Channel i (Singaporean TV channel)

{{Infobox television channel

| name = Channel i

| logo = Channel_i_Logo.png

| launch_date = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2001|5|20}}
(as TVWorks){{cite web |title=The MediaWorks Big Tune-In; Two Free TV Channels Coming Your Way |url=http://www.sphmediaworks.com/news/index.phtml?id=57§ion=Corporate |website=SPH MediaWorks |access-date=2 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011204052508/http://www.sphmediaworks.com/news/index.phtml?id=57§ion=Corporate |archive-date=4 December 2001 |url-status=live }}
{{Start date and age|df=yes|2002|3|3}}
(as Channel i){{cite web |title=i - Your choice for Movies and Action On Singapore's Terrestrial TV! |url=http://www.sphmediaworks.com/news/index.phtml?id=131 |website=SPH MediaWorks |access-date=2 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020814101457/http://www.sphmediaworks.com/news/index.phtml?id=131 |archive-date=14 August 2002 |date=25 February 2002 |url-status=live}}

| closed_date = {{End date and age|df=yes|2005|1|1}}

| network =

| owner = SPH MediaWorks

| picture_format = 4:3 576i SDTV

| country = Singapore

| language = English

| headquarters = 82 Genting Lane
Singapore 349567

| former_names = TVWorks (2001-2002)

| replaced =

| replaced_by =

| sister_channels = Channel U

| availability_note =
(at time of closure)

| terr_serv_1 = Analog terrestrial television

| terr_chan_1 = Channel 30

}}

Channel i was a Singaporean English language free-to-air terrestrial television channel owned by SPH MediaWorks, a broadcasting subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings.

The channel was launched on 20 May 2001 as TVWorks, accompanying the Mandarin-language Channel U. It was initially poised to be a serious alternative to its competition—MediaCorp's Channel 5—by placing an emphasis on local productions rather than imported programming. However, this strategy proved to be unsuccessful, causing the channel to frequently change its schedule and positioning. It eventually settled on a format emphasizing action series, films, and sports.

In 2004, SPH announced an agreement to divest its television stations and free newspaper business to MediaCorp in exchange for a stake in its television and publishing businesses. While MediaCorp would take over Channel U as a sister to its Mandarin channel Channel 8, the broadcaster considered Channel i to be unviable due to low viewership and a lack of advertiser support, and it was shut down on 1 January 2005.

History

File:TV_Works_logo_(2001).png

The name and logo of the channel were revealed at the SPH MediaWorks trade launch on 1 November 2000.{{cite web |date=2 November 2000 |title=Coming your way: Channel U and TV Works |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/streats20001102-1.2.20.3 |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=Streats (retrieved from NLB)}} Later that month, it was announced that TVWorks would broadcast from a studio in Singapore's city centre.{{cite web |date=18 November 2000 |title=TV Works goes to the heart of the city |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/stoverseas20001118-1.2.9.2 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

In January 2001, TVWorks revealed that much of the output carried by the new service would be local, as a counterweight to its future competitor Channel 5, promising that it wouldn't flood its airtime with foreign celebrities.{{cite web |date=18 November 2000 |title=Take a big bite out of TVWorks Big Buffet |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20010109-1.2.98.2.3 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} One of the scheduled programmes, The Big Buffet, was going to be a variety show akin to Talentime from the SBC phase.{{cite web |date=12 January 2001 |title=Feast on The Big Buffet |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20010112-1.2.114.3 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} TVWorks secured the broadcast rights to the three matches of Manchester United's tour in Singapore, scheduled for July 2001, in a decision that was considered to be a "fatal blow" for Sportscity.{{cite web |date=18 January 2001 |title=Media Works gets Red Devils' ties |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20010118-1.2.55.11 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

Weeks ahead of launch, TVWorks' primetime schedule would consist largely of local content on Monday through Thursday nights.{{cite web |date=3 April 2001 |title=It's local fare on TV Works' prime Mon-Thur slots |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes20010403-1.2.11.4 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} In May, Russell Koh (played by Adrian Pang) was selected by the company to become the film reviewer for The Big Buffet.{{cite web |date=9 May 2001 |title=‘Russell Koh’ to review films for TV Works |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/eyeball20010509-1.2.22.2 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

