Channel 4 Could Launch 4Music TV Channel

Channel 4 could launch a 4Music branded TV channel in August as a replacement for The Hits music channel, according to a report.

4Music will be one of the main sponsors of the V Festival 2008, taking place on 16 17 August, and Media Week reports that Channel 4 could use the opportuinity to market the 4Music rebrand.

4Music currently covers Channel 4’s music programme elements such as festivals and The Nokia Green Room on its T4 strand, with the it also taking a branded 4Music Sundays slot on The Hits.

The launch follows the broadcaster’s purchase of 50% of Emap’s music TV business, Box Television Ltd, for £28 million last July (see Channel 4 To Buy Half Of Emap Music TV).

Since then, German publishing group Bauer aquired Emap’s magazine and radio divisions for £1.14 billion (see H Bauer Buys Emap’s Magazine And Radio Divisions).

In May, Channel 4 saw its revenue fall by 6.9% year on year, at around £56.7 million for the month (see TV Market Round-Up – May 2008).

The channel’s cost per thousands price meanwhile, saw increases in several categories, with Housewives with Children recording a price increase of 16.6%.

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com