The Stage

Channel 4 to boost music output

Published Friday 10 November 2006 at 12:20 by Liz Thomas

Channel 4 is stepping up its commitment to music, announcing a number of new shows across its channels and platforms.

This month the broadcaster is unveiling U2 Week culminating in an entire weekend dedicated to the band. Programmes will be shown across the schedules on Channel 4, E4 and More 4, with unique content also available on www.channel4.com/music and Channel 4 Radio.

To tie in with the release of the band’s greatest hits album there will be an interview with presenter June Sarpong, music videos and footage from concerts from throughout their career.

Chief executive Andy Duncan told The Stage: “We are investing in our music output because it’s right for Channel 4. We are a young, cool channel and music is very important to young people. It’s right that we should be doing more and having it play across our whole portfolio. The thing about the BBC is that apart from Radio 1, it feels very old and dusty. What we are doing is vibrant and fun.”

There will also be a screening of eight short films inspired by Robbie Williams’ music. Seven upcoming directors were personally asked by the star to create productions to complement his new album. Oasis will also feature in the programme line-up during November with a new fly on the wall documentary Lord Don’t Slow Me Down and an hour-long acoustic show special entitled Noel Gallagher: Sitting in Silence.