KE
What's happening to 4Music is very similar to what happened with MTV and then more recently VH1, where they cut down on music content and introduced more and more entertainment content, before the music almost completely disappeared.
Wouldn't be surprised if the same eventually happens to 4Music, but unlike MTV and VH1, it would be difficult for them to retain the 4Music brand on a channel with almost no music.
Wouldn't be surprised if the same eventually happens to 4Music, but unlike MTV and VH1, it would be difficult for them to retain the 4Music brand on a channel with almost no music.
BR
Most of the content now has as much place on a music channel as it would on Sky Sports. I've no interest in the Kardashian/Charmed type content but after 9pm it effectively becomes an E4+10 Yrs type channel which can pass an hour or two, though they don't seem to have a huge amount of shows in rotation.
Considering ITVBe was launched under the justification they could basically sell twice as much advertising for ITV2 I'm surprised really that C4 haven't looked to launch a sister channel to E4 - or as you say resurrect the T4 brand, which when you think about it was doing what they did to the C4 logo with last years rebrand 20 years earlier!
E4 IMO though is pretty weak at the moment - doesn't seem to have as much original content as it once did, especially scripted wise - indeed I wonder if C4 have nicked their comedy budget for themselves. I'm sure the first series of Gameface was on C4.
Going off topic here but I wish C4 would establish a night for their comedy shows - they seem to move from night to night from one series to the next, so despite having practically one new sitcom series in the schedules all year it just feels all disjointed as they keep switching the night the comedy airs. They really should just stick to one night and then pad it out to an hour with reruns of the likes of Friday Night Dinner in the back half hour.
Then again C4 has been a mess at 10pm for about a decade now - partly due to the loss of Big Brother in the summer but mainly due to the loss of a flagship US drama and procedural during the rest of the year.
Considering ITVBe was launched under the justification they could basically sell twice as much advertising for ITV2 I'm surprised really that C4 haven't looked to launch a sister channel to E4 - or as you say resurrect the T4 brand, which when you think about it was doing what they did to the C4 logo with last years rebrand 20 years earlier!
E4 IMO though is pretty weak at the moment - doesn't seem to have as much original content as it once did, especially scripted wise - indeed I wonder if C4 have nicked their comedy budget for themselves. I'm sure the first series of Gameface was on C4.
Going off topic here but I wish C4 would establish a night for their comedy shows - they seem to move from night to night from one series to the next, so despite having practically one new sitcom series in the schedules all year it just feels all disjointed as they keep switching the night the comedy airs. They really should just stick to one night and then pad it out to an hour with reruns of the likes of Friday Night Dinner in the back half hour.
Then again C4 has been a mess at 10pm for about a decade now - partly due to the loss of Big Brother in the summer but mainly due to the loss of a flagship US drama and procedural during the rest of the year.
NJ
Neil Jones
Founding member
Dunno why they just don't rebrand it as 4Entertainment and be done with it.
PA
I don't think 4Music will end up being a full time entertainment channel, however, over time my argument for keeping the name has become less valid, so I wouldn't rule out a name change.
The main thing to think about is that while Channel 4 will have a say, they don't directly own the channel, they own the company that operates it, it's still The Box Plus Network that output it and acquire the rights to most of the content, it also helps that as they are a separate company they can produce programming in-house, unlike Channel 4.
My main reason for saying that 4Music won't go full entertainment is that most of the in-house shows are produced for most of the channels on the network, but specifically for 4Music. The UK Music Video Chart, UKHotlist, Fresh Focus, Fresh Forward and at the moment the Festival Feels and Summer Sounds content is shown across the network, but on 4Music is given priority over a basic block of music videos.
Being able to speak with the Programming Director at Box Plus, I know that they are looking into more in-house programming such as some bespoke artist led shows and some entertainment formats of their own (they did make a pilot programme with comedy sketches which slightly integrated a music theme, I think I've linked it before, but I'll post it again in the spoiler).
