State Landmarks Lit Yellow, Blue And Red In Honor Of MTV's 40th Anniversary

[TTL News 313]

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo ordered state landmarks to be lit yellow, blue and red on Sunday, August 1st to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the MTV Network.

"MTV is a cornerstone of pop culture and New York is proud to be home to this powerhouse network," Governor Cuomo said. "Creating genres and platforms that today seem commonplace, MTV paved the way for a new level of media expression and appreciation. The network has also made unprecedented contributions in the political world with their campaigns geared toward inspiring young people to vote. We congratulate them on 40 years of people around the world demanding 'I want my MTV.'"

MTV was founded on August 1, 1981 in New York City with the launch of the first ever music video, "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. In its history, MTV has brought celebrities and culture to NYC's Time Square via Total Request Live and the network created the genre of reality television with The Real World in New York. MTV has also prospered a commitment to civic engagement through their multiple campaigns encouraging young viewers to vote such as Rock the Vote, Choose or Lose and Vote Early.

Today, MTV reaches 180 countries and 1.4 billion people.

Landmarks that were lit include:

·         One World Trade Center
·         Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
·         Kosciuszko Bridge
·         The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
·         State Education Building
·         Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
·         State Fairgrounds - Main Gate
·         Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
·         Albany International Airport Gateway
·         MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station

Chris McCarthy, President and CEO, MTV Entertainment Group said, "MTV was born on August 1st, 1981 in New York City with the spirit of youth and the energy of the city - to this day, with a reach of more than 1.4 billion people in 180 countries - our global headquarters is still based here; we are New York strong. We are inspired by the artists, dreamers and people of New York and are honored to be recognized by Governor Cuomo. Thank you, Governor, and thank you New York - here's to another 40 years together."

[Chris 2,201]

Thanks for 15-20 years of music.