Less Boozing, More Do-Gooding on MTV

Tila Tequila might have already downed her last shot.

MTV is cutting out the boozing babes in bikinis and introducing a new line of programming that's focused on promoting positive social messages in its teenage audience, the New York Times reported.

The network that's been known for decades as the celebration of all things vapid is taking a page from President Barack Obama's administration, pushing its teen viewers to make changes in themselves in the community.

“It’s less about the hot tubs and the drama and more about pursuing their careers,”  Stephen Friedman, MTV's general manager told the Times.

Friedman said that "millennials" - people born between 1980 and 2000, MTV's target audience - need a progressive kind of TV to match up with the changing social landscape.

"It was very clear we were at one of those transformational moments, when this new generation of millennials were demanding a new MTV,” Friedman said.

The new lineup includes reality show "T.I.'s Road to Redemption," featuring rapper and convicted felon T.I. as he tours the country, teaching kids how to avoid his past mistakes.

"Taking the Stage," another reality program, stars a group of hard-working arts students at a real-life high school in Cincinnati, practicing around the clock to perfect their craft - as they steer clear of temptations in their path.

MTV will also introduce "The Buried Life," which follows four college buddies as they make stops nationwide, helping deserving residents live out their lifelong wishes.

In the past, Friedman said, “the humor was more cynical, the idea of community seemed earnest and not cool."

"It's the opposite now," he said.

Never fear, trash-TV lovers -- MTV will still feature guilty pleasures like "My Super Sweet 16" and "Cribs" in its 2009 schedule.  

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