Final answer:
MTV was initially hesitant to broadcast heavy metal music due to concerns about its negative image and controversy. However, heavy metal eventually became the most popular segment of their format.
Step-by-step explanation:
MTV was initially hesitant to broadcast heavy metal music in the 1980s due to concerns about its negative image and controversy. The genre was often associated with rebelliousness, explicit lyrics, and controversial themes, which conflicted with MTV's desire to appeal to a wider audience and maintain a positive public image. However, once MTV eventually started airing heavy metal music, it quickly became the most popular segment of their format due to its huge fan base and the genre's ability to capture the attention of the youth.