Satellite and cable channels The Box, 4Music, Kerrang, Kiss and Magic, all closed down at midnight on 1st July (2024), bring in an end to what had been known as The Box Plus Network. Channel 4 have axed the channels in the first move away from linear broadcasts.
The Box was the first of these channels to launch back in 1992, giving the channel a 32 year history. Kiss, Magic, and Kerrang followed later. Channel 4 acquired a 50% stake in The Box Plus Network in 2007, with 4Music being launched a year later.
Channel 4 took full ownership in 2013, acquiring the remaining shares from Bauer Media. Since then, times have been turbulent, with the channel portfolio gradually reducing from 7 stations to 5, complete removal from Freesat in 2018 (though remaining fre-to-air and subsequently returning in 2022), and 4Music being removed from Freeview (the only Box Plus channel to broadcast on terrestrial TV) in favour of the launch of E4 Extra.
Channel 4 is prioritising a focus on streaming and online platforms, as it seeks to cut costs, and has stated that further channels beyond The Box Plus Network are also likely to close (but hasn’t confirmed which channels and when). All 5 Box Plus Network channels marked closure with special programmes. Meanwhile, radio stations under the Kiss, Magic, and Kerrang brands continue to operate under full ownership of Bauer Media.