The Tube shuts down

Digital music video channel The Tube has ceased operations. The network, which was seen over WGN’s second digital channel here in Chicago, has been struggling financially since its launch. The Tube suffered a huge blow last year when original partner Sinclair Broadcasting pulled out over a dispute regarding three-hour FCC mandated children’s educational programming on the music channel.

The Tube’s other partners were Tribune Broadcasting (owner of WGN) and Raycom (owners of WOIO/WUAB in Cleveland.) The music channel was broadcast over the digital sub-channels of their owned stations.

No word on what will replace The Tube on WGN’s second digital channel.

The final music video played on The Tube was Woke Up This Morning (Chosen One Mix) by A3 (how appropriate), at 10:55 p.m. (CT). It was the theme to The Sopranos, a program that ended its run last June with its infamous “fade to black” ending.

After the music video was played, The Tube did exactly that.

updated 12:11 a.m. on 2007-10-01

0