06/11/2013

UTV To Launch Irish Channel

UTV has announced plans to launch a new Dublin-based, all-Ireland TV channel that will create more than 100 new jobs.

An application to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) for a Content Provision Contract will be submitted today.

The announcement follows the signing of an agreement with ITV Studios Global Entertainment, which will give UTV the exclusive broadcasting rights for ITV Studios programmes for the Republic of Ireland audience.

The rights are expected to be in effect from early 2015, once appropriate statutory broadcasting licences are in place.

The new channel will be based in Dublin with additional newsgathering and reporting presence in Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick.

UTV plans to have the new channel on air in early 2015.

John McCann, Group Chief Executive, UTV Media plc said: "The audience in Ireland has known the UTV brand for more than 50 years through our station for Northern Ireland and we’re delighted to announce our plans for a new dedicated channel for viewers in the Republic of Ireland.

"UTV Media already has a very strong presence in the Republic of Ireland employing more than 300 people in our various businesses including our market leading Irish radio stations. We look forward to building on that success with the launch of a new Irish TV channel.

"After incurring start-up costs in 2014 we expect the new channel to breakeven in its first full year of operation and then move into profit from 2016.

"Today’s announcement represents a strong vote of confidence in Irish broadcasting and our investment in the Irish economy."

Michael Wilson, Managing Director, UTV Television said: "UTV was the first commercial TV channel in Ireland when it launched as part of the ITV Network back in 1959 and for many years the only place where you could watch Coronation Street and the hugely popular ITV network programming.

"We intend to introduce UTV Ireland in early 2015 utilising the existing UTV winning formula of combining high quality news, current affairs, entertainment and drama."

(IT/CD)

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