Channel 4 has bought Bauer Media Group’s 50% share in The Box Plus Network, granting it full control of the TV music and entertainment business.
The network operates TV channels such as 4Music, The Box, Box Upfront, Box Hits, Kiss, Magic and Kerrang and serves to bolster Channel 4’s portfolio.
Paul Keenan, chief executive of Bauer UK and European Radio, said: “Channel 4 is best placed to realise the full potential of the Box Plus Network as 4Music increasingly moves towards broader, entertainment and long form programming. We will continue to licence our music brands Kiss, Magic and Kerrang! to the Box and would like to thank Matt Rennie and his talented team at Box for great work and give our best wishes for the future.”
Channel 4’s chief operating officer Keith Underwood outlined the plan for its now-fully owned music entertainment wing.
“This transaction brings the UK’s largest and most-watched music television network fully into the Channel 4 family. As part of a broader channel portfolio, we will work with the management team of the Box Plus Network to amplify the value of the assets acquired. This acquisition forms part of our wider strategy to enhance engagement with youth audiences.”