Tom Freston: 'MTV was like Kabul'

Tom Freston, the creator of MTV, describes the rise and fall of the music network in his new book, 'UNPLUGGED: Adventures from MTV to Timbuktu.' He refers to MTV's heyday in the 80s as a wild place with few rules.

According to Freston, MTV at that time was reminiscent of Kabul, with 'girls drinking tequila, employees dealing cocaine, and fires in the offices.'

Freston, who ran MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central for 17 years, is not surprised by the closure of MTV's music channels in the UK, as he believes the network has lost its credibility and has become a 'dumping ground for second-rate reality shows.'

He points out that showing music videos on a linear cable TV network is now problematic, as viewers can access music on-demand. He suggests that David Ellison, the new owner of Paramount Global, should redefine MTV as a new destination outside the boundaries of linear television.

Freston also refers to the time when MTV had a great influence on the music industry, making unknown people famous within a few weeks. He also describes incidents of excess and debauchery at MTV's offices.