It may not seem possible, but MTV is further limiting the videos it plays. Apparently, they'll be focusing on clips by big artists with proven drawing power, with some room left over for developing acts. Or, as they're known nowadays, groups who'll be playing the state fairs six months from now.

In large part this is a move by MTV to shore up its viewership base. Rather than serve the music industry by making stars, MTV is putting the onus back on the industry and artists to prove that they're worthy of heavy rotation. Probably a sound business decision, but one that further means the world of popular culture will be dictated by 14 year olds. Then again, that's probably always been the case.

Remember when MTV showed genres of music? When you could watch showcases like the Headbangers' Ball and 120 Minutes? Unless you're part of the readership here that's over 25, probably not (and even then, diversified programming on MTV may be a hazy recollection from your childhood).

In some ways this doesn't matter, as the proliferation of MTV and VH-1 channels provides an outlet for different styles. But it's hard not to lament the old days, when there was some mystery as to what video would get played next. Whittling down the rotation to a number I can count on my fingers and toes takes some of the fun out of things.

In a related note, if you can catch the episode of Frontline called The Merchants of Cool, do so.