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E4 to launch a spin-off channel

New home for imported and repeat comedies

E4 is launching a spin-off channel to focus on comedy and entertainment programmes.

The launch of E4 Extra from June 29 will free the main digital channel to concentrate on the reality and dating formats that have come to define it.

Repeats of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Big Bang Theory, The Inbetweeners and Derry Girls will all run on the new channel, along with E4 hit Batwoman

E4 Extra will take over 4Music’s slot in the programming guide, which will move to the place occupied by Box Hits, which is to be axed. In recent years, 4Music has increasingly aired entertainment programmes, but will return to its music roots following the move.

C4 head of youth and digital Karl Warner said: ‘4Music started life as a music channel, but it has changed over time in line with audience demands, offering a blend of E4 flavoured comedy and entertainment. So E4 Extra feels like a natural evolution, strengthening the E4 brand and optimising the content mix between the channels.’

But he also told trade website Broadcast that not much new programming would be commissioned for the new channel, he said that the portfolio will benefit from the launch.

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