Virgin Media and Sky TV viewers devastated as TCM channels shut down tonight

Virgin Radio

5 Jul 2023, 13:50

TCM Movies and it's respective +1 channel are to be dropped from Virgin Media and Sky TV tonight, 5th July, causing outrage amongst many customers to the services.

The channels, which have been noted favourites of major Hollywood directors Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, are known for showcasing classics from the golden age of cinema such as The Wizard of Oz and Gone With The Wind as well as many notable westerns from the rich filmographies of Turner Entertainment and Warner Bros.

The devastating update, for cinephiles in the UK, comes as part of greater news of a global shake up and major lay offs for the channels' parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.

Across the Atlantic, a campaign to save the American counterpart to the UK versions of the network had been launched by: Scorsese, Spielberg and Paul Thomas Anderson.

Although the trio's attempts with their company the Film Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and restoration of classic cinema, to save the gold standard of iconic movie programming have been somewhat successful in the USA, they has unfortunately not translated to Britain.

The three directors released a joint statement about their efforts: “Turner Classic Movies has always been more than just a channel. It is truly a precious resource of cinema, open 24 hours a day seven days a week. And while it has never been a financial juggernaut, it has always been a profitable endeavour since its inception,

“We understand the pressures and realities of a corporation as large as WBD, of which TCM is one moving part. We have each spent time talking to David (Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery Boss), separately and together, and it’s clear that TCM and classic cinema are very important to him.”

Unfortunately, the move to shut the channel down this side of the pond has angered quite a few film lovers on Twitter.

"I watch several westerns a week on that channel!" said one user.

Another commented: "Just found out #TCM UK is closing down. Sad to see it go."

A third added: "My dad is in a period of mourning because the TCM channel is closing down in the UK.

Owner Warner Bros. Discovery has said its other channel Quest will now air some classic movies in TCM's place, according to Cord Busters.

The channel used to air factual shows – but will now also include classic films, from the TCM Movies archives.

Hopefully, any further action from the global juggernaut of a company, will not include an axing the Quest channel.