channels post-2025 merger to prioritize streaming efficiency and reduce operational costs. The closure exemplifies this strategy, emphasizing targeted content deals over full-channel operations.

Digital and streaming platforms

CMT maintains a robust digital presence through its , CMT.com, which serves as a central hub for enthusiasts. The site offers access to video clips from and , up-to-date news on artists and events, and live streams of select programming, such as shows and specials. Launched in the early days of the channel's expansion, the website has evolved to include interactive features like fan voting for the CMT Hot 20 , allowing users to influence weekly rankings of top . Complementing the web platform, CMT's mobile app, first released for in and Android in , provides on-demand access to full episodes of original series, interviews, and , enabling viewers to watch content offline or on the go. In terms of streaming integration, CMT's content has been available on Paramount+ since the service's launch in March 2021, offering subscribers a selection of episodes from series like and Nashville, alongside music specials. While not the entire historical catalog, the platform includes key originals and acquired programming, with recent additions such as multiple seasons of in February 2025. Additionally, since Viacom's acquisition of in January 2019, CMT has operated free ad-supported channels on the service, including themed feeds like CMT Equal Play, which features a balanced mix of male and female country artists, and dedicated streams for shows such as : Making the Team. These integrations extend CMT's linear programming to on-demand and live formats, broadening accessibility without additional cost on . CMT leverages social media for digital originals and artist engagement, with its YouTube channel serving as a key outlet for exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and full performances from events like CMT Campfire Sessions. As of November 2025, the channel has amassed over 1.5 million subscribers, fostering a community around country music content. On TikTok, under the handle @cmt, the network runs campaigns to promote emerging and established artists, such as spotlighting underrated talents like Ashley Cooke and Emily Ann Roberts through short-form videos that highlight their music and career milestones. These efforts include the "Viral to Verified" digital series, which celebrates musicians' journeys from social media virality to mainstream success, tailored for vertical video platforms to drive fan interaction and streaming plays. Following the completion of the and merger in August 2025, CMT's digital strategy has emphasized enhanced streaming options within the unified Paramount Skydance ecosystem, including expanded ad-free tiers on Paramount+ Premium for uninterrupted viewing of country content. Video-on-demand availability for major events, such as the , has been prioritized on Paramount+, where full ceremonies and highlight reels from recent broadcasts are accessible post-airing for subscribers. This post-merger focus aims to integrate CMT's offerings more seamlessly across ad-supported and premium platforms, supporting broader artist promotion and viewer retention in a streaming-dominated landscape.

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