On 26 April 2001, SPH MediaWorks received a nationwide free-to-air television service licence from the Singapore Broadcasting Authority, allowing them to start broadcasting two channels, Channel U, a Chinese language channel, and TVWorks, an English channel.{{Cite press release|title=Singapore Broadcasting Authority (SBA) issues Broadcast Licence to SPH Mediaworks|url=https://www.imda.gov.sg/about/newsroom/archived/mda/media-releases/2001/singapore-broadcasting-authority-sba-issues-broadcast-licence-to-sph-mediaworks|access-date=14 September 2019|date=26 April 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401145740/https://www.imda.gov.sg/about/newsroom/archived/mda/media-releases/2001/singapore-broadcasting-authority-sba-issues-broadcast-licence-to-sph-mediaworks|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 April 2017}} The channel was set to broadcast TV Land The Musical (named after a roadshow event SPH MediaWorks held on 29 April) on launch night.{{cite web |date=11 May 2001 |title=TV Works – It's gonna be a... Win-win launch |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/streats20010511-1.2.25.6 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Streats (retrieved from NLB)}} On 20 May 2001, TVWorks was launched.{{cite web |title=The MediaWorks Big Tune-In; Two Free TV Channels Coming Your Way |url=http://www.sphmediaworks.com/news/index.phtml?id=57§ion=Corporate |website=SPH MediaWorks |access-date=2 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011204052508/http://www.sphmediaworks.com/news/index.phtml?id=57§ion=Corporate |archive-date=4 December 2001 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=20 May 2001 |title=TV Works goes on air |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20010520-1.2.54.6 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The first night on air was seen with dismal ratings, the channel opened with Godzilla peaking in at 4.7%, whereas TV Land (which cost $1 million to produce) received much lower ratings of 1.6%. By contrast, competing Channel 5 always stayed above 10%, peaking at 18% on TVWorks' launch night.{{cite web |title=Webs slug it out |url=https://variety.com/2001/tv/news/webs-slug-it-out-1117801680/ |website=Variety |access-date=14 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914102701/https://variety.com/2001/tv/news/webs-slug-it-out-1117801680/ |archive-date=14 September 2023 |date=19 June 2001 |url-status=live}} The initial format of delivering a large amount of Singaporean content didn't draw in any viewers, and it changed tactics, giving more slots for foreign content.{{cite web |date=6 June 2001 |title=More airtime for imported shows |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/eyeball20010606-1.2.3.2 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Project Eyeball (retrieved from NLB)}} The changes caused criticism from a female viewer, who thought the revised programming was too male-skewing.{{cite web |date=6 June 2001 |title=TV Works tweaks its programming, but its testosterone-charged shows beg the question... What about the women viewers? |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/streats20010606-1.2.23.2 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Streats (retrieved from NLB)}} In June, The Big Buffet cut its length.{{cite web |date=12 June 2001 |title=Slimmer menu for The Big Buffet |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/eyeball20010612-1.2.3.2 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Streats (retrieved from NLB)}} The highest ratings so far came on the first match of the Manchester United tour of Singapore in July, with 322,450 viewers tuning in.{{cite web |date=26 July 2001 |title=332,450 view TV Works' telecast |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20010726-1.2.69.3.1 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Streats (retrieved from NLB)}}

The channel started carrying highlights of the FA Premier League at the start of the 2001-02 season.{{cite web |date=17 August 2001 |title=Catch EPL action on TV Works |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/streats20010817-1.2.26.8.2 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=Streats (retrieved from NLB)}} This came ahead of a new "quality over quantity" schedule that was introduced for the 2001–02 season,{{cite web |date=21 August 2001 |title=Programme line-up change on TV Works |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20010821-1.2.8.1 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} and a rebrand on 3 September 2001.{{cite web |date=2 September 2001 |title=TV Works gets exciting new look |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20010902-1.2.7.6 |access-date=13 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} In contrast to its attempts at producing local programming, TVWorks' schedule now heavily resembled that of Channel 5, with a focus on imported programming (typically from the United States). So far, its only success was its coverage of the Manchester United tour of Singapore two months earlier.{{cite web |date=18 September 2001 |title=Top US entertainment site Variety reports on Singapore media war |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20010918-1.2.37.3 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Its coverage of the 2001 general election had 169,000 viewers, a number that paled to 1.721 million over the combined total of MediaCorp's channels.{{cite web |date=7 November 2001 |title=MediaCorp's elections win |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20011107-1.2.11.2 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Today (retrieved from NLB)}}