On the subject of the name, I don't know what name would be suitable with a 4, the T4 name could work as Box Plus content was shown in the T4 block, otherwise it could be possible to go in the other direction and brand it as a Box channel instead
With Trending, as of when it came off air at Easter, Box Plus have been reviewing the show, but also looking at its placement going forward, they put in a lot of work into the format and delivery, and are seeing how they could evolve it, so it is possible that they could reignite Trending at some point in the future.
The main thing to think about is that while Channel 4 will have a say, they don't directly own the channel, they own the company that operates it, it's still The Box Plus Network that output it and acquire the rights to most of the content, it also helps that as they are a separate company they can produce programming in-house, unlike Channel 4.
My main reason for saying that 4Music won't go full entertainment is that most of the in-house shows are produced for most of the channels on the network, but specifically for 4Music. The UK Music Video Chart, UKHotlist, Fresh Focus, Fresh Forward and at the moment the Festival Feels and Summer Sounds content is shown across the network, but on 4Music is given priority over a basic block of music videos.
Being able to speak with the Programming Director at Box Plus, I know that they are looking into more in-house programming such as some bespoke artist led shows and some entertainment formats of their own (they did make a pilot programme with comedy sketches which slightly integrated a music theme, I think I've linked it before, but I'll post it again in the spoiler).
On the subject of the name, I don't know what name would be suitable with a 4, the T4 name could work as Box Plus content was shown in the T4 block, otherwise it could be possible to go in the other direction and brand it as a Box channel instead
Should never have cancelled Trending Live
With Trending, as of when it came off air at Easter, Box Plus have been reviewing the show, but also looking at its placement going forward, they put in a lot of work into the format and delivery, and are seeing how they could evolve it, so it is possible that they could reignite Trending at some point in the future.
BR
I always liked the name Pure4 they were going to use for one of their radio stations - that would work here I think.
A shame 4Music never has any live music either - think they did the V Festival in it's early days and maybe another one (did T4 On the Beach hang around as 4Music on the Beach for a year or two?), but don't think they've done anything like that for years.
A shame 4Music never has any live music either - think they did the V Festival in it's early days and maybe another one (did T4 On the Beach hang around as 4Music on the Beach for a year or two?), but don't think they've done anything like that for years.
FO
I hope so, that would be amazing to not only watch and but to host as well. (Yes I am looking for a show to present)
Should never have cancelled Trending Live
With Trending, as of when it came off air at Easter, Box Plus have been reviewing the show, but also looking at its placement going forward, they put in a lot of work into the format and delivery, and are seeing how they could evolve it, so it is possible that they could reignite Trending at some point in the future.
I hope so, that would be amazing to not only watch and but to host as well. (Yes I am looking for a show to present)
PA
Well... good timing, and as some assumed The Box Plus Network is to be further incorporated in to Channel 4 with teams moving around the corner to Horseferry Road
https://www.channel4.com/press/news/box-plus-md-matt-rennie-and-coo-anthony-lilleyman-step-down-channel-4-integrates-box
https://www.channel4.com/press/news/box-plus-md-matt-rennie-and-coo-anthony-lilleyman-step-down-channel-4-integrates-box
Quote:
Channel 4 today announced that Matt Rennie, Managing Director and Anthony Lilleyman, Chief Operating Officer of The Box Plus Network, will step down from their roles later this year as the Box Plus Network is fully integrated into Channel 4’s business operations.
This follows Channel 4 acquiring full ownership of The Box Plus Network in January when it bought the remaining 50% stake in the network it did not previously own from Bauer Media Group. The acquisition and subsequent integration of all Box Plus Network staff enables Channel 4 to increase value across the Box Plus Network and Channel 4 portfolios – and supercharge its wider strategy to enhance engagement with young audiences.
Box Plus Network staff will be integrated into teams at Channel 4’s Horseferry Road office in London from September.
Matt joined Box TV in October 2013 and Anthony shortly after in May 2014. The duo has been the driving force behind the UK’s largest youth music and entertainment network which includes 4Music, The Box, Box Upfront, Box Hits, Kiss, Magic and Kerrang.
