Hubbry Logo
4Music4MusicMain
Open search
4Music
Community hub
4Music
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
4Music
4Music
4Music
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Channel 4
Television channels
Former channels
Online services
Other

4Music was a British music television channel owned and operated by Channel Four Television Corporation. Launched on 15 August 2008, the original incarnation, replacing The Hits television channel, showed a mix of music and entertainment programming.

On 29 June 2022, 4Music transitioned to a full-time channel on the space formerly containing Box Hits, with E4 Extra, a new sister channel and extension of E4, taking over its original space.[1] On 30 June 2024, the channel, along with its sister Channel 4 (formerly The Box Plus Network) music TV channels, closed for the final time.

History

[edit]

Launch and Early years

[edit]

The channel launched in 2008 with a ten-minute, on-screen countdown. During the countdown, clips from popular music videos were faded through the screen, including clips from promotions for the channel. The channel then launched at 7 pm.

Live coverage of the 2008 V Festival was shown on 16 and 17 August, with highlights shown on subsequent days.[2]

The launch also saw a new Digital on-screen graphic appear on the screen, and new idents with a woman swivelling on a chair with the channel's logo in the background.

2013–2024

[edit]

On 2 April 2013, all Box Television channels went free-to-air on satellite, apart from 4Music which went free-to-view.[3] As a result, the channels were removed from the Sky EPG in Ireland.[4] Eventually, 4Music also went free-to-air on 7 February 2017 and launched on Freesat, replacing The Box, but reverted to being free-to-view on 12 December 2018. On 25 January 2022, a new transmission of 4Music free-to-air on satellite began,[5] with a post from a Sky employee on the official Sky customer forums subsequently confirming that the free-to-air version would replace the FTV version on the Sky guide from 1 February.[citation needed]

The move back to free-to-air permitted the readdition of 4Music back to the Freesat channel guide from 1 February 2022, following soon after the restoration of the Box Plus Network's music channels and Channel 4 HD to full Freesat listing, after a period during which they had only been available via manual tune-in.[citation needed] On 1 March 2022, 4Music was restored to Sky in Ireland.[citation needed]

On 25 September 2017, 4Music received an update to its on-screen graphics, revolving around four squares which extend to create the 4Music logo and animate to form the artist credit. In 2018, 4Music changed its logo to add the current Channel 4 logo to it, with '4' and 'Music' mashed up together. This change also happened to its other channels.[6]

From 16 April 2018, the channel now shows more entertainment programmes as well as archive Channel 4 programming to coincide with a change in the EPG numbers on Sky from 1 May 2018.[citation needed]

On 4 November 2020, 4Music moved from channel 29 to 30 as part of a move up where every channel from channel 24 to 54 on the platform moved up one place to allow BBC Four to move to channel 24 in Scotland due to new Ofcom rules regarding certain PSB channels requiring greater prominence on EPGs.[citation needed] This is because the BBC Scotland channel is on channel 9 in Scotland, whilst BBC Four is on channel 9 in the rest of the UK. On 26 January 2022, a similar shuffle down of channels – to free up LCN 23 nationwide for the revived BBC Three – saw 4Music moved again, to 31 (with E4 +1 in turn taking over 30).[citation needed]

Transmission of 4Music and other channels operated by Channel 4 was impacted by the activation of a fire suppressant system at the premises of Red Bee Media on 25 September 2021.[7] From 27 September to 6 October 2021, 4Music simulcasted the output of The Box, in place of usual scheduled programming, with a note shown on EPGs about the technical problems.[8] The simulcast was changed to Box Hits on 7 October 2021,[9] while output from 4Music was restored on 15 October, though initially with music videos only. Longform programming returned to the channel on 9 November,[10] beginning at 12.07pm with Couples Come Dine with Me. The last song played before longform programming resumed was "Remember" by Becky Hill and David Guetta.

On 13 June 2022, Channel 4 announced that 4Music's channel slot would be replaced with E4 Extra on 29 June 2022.[11][12][13] 4Music itself would transition to Box Hits' slot.[14] With the change, the channel transitioned back to being a full-time music channel.

Closure

[edit]

On 29 January 2024, Channel 4 announced that 4Music and its sister channels would be closing as part of the future plans of the company leading up to 2030.

In the press release, it is stated that Channel 4 are "Proposing to close small linear channels that no longer deliver revenues or public value at scale, including the Box channels in 2024 and others at the right time".[15] At 23:59 on 30 June 2024, 4Music closed, with its final music video being "Raise Your Glass" by Pink.