On 9 November 2001, TVWorks was restructured following a loss of 65 employees and a decreasing audience share. Plans for its shutdown were dismissed.{{cite web|title=MediaWorks downsizes and restructures TV Works|url=https://sph.com.sg/media_releases/33|website=Singapore Press Holdings|access-date=7 June 2019|date=9 November 2001}}{{cite web |date=10 November 2001 |title=Why it's tough for TVWorks |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper20011110-1.2.24.1 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The New Paper (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=18 September 2001 |title=What it means for you, the TV viewer |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper20011110-1.2.24.2 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The New Paper (retrieved from NLB)}} In January 2002, TVWorks secured the rights to carry one weekly match of the Italian league (Serie A), that had previously been carried by Premiere 12.{{cite web |date=18 January 2002 |title=Serie A live on TV Works |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20020118-1.2.83.13 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Furthermore, sports coverage was boosted in February with the announcement of the rights to air the S-League free-to-air, which up until then aired on MediaCorp's channels.{{cite web |date=2 February 2002 |title=Watch S-League live – only on TV Works |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20020202-1.2.96.2 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The first match to be televised was between Tampines and Geylang on 2 March.{{cite web |date=2 February 2002 |title=Innovative viewing |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper20020302-1.2.61.3 |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

On 25 February 2002, it was announced that TVWorks would rebrand as Channel i on 3 March 2002. Under the new name, Channel i would put a strong emphasis on action entertainment and coverage of the S.League, as well as offering movies every evening. The new brand reflected "the habits, preferences and tastes of the viewers".{{cite web |title=i - Your choice for Movies and Action On Singapore's Terrestrial TV! |url=http://www.sphmediaworks.com/news/index.phtml?id=131 |website=SPH MediaWorks |access-date=2 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020814101457/http://www.sphmediaworks.com/news/index.phtml?id=131 |archive-date=14 August 2002 |date=25 February 2002 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=26 February 2002 |title=I-catching change for TV Works |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/streats20020226-1.2.21.3 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Streats (retrieved from NLB)}} The channel would also increase its synergies with Channel U as a cost-savings measure, including talent sharing and cross-promotional events,{{cite web |date=26 February 2002 |title=TV Works to become Channel i |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20020226-1.2.8.2 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}{{Cite web |title=Cost cutting prompts Channel i rebranding |url=http://www.campaignasia.com/article/cost-cutting-prompts-channel-i-rebranding/185849 |url-access=registration |access-date=2019-09-14 |website=Campaign Asia}} and SPH promoting the two channels together in advertising as a "double" offering.{{cite web |date=4 March 2002 |title=Double Scoops of TV Goodness. |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/streats20020304-1.2.25.1 |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=Streats (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=5 March 2002 |title=Double Shots of TV Satisfaction. |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/streats20020305-1.2.21.1 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Streats (retrieved from NLB)}} With the rebrand, the channel added a new news bulletin, Cue, at 6pm, targeting a different demographic than that of the 9:30 p.m. bulletin.{{cite web |date=2 March 2002 |title=3-2-1 Cue! It's the news at 6, with Sam |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20020302-1.2.7.7 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Ratings for the channel grew largely due to the success of S-League matches.{{cite web |date=23 March 2002 |title=Channel i scores as S-League viewership goes up |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20020323-1.2.77.15 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

A new movie slot was added in June 2002, alongside an interactive music show, i2u.{{cite web |date=30 May 2002 |title=

New shows on MediaWorks |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20020530-1.2.52.2 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Today (retrieved from NLB)}} In July, the channel secured the rights to air the qualifying rounds for Euro 2004, in a package of thirteen matches.{{cite web |date=30 May 2002 |title=

It's free – 13 Euro qualifiers live on Channel i |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20020723-1.2.37.8.16 |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

The contract to air the S-League was extended in February 2003 to cover the 2003 and 2004 seasons.{{cite web |date=10 February 2003 |title=

Channel i to show S-League live for 2 years |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20030210-1.2.40.7.1 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

