Channel 4’s Five Channels Axed in Major Overhaul
Channel 4 has announced the closure of five channels, including Kerrang! TV, leaving viewers devastated over the ‘end of an era’.
The broadcaster’s five-year plan to become a digital-first public service streamer by 2030 has led to the decision to axe Kerrang! TV, along with other Box channels – The Box, Magic, Kiss, and 4Music.
In a statement, a Channel 4 spokesperson mentioned that the closure of the Box network of channels is due to the channels no longer being of sufficient scale to deliver a meaningful return on investment.
The decline in the popularity of music channels and the shift to platforms like YouTube has played a role in this decision, impacting viewers who expressed their grief on social media.
As part of the restructuring, Channel 4 will focus on fewer, stronger titles, increase YouTube content, and reduce headcount by 18%, resulting in around 200 redundancies and the closure of around 40 unfilled roles.
The broadcaster has recently axed several programs, including Rise and Fall, Question of Sport, Steph’s Packed Lunch, and The Big Celebrity Detox.
The move signals a significant shift for Channel 4 as it aims to stay competitive in the ever-changing landscape of entertainment and media consumption.