Programming

[edit]

Entertainment Programming (until 2022)

[edit]

Programmes shown on the channel as of Tuesday 9 November 2021:[16] From June 29, 2022, these programmes transitioned to other Channel 4 networks, E4 and E4 Extra.

Acquired programming (2018–2022)

[edit]

Programming from Channel 4/E4 (2014–2022)

[edit]

Programming from Channel 4 (2016–2022)

[edit]

Original programming (2010–2019)

[edit]
  • Bronx Tales: The Influence (part of Hip Hop Season) (2016–19) (also on Netflix UK)
  • Nicki Minaj: Day in the Life (2012)
  • Nicole Scherzinger: Day in the Life (2013)
  • Olly Murs: Day in the Life (2012)
  • Real Stories (2011–14)
  • The Saturdays: What Goes On Tour (2011)

Programming from Channel 4 (2010–2019)

[edit]

The channel is also well known for repeating some of Channel 4's shows. Most of the shows listed below can also be found on E4, as that is a Channel Four Television Corporation service with a target market range of 16–34 years-of-age. As of September 2019, 4Music showed the following Channel 4 programmes in its schedule:

Other former programming (2008–2021)

[edit]

Music programming

[edit]
  • Box Fresh – A campaign launched at the beginning of 2017 as a replacement for the Box Upfront series of shows (excluding The Official Box Upfront Chart).
  • Fresh Forward – Abbie McCarthy and Yinka Bokinni present new artists and new music.
  • From Day 1 – Selected artist/band retrospective. Formerly presented by Will Best, Kiss Radio's AJ King, or Kiss 100's Manny Norte, it is now presented by the selected artist/band.
  • Hitlist – Your day starts here join us as we play your get out of bed playlist.
  • The Hotmix – A playlist of tracks that are cut down and edited to flow smoothly into the next track.
  • The Saturday Night Hotmix – A Saturday night variant of The Hotmix.
  • Showdown: ... vs ... – Music videos from two different artists.
  • UK HOTLIST – Top 20 & 40 videos of the most streamed tracks on Spotify in the last week.
  • The UK Music Video Chart – With data supplied by YouTube, The UKMVC supplies you with the most watched music videos of the week.

