C4 looks to take over neighbour

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Channel 4 is on the brink of creating a six-strong block of channels on the Sky EPG by buying out niche broadcaster Life TV Media.

Despite being a small player, Life TV Media is attractive because it operates three channels in EPG slots directly below C4's digital portfolio.

Life TV Media runs entertainment channels Life TV (channel 137), Life 24 (channel 138) and Life Showcase (channel 139) which sit alongside Channel 4's E4 (140), E4 +1 (141) and More 4 (142).

Space at the top end of the entertainment EPG is tight and acquiring Life TV Media would allow C4 to develop new digital channels as well as reshuffle its existing presence on the EPG.

High EPG numbers bring more viewers, making a deal a better option for C4 than going direct to Sky to purchase new slots.

A source said: "Channel 4 and Life TV Media are deep in talks and the deal makes a lot of sense for C4. It will guarantee itself decent EPG numbers that run consecutively."

Life TV Media is run by chief John Hammond. A deal is expected to be concluded imminently although the value of the company is unclear.

C4 is known to be developing an expanded multichannel strategy and is in talks with Emap over launching a music TV channel. It is thought this could replace Emap's The Hits channel with a C4-branded offering.

(broadcastnow.co.uk)