Channel 4 has paid £28 million for a 50% stake in Emap's TV business as part of a "cross-platform music strategy".
The portfolio includes seven music jukebox channels, mostly born from Emap brands, including The Box, Smash Hits, Q, Kiss, Kerrang, Magic and The Hits.
The broadcasters will use the joint-venture to "exploit new and emerging digital growth opportunities", with "increased cross-promotional opportunities spanning both media companies' portfolios'".
Channel 4 is preparing to launch three new digital radio stations next year and has also been mulling the launch of a dedicated TV channel under the 4Music brand following the success of its 'E4 Music' strand.
C4 chief exec Andy Duncan described the move as a "strategic investment... designed to generate significant revenues that can be reinvested in supporting our public service activity longer term".
Paul Keenan, chief executive of Emap consumer, added: "Emap and Channel 4 are likeminded partners and together we make a formidable force in an otherwise fragmenting and challenging market."
