Announced in October 1981, the television channel Rete 4, began broadcasting on January 4, 1982. It is a general channel rather intended for an adult audience, with an especially culture, soap opera, information and sports.
In 1999, the channel is on trial with Europa 7 of Francesco Di Stefano, for abuse of analog frequencies.
On 31 January 2008, the European Court of Justice ruled that the frequency assignment regime did not respect the principle of freedom to provide services.