Reality didn't ruin my MTV

Since it burst onto the scene as the home of music videos in the early 1980s, MTV stood for one thing — music television.

Then came The Real World. And Road Rules. And later Sorority Life, The Hills and a laundry list of other reality-based shows being played instead of the music videos that used filled hours of airspace.

Fans of MTV shared their distaste. To this day, many people still say, "Remember when MTV actually played music?" But I have to say I don't mind the natural progression. In fact, I love it quite a bit.

Here are some of my arguments:

1. MTV as a corporation never really abandoned music videos. They just moved the video programming to new stations, starting with MTV2. That station now plays many shows like Cribs, instead of videos. But MTV Jams, MTV Hits and a handful of other new stations still focus on the music.

2. The Real World is much better than seeing repeat after repeat of Coldplay's latest single. Chris Martin walking in the sand only goes so far for me, I guess. Yes, Real World has had some not-so-exciting seasons, but the latest in Brooklyn has renewed my faith for a show I thought I maybe had outgrown.

3. There is plenty of other reality programs on MTV worth watching. The Hills is loved by many of my 30-something friends, and I am hooked on Taking the Stage. The show is based on the life and times of a handful of extremely talented students at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Among them is Mia, a singer/songwriter who has gobs of talent.

4. Some argue MTV has lost its relevance. I'm not going to argue that making the cover of Us Weekly is relevant, but it certainly is an important part of many people's daily lives (mine included). And MTV has launched many a faces to appear on the cover. Not just musicians — Britney, Christina, Beyonce — but Heidi and Spencer and, most famously, Lauren Conrad. If you can be credited for launching careers for people who, otherwise, never would be known outside of their California roots, well, you get the point.

5. MTV is returning to more music video programming. Tune in for the morning AMTV, and you'll get the latest from Lady GaGa, Lil Wayne and the dozens of other artists climbing the charts these days.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to Taking the Stage. I'm getting anxious to see if Jasmine aces her Juilliard audition.