TV fans are losing their beloved channel after 31 years as Channel 4 announces major cuts
CHANNEL 4 will take the Box music channels off the air, along with other small linear channels.
It is part of the broadcaster's five-year plan, in which it aims to become a 'digital-first' public streaming service by 2030.
Announcing the new “digital-first” regime, Channel 4 said it “proposes to close small linear channels that no longer deliver revenue or public value at scale, including the Box channels in 2024 and others at the appropriate moment.”
The Box, Magic, Kerrang, Kiss and 4Music all fall under Channel 4's “Box channels” umbrella.
While the broadcaster has not named each of them, they are all expected to be included in the cull.
The disappearance of these music channels will result in approximately 200 job losses – or 18 percent of the organization's workforce.
I am very sad that some of our excellent colleagues will lose their jobs because of the coming changes.
Alex Mahon, CEO, Channel 4
“The strategy – called Fast Forward – will see Channel 4 embrace the generational shift taking place in TV viewing, to grow its impact in the UK and stand out in a world of global entertainment conglomerates and social media giants,” said the broadcaster. in the announcement.
Channel 4 began shifting its focus from traditional broadcasting to digital in 2020.
The money made from the More 4 on-demand service and other digital capabilities now makes up almost a third of all revenue at the organization.
The goal is for this percentage to be halved by 2030.
Channel 4 boss Alex Mahon said: “Channel 4 was designed to lead the way and has never stood still.
“While it is undoubtedly the right action to put ourselves in the right shape for the future, it comes with making difficult decisions.
“I am very sad that some of our excellent colleagues will lose their jobs because of the coming changes.
“But the reality of the rapid decline in the British economy and advertising market demands that we make structural change.”
Channel 4 is also considering plans to leave its iconic London headquarters in the coming years, amid a shift towards 'flexible' working.
The organization aims to expand across Britain by supporting 600 new jobs outside the capital by 2025.