Ridiculous History Unplugged: Adventures from MTV to Timbuktu, with Tom Freston
Jan 1, 2026
Tom Freston, co-founder of MTV and former Viacom CEO, shares his incredible journey in media and philanthropy. He reveals MTV's scrappy beginnings and the grassroots excitement that fueled its rise. From his unique encounters with rock legends like Bowie in the Alps to his entrepreneurial escapades in India, Freston offers a fascinating blend of adventure and insight. He also discusses modern challenges in media, the impact of AI on music, and encourages young people to travel and embrace life's unpredictability.
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Music Television As Narrowcast Revolution
- MTV was designed as a narrowcast music service for young adults to make cable TV feel like a place, not a set of shows.
- The team used music videos as the cohesive form to merge youth culture with television and create a new medium.
How "I Want My MTV" Broke Cable Resistance
- Early MTV struggled with distribution, money, and industry skepticism for about two years after launch in 1981.
- The "I Want My MTV" celebrity campaign pushed cable operators to carry the channel and dramatically raised subscribers.
Ski Slopes, Saunas, And Rock Stars
- Tom tracked down David Bowie in Switzerland and filmed him saying "I want my MTV" on a ski slope as part of the campaign.
- After skiing they ended up in a sauna where Tom unexpectedly met Paul McCartney too.
