The Hits
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| The Hits | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Launched | 30 October 2002 |
| Owned by | Box Television (Bauer Group/Channel 4) |
| Audience share | 0.3% (0.6% for The Hits Radio) (February 2008, [1]) |
| Website | www.thehits-tv.co.uk |
| Availability | |
| Terrestrial | |
| Freeview | Channel 18 |
| Satellite | |
| Sky Digital | Channel 350 |
| Cable | |
| Virgin Media | Channel 330 |
| UPC Ireland | Channel 716 |
The Hits (shortly to become 4Music) is a music video channel in the United Kingdom owned by Box Television.
Contents |
[edit] Overview and Availability
The channel showcases a range of pop centering on chart hits and current favourites. Originally, the vast majority of music videos were selected by viewers by means of calling a premium rate telephone number, however this policy seems to have been recently abandoned with the channel playing an automated selection of videos and countdown shows presented by celebrities and singers past and present. Programming is often themed to coincide with events such as St. Patrick's Day and Christmas.
The channel is available free-to-air on the British Digital terrestrial television service Freeview on channel 18. It is the only pure music video channel operating on the Freeview platform (TMF - a channel owned by chief competitor MTV - and E4 broadcast music videos for only a portion of their schedule). It is also shown on Sky Digital, channel 350, but is encrypted, so that only Sky subscribers can view it. This situation is expected to change when its current satellite carriage contract expires. The Hits is also available on Virgin Media, channel 330, and is included in the basic (TV Size: M) package. It can also be seen through the British Forces Broadcasting Service.
[edit] 2008 Rebrand & 4Music Sundays
Channel 4's 4Music strand airs between 5.00pm & 12.00am (Midnight) on Sundays. The first 'episode' was presented by the Sugababes, however 4Music Sundays is meant to feature live acts and also The Shockwaves Album Chart Show.
On 20 February 2008, it was announced that The Hits was to be rebranded as 4Music later in the year. [1]
[edit] Ofcom Controversy
In November 2007, Ofcom found The Hits had breached broadcast licence for failing to retain copies of its programming. Two viewers had complained questioning the authenticity of some of the winning entries on text-in quiz programme Win Win TV, broadcast overnight on June 26.
The broadcaster was unable to provide Ofcom with a review copy of the programme in question because of "problems with its logging system". Condition 11 of a Television Licensable Content Service licence requires the broadcaster to keep recordings of all output for 60 days after transmission, providing Ofcom with any material on request.
"Failure to supply these recordings is a serious and significant breach of the broadcaster's licence," the regulator noted. "This [incident] will be held on record." [2]
[edit] The Hits Radio
As well as operating its television service, 'The Hits' offers a radio service. The Hits Radio broadcasts on DAB in London, Freeview channel 711, Virgin Media Ex-ntl channel 962*, Sky Digital channel 0170 with live streaming available here. The station presents a mix of music genres along with chat and regular news updates. It has the same logo identity as The Hits TV. The station broadcasts its shows as simulcast individual shows from various stations within Bauer Radio's Big City Network. These shows are sent to The Hits studio base in Manchester, where shows are mixed and played out.
[edit] Presenters
[edit] Current Presenters
- Mike Toolan - Big Hits at breakfast
- James Piekos
- Mark Kaye - Afternoons
- Rich and Luce - In Demand
- Richard Williams - Late nights
- Michele Dignan - Weekend Breakfast
- Dave Ellis - The Hits Weekend
- Lucio - hit40uk - (Networked show broadcast over many commercial stations across the UK and not just Bauer Radio stations.)
- Nicksy - Sunday Afternoons
- Jamie Wood - Station Manager and Stand in presenter
[edit] Past Presenters
- Dan Wood - Late nights
- Sean Coleman - Afternoons (left October 2007)
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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