Former music programming

[edit]
  • 4Music Big Ones – A selection of pre-released and released singles. It plays all genres of music such as hip-hop, rock, pop, R&B, dance, folk, indie etc.
  • The 4Music Buzz Chart – The first "4Music Buzz Chart" was broadcast on 18 August 2008 at 12:00 am. It shows a selection of pre-released songs charted into a top 10, similar to sister channel The Box's "Box Breakers". The first number one in the chart was "Jump in the Pool" by Friendly Fires and Bombay Bicycle Club's "Always Like This". The programme is no longer shown.
  • 4Music Doubles – Two music videos by artists or bands. The first video, being their newest song, the second video, being their most successful song. "Imma Be" and "Where Is the Love?" is an example by The Black Eyed Peas.
  • 4Play!... – 4 videos from a one artist or group.
  • 100% Super Hits – The chart tracks of the moment.
  • The A-List Playlist – The biggest music videos right now.
  • The Crush – A monthly show called The Crush (sponsored by KFC Krushems milkshakes) was hosted by Rick Edwards and later T4 host Will Best and contains interviews with artists that are releasing new albums and single in that month.
  • Fresh Music Top 20 – Formerly, the 4Music Top 20, this is a chart compiled by 4Music of the "biggest" and "best" videos from the current week. The first ever This Week's 4Music Top 20 Chart was broadcast on 19 March 2009 at 3:45 pm. Replaced by UK HOTLIST Top 20.
  • From the Beginning – All of the music videos from a certain artist are played, from their first right through to the present day. They have included Take That, P!nk, Mariah Carey, Westlife and Girls Aloud. Replaced by From The Start, and now airs on Box Hits.
  • From The Start – Selected artist retrospective, from career memory lane – to today; this program replaces From Day 1, and From The Beginning, and is now aired on Box Hits.
  • Hangout's – Interviews with the trending artists, while also playing their biggest releases and newest singles.
  • Hit Mornings With Pandora
  • Homecoming – Artists (such as Tom Walker in the episode broadcast on 27 September 2019) go back to their hometown.
  • Hot 10 in 10 – 10 huge tracks edited into a 10-minute remix like The Hotmix.
  • The Month with Miquita – A review of the past month's stories in the world of music with T4 presenter, Miquita Oliver. This programme is no longer broadcast.
  • The Official Box Upfront Chart – Presented by Jon Jackson and with data compiled by Radio Monitor, The Official Box Upfront Chart plays the 10 biggest pre-release tracks.
  • Orange unsignedAct – First aired last year as MobileAct Unsigned on T4, Orange UnsignedAct follows the search for Britain's next biggest unsigned band. No longer being made.
  • Six Steps – Linking a couple of artists, through six stages. Snoop Dogg to Girls Aloud, Dizzee Rascal to Westlife and Madonna to McFly are a few examples.
  • This Week's Fresh Music Top 20 – A countdown of the 20 freshest music videos at the moment.
  • Today's 4Music Top 10 – A chart compiled by 4Music of the "biggest" and "best" videos right now. The first ever Today's 4Music Top 10 Chart was broadcast on 18 August 2008 at 12:00 pm. Yeasayer were top with their single "Ambling Alp".
  • Trending Live! – Live from Monday to Thursday from 4pm 'til 5:30pm (5pm until 1 May 2018) with Jimmy Hill, AJ Odudu and Vick Hope, Trending Live was the viewer's daily dose of new music and entertainment news centred on interaction with the audience on Twitter via the hashtag #TrendingLive and @TrendingLive & @4music accounts, and through Facebook comments. As of 18 April 2017 until 1 May 2018, Trending Live let viewers choose the music videos played in the You Select! segment from 5pm until the end of the show.
  • Tweet To Beat – Usually shown when Trending Live is off-air, but also for Box Plus competitions like Last Fan Standing. Two artists songs are played alternately, viewers can use the hashtags on-screen to choose their winner (e.g. #4MusicCalvin vs. #4MusicTaylor, or #BeyhiveBoxLFS vs. #SwiftiesBoxLFS for Last Fan Standing), the percentages are shown on-screen throughout and when the vote closes the winner then gets the last song of the programme.
  • UKHot40 – UKHot40 is a music video chart based on UK sales only, and documents the top records of the week.
  • The UK Airplay Top 20 – The 20 most played songs on commercial radio this week. Now on Box Hits
  • The Versus Chart – The programme is hosted by Matt Littler and Darren Jeffries. They both back an artist and show 10 mixed music videos of both artists with them to see which is "better". Eminem Vs. Kanye West, Britney Vs. Christina, Lady Gaga Vs. Katy Perry and Take That Vs. Robbie Williams are a few examples. Replaced by Showdown: ... vs ....
  • Vote4Music – An interactive show where a set of 30 songs could be chosen by tweeting the relevant hashtag, the hashtag with the most votes was then played next and this process was repeated. The song that was chosen when the final song of the show is being played was then played at the beginning of the next show instead. Replaced by Showdown: ... vs ....
  • What's Hot Right Now? Top 10 – The 10 best singles at this current point in time.
  • Your Official Top 20 – A chart is compiled of songs from a particular artist that has released at least 20 singles such as Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera and The Black Eyed Peas. The public vote for their favourite song on the 4Music website and the results are shown on the results show.
  • The Pop Power List
  • The Big Five-0! Kiss FM's Jez Welham 50 biggest countdown songs this week. Now on Kiss TV

Award ceremonies

[edit]

Concerts and festivals

[edit]

4Music has coverage at both festivals during the Summer, with highlights repeated frequently throughout the Summer. The channel also has stages at both events. At T4 on the Beach since 2007 (renamed the "T4 and 4Music Stage" in 2010) and at the V Festival since 2005 (then known as the "Channel 4 Stage", renamed to the "4Music Stage" in 2008).[citation needed]

T4 on the Beach ended after T4 ended its final run on 29 December 2012.[citation needed]