A multi-year agreement with Paramount Pictures was signed in March 2003 and took effect from 1 June the same year.{{cite web |date=21 March 2003 |title=Rejoice, movie buffs! |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20030321-1.2.45.3 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Today (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=21 March 2003 |title=MediaWorks wins rights to Paramount movies |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes20030321-1.2.11.3 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Business Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The Straits Times TV News was renamed Channel i News on 19 May 2003.{{cite web |date=19 May 2003 |title=CHANNEL i-nnovation |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/streats20030519-1.2.31.1 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Streats (retrieved from NLB)}} The new format was heavily visual.{{cite web |date=19 May 2003 |title=Seeing will be believing on i News |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20030519-1.2.53.9.1 |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

The channel rebranded on 3 November 2003, adopting what would be its last slogan, "Total Entertainment, The Way You Like It". Emphasis was given to non-stop entertainment from 9pm (Channel i News moved to 8:30pm).{{cite web |date=3 November 2003 |title=i will look different |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/streats20030519-1.2.31.1 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=3 November 2003 |title=WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD ON i |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20031103-1.2.56.6 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

Channel i News won the "Best News Programme" award at the Asian Television Awards on 4 December 2003.{{cite web |date=5 December 2003 |title=Channel i News is best in Asia |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20031205-1.2.3 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

A new local sitcom, Durian King, was announced in May 2004, starring Kym Ng and Adrian Pang.{{cite web |date=12 May 2004 |title=New Channel i comedy |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/streats20040512-1.2.34.5 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Streats (retrieved from NLB)}}

= Shutdown =

On 17 September 2004, SPH announced an agreement to divest its television stations and free newspaper businesses to MediaCorp, in exchange for a stake in its television and publishing businesses. At the time, the commercial viability of Channel i was under review.{{cite web |date=18 September 2004 |title=Media rivals strike deal to curb losses |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20040918-1.2.2 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=18 September 2004 |title=DETAILS OF THE DEAL: |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20040918-1.2.4 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Today (retrieved from NLB)}} Days later, a letter sent to The Straits Times suggested that Channel i should continue operating, as MediaWorks' shows had "more substance" than MediaCorp's.{{cite web |date=21 September 2004 |title=Please keep Channel i |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20040921-1.2.27.5 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} However, due to the small size of the English-language television market and other factors, Channel i was deemed unviable, and was shut down on 1 January 2005 at 1.30 am, with the last program being a repeat of Channel i News.{{cite web|url=http://sphmediaworks.com/chi/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041230160852/http://sphmediaworks.com/chi/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2004-12-30|title=Channel i Final Week Schedule {{!}} SPH Mediaworks|access-date=2024-09-25|website=sphmediaworks.com}} Channel U would continue to operate as a sister channel to Channel 8.{{cite web |date=31 December 2004 |title=The fight for space |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20041231-1.2.70.2.21 |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite news |last=Koh |first=Joyce |date=8 December 2004 |title=SPH, MediaCorp to retrench 204 staff, absorb 297 |url=http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Article.aspx?articleid=biztimes20041208-1.2.7.2 |newspaper=The Business Times}} Three years later, its channel allotments was acquired by Okto which aired from 19 October 2008 until 1 May 2019.

Former programmes

= as TVWorks =

The Big Buffet – biweekly run
Big Chilli Wednesday
The Odd Squad
Jalan Jalan
The Big Break {{cite news |title=Talentime: A dinosaur returns |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/streats20010714-1.2.16.1 |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=Streats |date=14 July 2001}}
The Mensroom
Here's A Million – Gameshow
After Hours – Talk show
It's All In The Body – Info-Ed
Dollars & Sense – Current Affairs

= as Channel i =

Ah Girl (3 seasons) – Sitcom
Channel i News – News
Cue – Current affairs
Eyewitness – Current affairs (from 9 September 2001; not to be confused with GMA Network's similar program with the similar name){{cite web |date=8 September 2001 |title=Fauziah's eye on issues |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20010908-1.2.9.3 |access-date=2 January 2025 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}
Durian King – Drama
Fat to Fit – Reality
Heath Matters – Current affairs
iContact – Current affairs
i On The News – Current affairs
i2u – Variety
Makansutra (4 seasons) – Infotainment
Perceptions – Drama
Singapore Shakes – Drama
Six Weeks – Drama
On Today – Current affairs
The Money Tree – Current affairs (from 18 September 2003){{cite web |date=18 September 2003 |title=The Money Tree way to grow wealth |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20030918-1.2.29.5 |access-date=2 January 2025 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}
World Life – Current affairs