While technology expands and reinforces the already global reach of pop stars, Hollywood films and network television shows, it also has a major impact on industries of a smaller scale.

WSJ: Technology in the Limelight

The network helped ignite the careers of virtually every major pop singer to gain notoriety in the '80s and early '90s.

NPR: MTV, Kennedy and Me: Let's Begin to Heal

The network was created at a time when the distribution of pop culture was firmly in the hands of a few entertainment companies.

FORBES: Is MTV Aging Well?