Former logos

[edit]
  • 4Music logo 2012 to 2018
    4Music logo 2012 to 2018

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

4Music

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
4Music was a British free-to-air music owned and operated by Television Corporation, targeting young adults aged 16 to 34 with a mix of contemporary videos, chart countdowns, and youth-oriented entertainment programming. Launched on 15 August 2008 as a and repositioning of the existing channel The Hits, it aimed to become the UK's leading music TV destination by combining high-quality music content with exclusive live events and original series. The channel broadcast daily from early morning to late night on platforms including Freeview, , Virgin Media, and , featuring a diverse lineup that evolved over time to include more non-music elements like comedy repeats and drama. Initially a between and under the Box Television banner, 4Music gained full ownership by in 2019 as part of its strategy to expand digital and youth-focused content. Its programming highlighted emerging and mainstream artists through shows like Hit40UK, 4Music Video Chart, and live festival coverage from events such as the and , alongside entertainment series co-produced with partners like for breakfast slots. By 2018, the channel repositioned toward a Gen-Z audience with increased emphasis on cult drama, teen fantasy, and interactive formats like Tweet to Beat, reflecting broader shifts in viewer habits toward streaming and . 4Music ceased broadcasting on 1 July 2024, alongside sister channels The Box, , , and Kerrang!, as implemented its Fast Forward digital-first strategy amid declining linear viewership, rising operational costs, and reduced advertising revenue. The closure marked the end of an era for dedicated music in the UK, with redirecting resources to on-demand platforms and original digital content to sustain in a streaming-dominated landscape.

History

Launch and Early Years

4Music was established as a rebrand of the existing music channel The Hits, launching on 15 August 2008 through Box Television, a between and Bauer Media, in which held a 50% stake acquired in July 2007. This transition marked 's expansion into music television, positioning 4Music as a vibrant addition to its portfolio with availability across digital platforms including , , and Freeview. The launch was timed to coincide with the V Festival weekend, featuring a promotional buildup that included artist-led countdowns throughout August, such as contributions from Dizzee Rascal and McFly for a month-long hit parade. The channel's first broadcasts emphasized music videos played back-to-back during daytime hours, complemented by evening programming like celebrity-hosted countdowns (e.g., Miquita Oliver and Mark Ronson) and specialized shows including Hit40UK, Live from Abbey Road, and T-Mobile Transmission. Live coverage of the 2008 V Festival followed immediately on 16 and 17 August, showcasing headline performances by acts such as The Verve and Muse, with highlights airing in the subsequent days to build early momentum. Additional launch content incorporated events like KylieX2008, Orange RockCorps, and Ibiza Rocks with Sony Ericsson, blending live music experiences with branded entertainment. Targeting a core audience of 16- to 34-year-olds, 4Music aimed to deliver diverse and accessible music spanning , and urban genres through its video rotations and live segments. The channel's visual identity debuted with a striking shocking , designed to convey a fresh and fun aesthetic, supported by endorsements from music stars to enhance credibility among young viewers. Early idents and on-screen graphics adopted a bold, playful style aligned with Channel 4's house branding, featuring vibrant elements to introduce the new music-focused identity. Initial viewership post-launch showed a 0.3% share among the 16-34 demographic in the first few days, reflecting a solid start for the rebranded channel.

Key Developments (2013–2021)

In 2013, 4Music transitioned to status on satellite platforms as part of broader changes to the Box Television portfolio, effective 2 April, while remaining encrypted where it was removed from the EPG. This adjustment aimed to broaden accessibility for viewers without full access at the time. On Freeview, the channel had been available since its launch, initially on channel 18 before later shifts. By 7 February 2017, 4Music became fully on and launched on , replacing The Box in the EPG and completing Channel 4's suite of unencrypted offerings. This move enhanced its reach to satellite households, aligning with Channel 4's strategy to expand youth-oriented content distribution. Satellite EPG positions continued to evolve, with 4Music settling at channel 139 on following the major reshuffle on 1 May 2018. On 8 January 2019, acquired the remaining 50% stake from , gaining full ownership of , including 4Music. A graphics refresh launched on 25 September 2017, introducing updated idents with vibrant colors and music-themed transitions, such as animated waveforms and geometric patterns syncing to beats, to refresh the channel's visual identity for its 16-34 demographic. This was complemented by a logo update on 27 September 2018, adopting a simpler, bold "4Music" integrated with 's four-block in white on a black background, as part of a network-wide rebrand emphasizing cohesion across secondary channels. Content innovations included the debut of Box Fresh in early 2017, a series spotlighting emerging artists through exclusive performances and interviews, replacing prior upfront chart shows and fostering new talent discovery. Festival coverage expanded beyond the traditional —broadcast live on 4Music through 2013—to include events like The Great Escape, where Box Fresh curated stages featuring acts such as and starting in 2017.

