News UK has confirmed that TalkTV will close down as a linear TV channel by the "early summer".
The station launched in April 2022 as a spinoff of talkRADIO with programmes presented by the likes of Piers Morgan, Jeremy Kyle and Vanessa Feltz, but has failed to pick up a traditional TV audience.
TalkTV has lagged significantly in the ratings behind fellow upstart GB News - and recently Morgan decided to transfer his show to online-only, a move that will now be aped by the whole station itself.
Scott Taunton, News UK's head of broadcasting, told staff in an email: "It is obvious to all of us that, for the majority of people, news consumption is shifting online. People are checking the news via their smartphones and the highest consumption of Talk's content is already online – and growing.
"Two years ago, we would not have been brave enough to launch a channel without a linear presence, but audiences of all ages have moved fast, and smartphones are now the primary device where news is consumed. We need to adapt to this as a priority.
"While linear TV has been a good marketing and awareness window for Talk, we now need to focus our investment on where the eyeballs are and where the revenues are in growth.
"We are therefore intending that Talk comes off linear television from early summer and our focus will be on streaming."
The channel is expected to continue as a 24/7 proposition online once it makes the switch, but the broadcaster is said to be consulting with staff about future changes. body check tags ::
Follow us on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole Low-Price Offer: Get Sky Entertainment, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £19 a month + £0 upfront fee for 18 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends 23rd May 2024
