It has been reported that digital music and arts
channel, Artsworld will announce its closure in the next
few days. Media Guardian have reported that an
announcement is "imminent" and the closure could come as
quick as the end of July 2002. About 100,000 customers
subscribed to the niche-broadcasting channel for
£5.99.

The closure has been confirmed by the Chief Executive of
the channel, John Hambley who has lashed out by saying
that the government is to be blamed for the closure of
its channel. Mr Hambley claimed the "unregulated
environment" in which BBC4 was allowed to operate would
deter investors from backing TV arts channels in the
future."I don't blame the BBC for this. They are just
doing what any broadcaster would do and expanding into
new areas," Mr Hambley said.