C4 rings the changes as rival gets ready to rock

Camilla Martin

As MTV prepares to launch in New Zealand, changes are afoot at free-to-air music channel C4. After nearly three years of existence, the channel has gone on a rampage, ditching specialist shows and familiar faces.

Camilla Martin, James Coleman and Teuila Blakely have gone - Blakely is now on Juice TV. And insiders say Top 40 presenter Laila Dookia could be next. Comedian Dai Henwood has joined, and former What Now? presenter Shavaughn Ruakere will start in September on what is rumoured to be a gossip show.

Nick D, DJ Sir-Vere and Jono Pryor will continue with the channel, despite their flagship shows Sound Lab, Holla Hour and Amp'd closing for business. They will join Jane Yee and Clarke Gayford on Special Features. Saturday night's Freestyle has also been dropped.

C4 says the changes have nothing to do with the launch of MTV and more to do with changing with the times. C4 station manager Andrew Szusterman says: "Our specialist shows no longer represent what is happening musically."