Transition and Closure (2022–2024)

In June 2022, 4Music underwent a significant repositioning as part of 's portfolio adjustments. On 13 June, announced that the channel would replace in its electronic programme guide slot (Virgin 336, 354, and 501) effective 29 June, transforming 4Music into a full-time 24/7 service focused exclusively on pop and contemporary hits. This shift allowed , a new channel featuring and , to occupy 4Music's previous slot on Freeview channel 28 and other platforms, marking a return to 4Music's original music-centric format after years of mixed programming. The channel's operations entered a final phase in early 2024 amid broader structural changes at . On 29 January, unveiled its "" strategy, a five-year plan to evolve into a digital-first streamer by 2030, which included the closure of underperforming linear channels to reallocate resources toward streaming and on-demand content. As part of this initiative, 4Music was slated for shutdown alongside its sister channels in —The Box, , , and Kerrang!—due to declining viewership for traditional linear television and escalating costs for distribution on platforms like , , and . These factors had eroded the financial viability of the music channels, which collectively reached about 10.9 million viewers monthly but no longer generated sufficient revenue to offset operational expenses. 4Music ceased broadcasting at midnight on 30 June 2024, concluding its 16-year run as a linear channel. The featured Pink's 2010 hit "" as the last , followed by a simple closedown message acknowledging the channel's legacy and Channel 4's pivot to digital platforms. The simultaneous closure of the affiliated music channels underscored the end of an era for dedicated music television on and pay-TV services in the UK, driven by the strategic emphasis on sustainable, audience-focused digital growth.

Ownership and Operations

Corporate Structure

4Music was established in 2008 as part of a between and Box Television, originally formed in July 2007 when acquired a 50% stake from EMAP. Box Television's remaining stake was sold to in 2008. This partnership aimed to leverage 's broadcasting expertise with Box Television's portfolio of music channels to launch a youth-oriented music network. Box Television later rebranded to around 2016. In January 2019, acquired full ownership by purchasing the remaining 50% stake in from , thereby gaining complete control over the channel and its sister networks. This transaction integrated 4Music more deeply into 's operations, allowing for streamlined management and strategic alignment with the broadcaster's remit. Following the acquisition, 4Music was part of the portfolio, a collection of music and entertainment channels under that also encompassed brands such as , Kerrang!, and . This structure facilitated synergies in content distribution and audience targeting across music genres. The channel's headquarters and primary operational base are located in London, where it shares production and distribution resources with other Box Plus Network entities to optimize costs and efficiency. Within Channel 4's broader portfolio, 4Music holds a unique position as the sole Channel 4-branded music channel, complementing the corporation's diverse range of digital and broadcast services.

Strategic Shifts

Upon its launch on 15 August 2008, 4Music was strategically positioned as a rebranded extension of The Hits channel, targeting a core audience of 16- to 34-year-olds through a blend of popular music videos, live festival coverage, and entertainment programming that synergized with Channel 4's broader ecosystem, including cross-promotions with shows like T4 and Live from Abbey Road. This approach aimed to leverage Channel 4's youth-oriented content portfolio to build a dedicated music and entertainment hub within the Box TV joint venture. In , 4Music underwent a significant distribution shift as part of Box TV's portfolio, moving from a subscription-based model on to availability on satellite platforms like , while becoming free-to-view on , to enhance accessibility and expand reach amid the rise of digital streaming alternatives. This change allowed the channel to attract a wider without paywalls, aligning with Channel 4's efforts to strengthen its multi-platform presence in a fragmenting media landscape. By 2022, 4Music consolidated its programming into a music-only , relinquishing entertainment content such as comedy and archived series to the newly launched channel, which occupied its former electronic programme guide slot on platforms like Freeview. This decision optimized content distribution by reverting 4Music to its original focus on pop videos and chart hits, while bolstering the E4 brand's youth appeal through dedicated scheduling. The channel's trajectory culminated in a 2024 closure announcement, directly linked to 's "Fast Forward 2030" strategy, which prioritizes a digital-first model by divesting underperforming linear assets to achieve cost savings and reallocate resources toward streaming growth. This included an 18% headcount reduction and the shuttering of 4Music alongside sister channels on 1 July 2024, as their linear operations no longer justified ongoing expenses in a declining broadcast environment. In parallel, emphasized digital migration, redirecting select music content to its on-demand platforms like All 4 and to sustain audience engagement beyond traditional TV.

