Channel 4 Planning Raft Of Digital Channels
Channel 4 is planning to launch several new digital channels in efforts to corner specialist markets and increase overall audience share.
The plans were revealed in the annual report of the broadcaster’s media and digital operations group, 4 Ventures. The broadcaster is thought to be planning stations focusing on music, factual and comedy programming, as well as the much anticipated More 4, due to launch later this year on the Freeview platform (see Channel 4 Plans Digital Offering For Older Viewers).
It is not yet known whether the proposed channels would be free to air offerings, or subscription based services in line with Channel 4’s current entertainment channel, E4 and the Film Four group of movie channels.
The annual report revealed an optimistic outlook from the broadcaster, claiming that 4 Ventures as a whole had recorded a pre tax profit of £4.1 million last year, compared to a loss of £17.7 million during 2002. The report also showed that 4 Ventures’ contribution to Channel 4’s revenues had increased to 18%.
Current digital offerings were shown in a positive light as the company announced E4 is due to break even this year, with the Film Four channels following suit in 2005.
Among the good news was a hint of dejection from the broadcaster, detailing the impact suffered by the downfall of Attheraces, a racing channel run by a consortium of Channel 4, BSkyB and Arena Racing. The channel ceased broadcasting last month following a failure to renegotiate its broadcasting rights due to lower than predicted gambling revenues (see BSkyB Could Move To Secure British Horse Racing Rights).
The broadcaster expects to announce its exit from Attheraces in the next few months, but revealed that the channel had suffered losses of £10.5 million during 2003, an increase of over half a million compared to 2002.
Channel 4 is understood to be negotiating for continued terrestrial broadcasting rights to UK horse racing after securing rights to events at several courses earlier this month. The broadcaster claims to be close to signing an agreement for the remaining rights (see Channel 4 Keeps Hold Of Reigns In Racing Deal). The channel also revealed that an interactive betting service will soon be available via the terrestrial channel. Further details are expected to surface in the coming weeks.
Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com
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