Is TCM's UK Channel Shutting Down? Latest News
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Jun 28, 2023
What is TCM?
Turner Classic Movies, known as TCM, stands as a renowned American pay-TV network dedicated to the art of cinema. The network, established in 1994 and currently under the ownership of Warner Bros. Discovery, has gained widespread recognition for its curated selection of films, encompassing everything from silent-era masterpieces to iconic Hollywood blockbusters from the '50s and '60s.
TCM offers a captivating feature in the form of its theme programming, where movies are carefully chosen to align with specific genres, eras, or themes, ranging from Westerns and film noir to even horror films. The channel's programming provides a comprehensive exploration of some of the greatest movies ever made, with knowledgeable hosts offering insightful historical and cultural context both prior to and after the films.
Beyond its television offerings, TCM operates an engaging website that provides additional content such as movie reviews, film guides, interviews with actors and directors, and a detailed schedule of upcoming programming. TCM also actively maintains a strong presence on social media platforms, boasting a large following on Twitter and Facebook.
TCM has solidified its position as a significant cultural institution in the United States, serving as a cherished destination for film enthusiasts seeking to relish the cinematic gems of the past. The network has cultivated a devoted fan base and has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, acknowledging its commitment to educational opportunities and the provision of high-quality programming.
In the realm of cinema, TCM stands tall as a significant network, thanks to its extensive collection of classic films and captivating programming choices. It continues to serve as an invaluable resource for cinephiles worldwide.
Is TCM's UK Channel Shutting Down?
TCM's UK channel is scheduled to cease operations on July 6, 2023. The announcement came as a surprise to numerous admirers of vintage films in the United Kingdom and Ireland. For more than two decades, the channel had been a prominent fixture on British television, and its closure will create a void for enthusiasts of classic cinema.
The exact reason for this closure remains somewhat ambiguous, although it is believed to be linked to a reassessment of Warner Bros. Discovery's linear strategy in the UK. The company has stated that certain films from the TCM Movies UK library will be transitioned to the free-to-air channel Quest, but the fate of the remaining content remains uncertain.
Reports suggest that the company is directing its attention toward expanding its streaming platform, HBO Max, while concurrently reducing its linear channels. Although the TCM UK channel is set to cease operations, the TCM brand itself will persist, with the company affirming its dedication to its collection of classic films. Enthusiasts of timeless movies will still have access to TCM content through the upcoming launch of the HBO Max streaming service in the UK, slated for later in 2023.
The shutdown of TCM Movies UK represents a lamentable setback for classic film enthusiasts in the UK. The channel served as a valuable asset for individuals seeking to enjoy timeless movies, and its closure will undoubtedly impede accessibility to this genre of content.
The discontinuation of the TCM UK channel has evoked disappointment among numerous admirers of classic cinema in the UK. Some individuals have expressed concerns regarding the potential adverse effects of the availability of classic movies on television. However, others have pointed out that the proliferation of streaming services has made classic films more accessible than ever before. Consequently, the closure of the TCM UK channel might not have as significant an impact as apprehended.
When is TCM's UK Channel Shutting Down
The final broadcast day for TCM Movies is set for Thursday, July 6, after which the channel's presence will be absent from cable and satellite systems throughout the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Turner Classic Movies, the localized UK version, will bid farewell as Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) evaluates the future prospects of its linear television business in the region.
The decision to close the channel, known as TCM Movies, comes shortly after a series of workforce reductions at TCM in the United States, which resulted in the departure of Pola Changnon, the channel's general manager, and approximately 100 other employees.
It's important to note that the closure of TCM Movies is independent of the cost-cutting measures implemented by the domestic channel. Instead, it reflects WBD's efforts to streamline its linear operations in Europe, as more viewers gravitate towards streaming services like WBD-owned Max, and move away from traditional broadcast and pay television channels.
While the closure takes effect, a selection of films previously showcased on TCM Movies, which WBD continues to license for distribution in the UK, will find a new home on Quest, a free-to-air broadcast channel that was under the operation of Discovery Networks prior to its merger with WarnerMedia.
TCM Movies originated as a programming block on the British version of Cartoon Network in the early 1990s, operating under the name "TNT Classic Movies." In 1999, a rebranding initiative took place, transforming TNT Classic Movies into Turner Classic Movies, as part of Turner's efforts to establish cohesive branding for its domestic and international channels.
Initially, TNT Classic Movies shared airtime with Cartoon Network, taking over programming from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time. However, as Cartoon Network expanded its schedule to 9 p.m., the number of films aired by TNT Classic Movies decreased by approximately five per week.
In the late 1990s, Turner Classic Movies emerged as a standalone channel, replacing TNT Classic Movies. Subsequently, in 2019, the channel underwent another rebranding, adopting the name TCM Movies.
Why is TCM to Close UK Service?
TCM is to shut its UK channel in July 2023, after unrelated management changes in the US. TCM, also known as Turner Classic Movies, will bid farewell to its UK channel in July, following independent managerial changes in the United States. In recent times, the company underwent a round of workforce reductions, resulting in the departure of Pola Changnon, the longstanding general manager of TCM, and Turner, who had dedicated over 25 years to the network.
Taking charge of TCM for the second time, Michael Ouweleen, president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family, and Boomerang, will assume the responsibility. TCM has garnered acclaim for its meticulously curated film library, predominantly featuring releases from before the 1980s.
The brand's popularity among Hollywood directors is so profound that Warner Bros. Discovery's chief executive, David Zaslav, personally reassured filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Paul Thomas Anderson of the channel's security.
TCM's UK service appears to be part of a broader strategy by WarnerMedia to pivot its content delivery towards streaming platforms, capitalizing on changing consumer viewing habits. While the TCM brand will continue to exist globally, the closure of TCM's UK service demonstrates a shift in the company's priorities and a recognition of the need to adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape.
The decision to close TCM's UK service will mean that film lovers in the UK will no longer have access to the wide range of classic movies offered by TCM. However, it is worth noting that while TCM's UK channel is closing, the brand itself remains strong globally, and fans of classic cinema will still be able to access the TCM library through streaming services like HBO Max, or on DVD or Blu-ray.
However, this assurance does not extend to the UK, as TCM's social media announced to its fans: "TCM Movies is closing in the UK & Ireland. On July 6th, we'll be riding off into the sunset one last time. Thank you for joining us on our journey and for loving classic movies just as much as we do." Certain content from TCM will find a new home on the general entertainment brand, Quest.
Is TCM's UK Channel Shutting Down - FAQs
Yes, TCM's UK channel is indeed shutting down.
The last day of broadcast for TCM's UK channel is scheduled for July 6th.
The closure of TCM's UK channel is related to management changes and independent restructuring decisions.
TCM's closure in the UK is specific to that region and should not directly impact its availability in other areas.
Some of TCM's content will be transferred to the general entertainment brand Quest in the UK.