Programming

Music Programming

4Music's music programming emphasized a blend of , shows, and live event coverage, establishing it as a key destination for contemporary pop and emerging talent in the UK. Upon its launch on 15 August 2008, the channel featured a diverse lineup including weekly updates of the Hit40UK , hosted by presenters such as , alongside series like Live from Abbey Road and the Shockwaves Album Show, which highlighted album tracks and artist performances. Concerts and festivals were integral, with live coverage of the 2008 on 16 and 17 August featuring acts like and , followed by highlights in subsequent days; this extended to events such as the with and the Live Music Awards in . Original music-focused shows defined the channel's early identity, including the 4Music Buzz Chart, which debuted on 18 August 2008 and showcased pre-release tracks in a top 10 countdown format to promote upcoming releases. In the , programming evolved to include the UK HOTLIST, a launched in October 2015 in collaboration with , presenting Top 20 and Top 40 countdowns of the week's most-streamed tracks, hosted by figures like and aired weekly across 4Music and sister channels. The Hotmix, a daily non-stop playlist program, ran throughout the channel's history, featuring edited tracks from various artists that transitioned seamlessly, with variants like the Saturday Night Hotmix offering extended weekend mixes. Coverage of major awards also featured prominently, such as highlights from the , including red carpet moments and performance recaps broadcast annually. From 2017 onward, Box Fresh emerged as a flagship series dedicated to emerging artists, replacing the earlier Box Upfront format and providing exclusive interviews, performances, and spotlights on new talent; for instance, the 2021 edition at showcased up-and-coming acts through live sessions and artist Q&As. Specialist genre blocks appeared periodically, focusing on rock, electronic, and hip-hop alongside core pop content, though pop remained dominant. By , following a strategic shift, 4Music transitioned to a 24/7 format, rotating videos across pop, hip-hop, rock, and electronic genres without hosted shows, emphasizing continuous playback of current hits and classics until its closure in July 2024.

Entertainment Programming

4Music's entertainment programming encompassed a variety of non-music content, including original productions, acquired series, and repeats from its parent network, , and sister channel E4, targeting a young audience with , , and formats from its early years through 2022. One notable original production was the 2016 mini-documentary series Bronx Tales, a three-episode youth-focused exploration of hip-hop's origins in 1970s New York, produced in partnership with to promote the drama . Aired from August 2016, the series featured interviews with pioneers like DJ and UK artists influenced by culture, running with repeats through 2019. From 2018 to 2022, 4Music acquired international reality formats for broadcast, including repeats of the UK version of The Circle, a social media-based competition originally aired on , which emphasized and popularity contests among contestants. The channel also featured lifestyle and dating repeats from and E4 during 2014–2022 blocks, such as Couples Come Dine with Me, where pairs hosted competitive dinner parties, and , documenting real-life romantic encounters at a . Additionally, programming blocks from 2010–2019 and 2016–2022 included reality staples like episodes of , where families commented on weekly TV highlights, alongside other lifestyle content to complement the channel's youth skew. Entertainment content began phasing out on 4Music starting in late 2021, with a full pivot by June 2022, as the channel refocused exclusively on music videos; remaining shows transitioned to the newly launched E4 Extra, a dedicated comedy and entertainment outlet in the same EPG slot.

Branding

Logos and Idents

Upon its launch on 15 August 2008, 4Music introduced a bold, three-dimensional neon pink logo featuring the numeral "4" designed to be dynamic and shape-shifting, reflecting the channel's energetic music focus. This "shocking pink" design, created by Pete&Tom, aimed to provide a fresh, attitude-driven interpretation of Channel 4's iconic numeral while incorporating musical elements through synchronized animations. The logo was accompanied by a suite of idents, including abstract animations such as ray gun blasts, vacuum cleaner effects, and guitar smashes, often featuring bursting colors and sound wave visuals to evoke rhythmic energy. Another set of launch idents depicted surreal scenarios in a lift, where characters remained unfazed by bizarre events like helicopter attacks or impromptu tennis matches, blending humor with the channel's vibrant branding. In 2012, the original 2008 logo was refined into a more rounded, two-dimensional version while retaining its pink color scheme and playful essence. By late September 2017, 4Music updated its idents to a more minimal, graphic-based style, featuring dynamic animations where colorful blocks slide along tracks to assemble the "4" logo, emphasizing clean lines and subtle particle-like movements for a modern feel. The channel's most significant branding evolution occurred on 27 September 2018 as part of a broader digital network rebrand, where the logo was simplified into a "4Music" integrated with the blocks—primarily in , with one block shortened to form the "M"—creating a unified family identity while preserving the channel's musical flair. This design, rendered in against varied backgrounds, was used consistently until closure. The accompanying idents evolved from the package, incorporating updated lighting, angles, and block formations, occasionally featuring artist cameos in promotional variants to tie into music programming. These idents maintained a playful yet streamlined aesthetic, with no major overhauls beyond minor festive tweaks, such as 2018 stings. As 4Music approached its closure on 1 July 2024, the logo and idents were retained without alteration, serving as the backdrop for closure countdown promos that highlighted the channel's legacy. This continuity underscored the enduring simplicity of the rebranded elements during the final broadcasts.

