For some 2008 was characterized by shrinking bank accounts and 401K’s for MTV its been a time of declining ratings.   In effort to re-establish its relationship with its base (12- to 34-year-olds) MTV is totally overhauling its programming adding 16 new reality shows.  50 Cent and his “The Money and the Power” has become a casuality of the historic destroy and rebuild project.

“Our new shows will feature themes of affirmation and accomplishment,” says Brian Graden, president of entertainment at MTV Networks music channels and president of Logo. “Our shows are going to focus less on loud and silly hooks and more on young people proving themselves. These are themes that are consistent with the Obama generation.” 

The shift is ground breaking for MTV who invented the reality series with 1992’s “The Real World.” However with so many networks biting their steeze that genre has become watered down like Beverly Hills Kool Aid.  To break out from the pack MTV is looking for a new direction.

New shows include the “College Life” which follows U. of Wisconsin freshman armed with camcorders as the chronicle their experience.  There’s also the Donald Trump-produced “Girls of Hedsor Hall” which will follow a dozen hard-partying young women at an English finishing school and a new show produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs tentatively called “Starmaker.”