During their time at the helm, Matt and Anthony have been responsible for establishing a uniquely experimental and creative culture within the business, using original content production as a core differentiator to underpin the growth of Box as a force in music broadcasting. Last year they oversaw the expansion of 4Music into a music and entertainment channel showcasing popular young skewing shows.
Jonathan Allan, Chief Commercial Officer at Channel 4 said: “Matt and Anthony have enthusiastically led the Box Plus team and proactively steered the business through many strategic challenges. They leave the portfolio in great shape as the most popular music and entertainment destination and we wish them both every success for the future.
"We look forward to welcoming the Box team to Channel 4 and their help in delivering our strategy to focus on young audiences.”
Matt Rennie said: “The talented team at Box have achieved a huge amount, working alongside so many great artists to entertain the millions of viewers who enjoy our network. The acquisition by Channel 4 is the logical next step for Box and integrating our network into theirs creates the best platform for it to continue to grow and thrive. I’d like to thank the board and shareholders for so much support during the last six years – I have loved every minute of it.”
Anthony Lilleyman said: “Working in a competitive youth entertainment market has its challenges, but with the support of our board and the efforts of the devoted team at Box, we’ve been able to generate returns, experiment and position the business for ongoing success. The 100% acquisition of Box by Channel 4 is a great outcome and an exciting next step in the evolution of the company. The last five years have been a blast and I’m sure the business will continue to innovate, entertain and lead in the market.”
This follows Channel 4 acquiring full ownership of The Box Plus Network in January when it bought the remaining 50% stake in the network it did not previously own from Bauer Media Group. The acquisition and subsequent integration of all Box Plus Network staff enables Channel 4 to increase value across the Box Plus Network and Channel 4 portfolios – and supercharge its wider strategy to enhance engagement with young audiences.
Box Plus Network staff will be integrated into teams at Channel 4’s Horseferry Road office in London from September.
Matt joined Box TV in October 2013 and Anthony shortly after in May 2014. The duo has been the driving force behind the UK’s largest youth music and entertainment network which includes 4Music, The Box, Box Upfront, Box Hits, Kiss, Magic and Kerrang.
During their time at the helm, Matt and Anthony have been responsible for establishing a uniquely experimental and creative culture within the business, using original content production as a core differentiator to underpin the growth of Box as a force in music broadcasting. Last year they oversaw the expansion of 4Music into a music and entertainment channel showcasing popular young skewing shows.
Jonathan Allan, Chief Commercial Officer at Channel 4 said: “Matt and Anthony have enthusiastically led the Box Plus team and proactively steered the business through many strategic challenges. They leave the portfolio in great shape as the most popular music and entertainment destination and we wish them both every success for the future.
"We look forward to welcoming the Box team to Channel 4 and their help in delivering our strategy to focus on young audiences.”
Matt Rennie said: “The talented team at Box have achieved a huge amount, working alongside so many great artists to entertain the millions of viewers who enjoy our network. The acquisition by Channel 4 is the logical next step for Box and integrating our network into theirs creates the best platform for it to continue to grow and thrive. I’d like to thank the board and shareholders for so much support during the last six years – I have loved every minute of it.”
Anthony Lilleyman said: “Working in a competitive youth entertainment market has its challenges, but with the support of our board and the efforts of the devoted team at Box, we’ve been able to generate returns, experiment and position the business for ongoing success. The 100% acquisition of Box by Channel 4 is a great outcome and an exciting next step in the evolution of the company. The last five years have been a blast and I’m sure the business will continue to innovate, entertain and lead in the market.”
PE
Technically e4 and more 4 and film are operated through separate companies in the ownership of the channel 4 television corporation e.g 4 ventures limited (e4 and more 4 ) and film 4 limited - separate of channel 4 (and 4 7 ) legally but 100% integrated with it. It was one way of getting around the issue of new channels and the tax man that channel 4 had around 2000