Graphics and Rebrands

Upon its launch in , 4Music introduced an initial package characterized by dynamic and playful bumpers and transitions designed for strands, including long and short variants for daytime and nighttime programming in segments like 'Big Ones' and 'Flashbox'. These elements featured varied promotional and alternative color schemes for menus, emphasizing a vibrant, engaging style suited to the channel's youth-oriented music focus. A significant refresh occurred on 25 September 2017, updating the on-screen with a new graphics package that shifted from surreal video mixes to solely graphic-rendered visuals. The revolved around four colored squares extending and sliding along tracks to form the channel logo, incorporating smoother animations and variants for different continuity announcements. This package, developed in collaboration with KatCat Studio, aimed to modernize the visual identity while maintaining a bold, block-based aesthetic. On 27 September 2018, 4Music underwent a full rebrand integration as part of Channel 4's broader update to its digital channels, incorporating the network's iconic logo blocks into the channel's presentation. The existing 2017 graphics were largely retained but refreshed with updated lighting effects on the forming shapes, ensuring a unified look across idents, promos, and on-screen elements like track listings. This alignment extended consistency to menus and promotional bugs, reinforcing the channel's connection to the parent network without overhauling the core animation style. In , following the channel's return to a music-only format on 29 June, the graphics continued to support streamlined video programming, with emphasis on clear track information in countdowns and playlists, building on the prior packages' focus on legibility and energy.

Reception and Legacy

Audience and Impact

4Music achieved its peak audience in the early , primarily targeting the 13–34 demographic, with average audience shares ranging from 0.2% to 0.5% according to BARB ratings. In 2011, the channel recorded a 0.34% share, reaching 4.2% of viewers weekly (approximately 2.4 million individuals) and 10.8% monthly (about 6.2 million). This youth-oriented focus aligned with Channel 4's broader strategy to engage younger viewers through programming. The channel played a significant role in promoting emerging UK artists via dedicated shows such as Box Fresh, which spotlighted new talent through exclusive performances and interviews starting in 2017. This platform contributed to the breakthrough of acts like , who featured in live sessions and performances on 4Music shortly after their 2011 formation, helping amplify their early hits amid the competitive pop landscape. In the broader music TV landscape, 4Music helped sustain linear channels during the rise of streaming services by providing over 15 years of coverage for major festivals like , as well as awards such as the Grammys and , from its 2008 launch until closure. However, viewership began declining post-2015 due to competition from platforms like and , which shifted music consumption toward on-demand digital formats. This trend culminated in 2022 consolidation efforts, where 4Music's slot was repurposed for as part of Channel 4's pivot to streaming. As Channel 4's primary youth outlet since , 4Music left a cultural legacy by fostering music discovery for younger audiences and influencing sibling channel E4's integration of music elements into its entertainment slate.

Closure Reactions

The closure of 4Music on 1 July elicited widespread devastation among fans, who flooded platforms with expressions of grief and nostalgia for the channel's role in shaping . Many described the shutdown as the "end of an era," with viewers sharing personal stories of how 4Music's programming had accompanied their formative years, particularly during the and . Industry observers viewed the closure as a stark marker of the declining relevance of linear music television, amid broader shifts toward streaming and on-demand content. Articles in The Guardian highlighted how the simultaneous shutdown of 4Music and its sister channels signaled the twilight of dedicated music TV networks, driven by falling linear viewership and rising distribution costs. Similarly, Metro reflected on the move as a poignant close to an era where channels like 4Music once dominated music discovery for younger audiences. Viewer tributes poured in through , emphasizing for iconic 2000s–2010s shows like Freshmeat and The Album Chart Show. On , compilations of the channel's final closedown broadcast amassed thousands of views, with commenters lamenting the loss of a space for uninterrupted music videos and emerging artist spotlights that streaming platforms have not fully replicated. In response, framed the closure within its strategy, underscoring a pivot to a digital-first model to better serve audiences through on-demand services like All 4, without announcing replacements for the music-focused content as of November 2025. Some music programming has been integrated into 's streaming platform. The concurrent closures of sister channels—The Box, , , and Kerrang!—intensified the sense of loss among music fans, who saw it as a dismantling of a once-vibrant for genre-specific programming that had defined music television for over two decades.

