Five music channels were set to launch on Sky Glass and Sky Stream in November but faced a delay due to technical issues. These channels were introduced to fill the void left by the closure of long-running music channels like The Box, Kerrang, Kiss, 4Music, and Magic. The closure of these channels impacted various TV services including Sky, Virgin Media, Freeview, and Freesat, leaving a gap in the music section. Sky had only four music channels from MTV on its internet-based TV platform, but plans were underway to introduce NOW music channels from the NOW That’s What I Call Music brand.
The NOW music channels, including NOW 70s, NOW 80s, NOW ROCK, and NOW XMAS (reverting to NOW 90s and 00s in 2025), along with Clubland TV, were meant to enhance the music offerings on Sky Glass and Sky Stream. More than two weeks after their expected launch date, these channels have finally appeared on the platforms, providing viewers with a wider variety of music content. The launch of these channels aims to cater to music video lovers and fill the gap left by the closure of popular music channels that were once a highlight for teens to enjoy iconic music videos.
The disappearance of music channels from TV screens is attributed to the easy access to music and videos online, eliminating the need for traditional music channels. With the availability of instant internet access to any song or video, the relevance of dedicated music channels on TV has diminished over the years. Despite this trend, there continues to be an audience for music video content on TV, whether for nostalgic purposes or as background entertainment. The introduction of the NOW music channels on Sky Glass and Sky Stream reflects an effort to appeal to this audience and provide a diverse range of music content.
The NOW music channels offer a mix of music genres spanning from the 70s to the present day, including rock, dance, and festive playlists. Clubland TV caters to dance music enthusiasts, while NOW 70s, NOW 80s, NOW ROCK, and NOW XMAS (NOW 90s and 00s) offer a nostalgic journey through music from different eras. The addition of these channels on Sky Glass and Sky Stream enhances the music offerings on these platforms, giving viewers more options to enjoy music videos and playlists.
The availability of music channels on Sky Glass and Sky Stream provides viewers with a diverse range of music content, catering to various musical tastes and preferences. The NOW music channels, derived from the popular NOW That’s What I Call Music brand, offer a curated selection of music videos and playlists that span different decades and genres. By introducing these channels, Sky aims to address the gap left by the closure of long-running music channels and provide viewers with an enhanced music viewing experience on its platforms.
In conclusion, the introduction of the NOW music channels on Sky Glass and Sky Stream marks a significant enhancement to the music offerings on these platforms. Viewers can now enjoy a wider variety of music content spanning different genres and eras, thanks to the inclusion of channels like Clubland TV, NOW 70s, NOW 80s, NOW ROCK, and NOW XMAS. With these channels now available on Sky Glass and Sky Stream, viewers have more options to enjoy music videos and playlists, filling the void left by the closure of popular music channels earlier in the year.