Channel 4 'considers Box Television sale'

Channel 4 is reportedly reviewing options for the potential sale of Box Television, its joint venture with Bauer Media that broadcasts music channels such as 4Music and Kiss.

In July 2007, Channel 4 spent £28m to acquire a 50% stake in Emap's music television business, home to The Box, Smash Hits, Q, Kiss, Kerrang!, Magic and The Hits.

According figures posted at Company's House, Box Television generated a £4.4m pre-tax profit in the year ending December 31, 2009 on the back of a 7.1% increase in revenues to £26.6m.

Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham is understood to be reviewing the division's future, but a sale is only one of a number of options under consideration, reports The Guardian.

It is also unclear whether the broadcaster has already held discussions with Bauer Media about its future plans for the business.

Abraham has been unafraid to shake things up at Channel 4 since he took charge of the broadcaster in May last year, including a 25% cut to his management team and the axe of £20m digital innovation fund 4iP.