Freeview shutdown will leave your TV without 5 long-running UK channels this month

Freeview users are about to lose five channels as major changes announced by Channel 4.

By David Snelling, Technology Editor

Freeview channel shutdown

Freeview channel shutdown (Image: FREEVIEW)

Some big changes are coming to UK homes and it will leave telly addicts without access to five long-running TV channels. The update, which will affect Freeview as well as Sky and Virgin Media, is due to Channel 4 announcing the closure of its Box Music platforms.

That means there will soon be no way to view services such as The Box, Magic, Kerrang, 4Music and Kiss. These channels, which have been broadcasting content since 1992, currently show back-to-back music including the latest hip-hop tracks, popular pop songs and classic tracks from the past. There's also plenty of rock music available along with documentaries and entertainemt.

If you enjoy watching any of the channels then you haven't got long left to tune in with Channel 4 confirming that they will close at the end of the month.

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Explaining more, a spokesperson told Cordbusters, "As we announced earlier this year as part of Channel 4's digital-first Fast Forward strategy, we will be closing our Box network of channels from 1 July across all platforms - as they are no longer of sufficient scale to deliver meaningful return on investment.

"Our strategy reflects the generational shift in TV viewing and involves reducing costs – particularly in linear activities - to allow us to invest in digital priorities and stay competitive in a world of global entertainment conglomerates and social media giants."

These aren't the only music platforms that are being sent to the history books with another swathe of recent closures meaning UK homes can also no longer listen to stations such as Absolute Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, Hits Radio, Kerrang! Radio, KISS Fresh, KISSTORY and Magic Radio.

With more of us listening to music via apps, on our phones and social media platforms it appears less and less are tuning into music services on TVs.

With viewer numbers dwindling, it makes it harder for broadcasters to justify the expense and that could be a reason why so many are shutting down.

You have until July 1 to enjoy Channel 4's Box Music platforms before they close for good.

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