References

  1. https://www.channel4.com/press/news/new-4music-channel-launches
  2. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2008/07/27/4music-to-replace-the-hits/
  3. https://www.channel4.com/press/news/channel-4-acquires-full-ownership-box-plus-network
  4. https://www.musicweek.com/media/read/we-re-extremely-excited-the-box-plus-network-repositions-4music-as-youth-music-and-entertainment-destination/071938
  5. https://www.marketingweek.com/music-tv-still-a-draw-for-advertisers-insists-4music-boss/
  6. https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/faqs/category/26
  7. https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/hits-rebrand-4music/832894
  8. https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/4music-looks-good-needs-clearer-brand-identity/841749
  9. https://www.tvchannellists.com/w/List_of_line-up_changes_on_Sky_%28UK_and_Ireland%29_in_2013
  10. https://www.satandpcguy.com/2017/02/08/4music-becoming-free-air-satellite/
  11. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2017/02/09/4music-to-goes-live-on-freesat/
  12. http://storage.sky.com/prod/helpcentre/UK_TV_GUIDE_307748A02_2.pdf
  13. https://tvark.org/branding/channel4-television/4music/4music-2017
  14. https://tvark.org/branding/channel4-television/4music/4music-2018
  15. https://katcatstudio.com/box-fresh
  16. https://www.musicweek.com/media/read/we-re-excited-about-the-possibility-of-doing-even-more-box-fresh-returns-to-the-great-escape-festival/072324
  17. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2022/06/13/4-music-moves-for-e4-extra/
  18. https://cleanfeed.thetvroom.com/13635/news/channel-4-announces-launch-of-e4-extra-and-changes-for-4music/
  19. https://videoweek.com/2024/01/29/channel-4-to-start-closing-small-linear-channels-this-year/
  20. https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/jun/06/music-tv-channels-closing-channel-4-box-4music-kiss-magic-kerrang
  21. https://informitv.com/2024/06/05/end-of-an-era-as-music-channels-close/
  22. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/28895617/five-music-channels-all-shut-down-kerrang-4music/
  23. https://www.channel4.com/corporate/about-4/fast-forward
  24. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/jul/24/emap.broadcasting
  25. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2019/01/08/channel-4-takes-full-control-of-the-box/
  26. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/jul/17/television.bauer
  27. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2013/05/23/box-tv-launches-online-streaming/
  28. https://www.channel4.com/press/news/e4-brand-extension-sees-4music-become-e4-extra
  29. https://www.channel4.com/press/news/channel-4-shares-plans-become-digital-first-public-service-streamer-2030
  30. https://www.musicweek.com/index.php/news/read/box-plus-network-revamps-chart-offering/063130
  31. https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/service_4music/2013-01-08
  32. https://www.alexandrapalace.com/blog/4music-box-fresh-2021-spotlight-case-study/
  33. https://media.info/television/channels/four-music
  34. https://www.channel4.com/press/news/4music-repositions-uk-music-and-entertainment-destination-gen-z
  35. https://www.musicweek.com/media/read/the-box-plus-network-partners-with-netflix-for-hip-hop-documentary-mini-series/065586
  36. https://www.studiochore.com/work/v/bt2ggykpwgegpfmd972cmh873jz3ab
  37. https://www.tvwhirl.co.uk/presentation/channel-4/4music/
  38. https://petermuckleston.com/4music-identity
  39. https://theident.gallery/4music-2008.php
  40. https://tvark.org/branding/channel4-television/4music/4music-2008
  41. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/4Music
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc9Z0pNctMg
  43. https://theident.gallery/4music-2008-misc.php
  44. https://funvasion.miraheze.org/wiki/4Music
  45. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmcumeds/610/610we02.htm
  46. https://id.scribd.com/document/239701674/Media-Music-Channels
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYX9Qbe5IP0
  48. https://www.bauermedia.co.uk/news/4music-is-official-uk-broadcast-partner-for-the-59th-annual-grammy-awards/
  49. https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/3229238.4music-to-be-rebirth-of-music-tv/
  50. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13591327/Channel-4-Kerrang-Kiss-Magic-Box-4Music-Sky-Virgin-Media-closure.html
  51. https://metro.co.uk/2024/07/13/killed-music-channels-answer-music-channels-21056942/
  52. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlAyZCbSHs4
  53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKF6_eXsiKo
  54. https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/faqs/category/26/tv_category/321
  55. https://rxtvinfo.com/2024/channel-4-confirms-sky-virgin-and-freesat-music-channel-closure-date/
  56. https://www.voicemag.uk/blog/14045/box-plus-network-closure-music-tv-uk
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.