Develop a great idea. Make sure that it fits in with the material MTV airs. Watch MTV faithfully. Become aware of its style and its audience. MTV is a network dedicated to young people. This means its programming taste constantly changes. Do not pitch the kind of show it aired 2 or 3 years ago unless you have a new, updated spin on it.
Write a treatment of your show. This is a 1 to 5-page document that lays out the premise of your show, its structure, and why it appeals to people. For a scripted show the treatment will include more detail such as characters and plot.
Register your treatment with the Writer's Guild of America after you have finished writing it. This is a process that legally protects you in the event someone attempts to steal your idea.
Search online for MTV's contact information. Or use a film/television resource manual such as the Hollywood Creative Directory. Research the production personnel for the development department. Personnel changes all the time at a network so make sure your information is up to date.
Contact the network through email or phone to confirm that the person you want to reach actually works at the company. MTV is one of the few networks that accepts unsolicited pitches. When you contact MTV, ask for its pitch submission guidelines.
Submit your material to MTV according to its guidelines. MTV may want an email submission or regular mail. Be sure to follow MTV's directions.
Attend writer's pitch conferences. Armed with your treatment, attend events where MTV executives are openly accepting pitches. MTV attends these types of events regularly. Present your treatment, or be prepared to give a verbal pitch.