Channel 4 reveals FIVE beloved channels will close in weeks amid major cost-saving cuts and axed TV shows
CHANNEL 4 has announced the closure date for five of its channels as the broadcaster grapples with cost-saving cuts.
The company has axed a string of shows this year, including gruelling survival series Alone and Scared of the Dark hosted by Danny Dyer after just one series.
Channel 4 revealed at the start of the year that it plans to make a number of cuts with 200 jobs going and selling its London HQ.
It forms part of a major five-year project to become a "digital-first" public streaming service by 2030.
The firm also said it will shut down several digital channels and we now know which will go first - and when.
The Box music channels, which Channel 4 owns, will cease at the end of the month.
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They will disappear on all available platforms, such as Sky and Virgin Media.
The full list includes:
- 4Music
- The Box
- Kiss
- Magic
- Kerrang!
Viewers noticed a reference on Magic about the closures last week.
A Channel 4 spokesperson has now confirmed the move to The Sun, saying: "As we announced earlier this year as part of Channel 4’s digital-first Fast Forward strategy, we will be closing our Box network of channels from 1 July across all platforms - as they are no longer of sufficient scale to deliver meaningful return on investment.
"Our strategy reflects the generational shift in TV viewing and involves reducing costs – particularly in linear activities - to allow us to invest in digital priorities and stay competitive in a world of global entertainment conglomerates and social media giants."
The Box launched in 1992 as a fresh competitor to MTV.
The remainder of The Box's schedule has been changed to reflect the upcoming closure, with classic tracks from over its 32 year history and the channel's original logo on screen.
A brief history: The Box
From video request dial-ins to its acquisition by Channel 4, the Box has brought music to people's screens across the UK and the US for 32 years.
The Box was brought to the UK in 1992, inspired by the original Miami-based channel The Jukebox Network.
It has been rocking on the airwaves ever since.
Channel 4 bought a 50 per cent stake in the channel in 2007 for an undisclosed sum, and eventually assumed full ownership in 2019.
When it first began, fans could phone in to request music videos of their favourite genres or bands, that could be queued automatically.
Video requests cost a couple quid and took around 20 minutes to be broadcast after being ordered.
The Box has roughly 1,800 music videos in its backpocket to air to viewers in its heyday.
Viewers could even request their top music clips over the internet or via set-top box.
Since then, the channel has become well known for its "First Play" feature, where many videos often make their UK or world premiere.