Sony Crime Channel to Close

Sony Crime ChanelThe Sony Crime Channel is to close on during the early hours of 10th June 2020, on its remaining platforms Sky (satellite) and Virgin Media (cable), as Sony focuses on its remaining movie and entertainment channels.

Although launching with a large amount of publicity, the channel had struggled to compete with its rivals, and has been downgraded. The channel had already lost its national Freeview (terrestrial) slot.

Sony Crime Channel launched in February 2018, and has lasted just over two years on the air.

Sony Crime Channel Complaints

Following the downgrading of the Sony Crime Channel Freeview service, RXTV-Log has reported a large number of complaints on social media. Sony appear to have responded by simply removing the Facebook and Twitter pages entirely.

There is speculation that the channel may not last much longer, however given some high profile business departures from social media such as Wetherspoons, this appears to be an attempt to control bad publicity.

In other connected news, children’s channel Pop Max has increased its broadcast hours on Freeview, and Movies for Men has taken over the ’40’ channel number from the Sony Crime Channel.

Freeview Changes – Sony Crime Reduction

From tomorrow, the Sony Crime Channel will be cut down to a two hour placeholder on Freeview. Earlier this year, the channel had its coverage area cut, when it moved to a different frequency. The channel will also change number from 40 down to 60.

Sony Crime Channel only launched 15 months ago, replacing True Crime on Freeview, and Sony Channel on satellite. True Crime was reinstated in February this year, replacing Tru TV.