MTV World, a group of three premium linear channels aimed at specific ethnic groups in the US will be shut down as part of wide-ranging cost cutting moves at the network.

MTV Desi, MTV Chi and MTV K, which were carried on satellite provider DirecTV and some other multichannel operators, are to be shut down.

It has also emerged that staffing levels on MTV's flagship daily programme Total Request Live have been reduced. Variety reported Wednesday that a number of the show's staff had been laid off; however, MTV has said that the show will remain on the schedule.