Performance will be joined by a new rock/jazz spinoff channel next summer.

Provisionally called Performance Mainstreet, the new station will blend performances from the two genres with documentaries and artist profiles.

Steve Timmins, chief exec of owners Eicom, said: "It is clear from our viewer statistics that we have two distinct audiences for Performance Channel - lovers of classical music and fans of major rock and pop acts. The proposed launch of a second Performance channel will mean that we can more accurately target each of these audiences and thus maximise our advertising revenues."

The broadcaster is also thought to be developing plans for a dedicate horror channel.