Urban TV shuts down after thirteen-year run
Urban TV, a youth-centric television channel owned by Vision Group, has ceased its operations after a thirteen-year run due to financial challenges and escalating content costs. The post Urban TV shuts down after thirteen-year run appeared first on MBU.
JoriPress
Urban TV, the vibrant and youth-centric television channel, has ceased its operations after a thirteen-year run, as confirmed by sources within Vision Group, the media conglomerate that oversaw Urban as its subsidiary.
The announcement of Vision Group pulling the plug on Urban TV was initially disclosed by Robin Kisti, the host of the evening lifestyle program “Short Circuit,” who bid farewell to viewers via social media.
In her message, Kisti expressed gratitude to her viewers while acknowledging the closure of Urban TV and the subsequent discontinuation of their on-air presence.
The closure was swift, with Urban TV already ceasing its broadcast on certain carriers as of Thursday. Notably, on DStv, the channel previously occupied by Urban TV (Channel 288) transitioned to showcasing content from TV West and later Bukedde TV.
The decision to shutter Urban TV reflects a broader trend within Vision Group, with insiders revealing that the closure had been under consideration for some time.
Despite its initial promise as a groundbreaking entertainment channel catering to the youth demographic, Urban TV struggled to achieve commercial viability. Financial challenges plagued the channel for years, with revenue dwindling since 2016 and multiple rounds of staff layoffs.
Efforts to revitalize Urban TV’s programming, such as the introduction of the “Celebrity Edition” news program featuring celebrity anchors, failed to reverse its fortunes. The escalating costs associated with content creation compounded the channel’s financial woes, ultimately contributing to its closure.
The post Urban TV shuts down after thirteen-year run appeared first on MBU.
