The Internet Archive created an MTV News database, a week after the website was officially taken down by Paramount Global.
Through its Wayback Machine, the organization managed to rescue some of the lost content from the website dating as far back as 1997.
Internet Archive Rescues Lost MTV News Database
The Internet Archived compiled 460,575 webpage snapshots which were gathered by the website over the years. Despite its huge collection, the new database does not include everything that was published by MTV News.
According to Michael Alex, founder and leader of MTV News' digital group from 1994 to 2007, the collection is an impressive feat. "It's like a treasure when you find something you're looking for," he added.
The Internet Archive revealed that they have been archiving content from the MTV News website for decades, resulting in its wide collection. A full-text search engine is now available for people who seek content from the lost website.
Paramount Explores Other Content Availability
Earlier this month, Paramount Global made a shocking announcement to shut down its MTV News website. Other websites from its cable properties like CMT, Comedy Central, TV Land, and Paramount Network were also removed.
According to reports, the company decided to shut down some of its content in favor of directing its audiences to Paramount+. After the announcement, the Internet Archive saw it as a chance to preserve important content from the site.
Paramount+ has now over 71 million global subscribers as of the first quarter of 2024. Despite the streaming boom, the company has yet to make it profitable on its end, which pushes it to encourage its diverse audience in one platform.
