Regulator approves new UTV channel

UTV Media has been given the regulatory go-ahead to launch a television channel in the Republic in January 2015. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has confirmed that it has signed a television content provision contract with UTV Ireland Ltd, the subsidiary set up by the Belfast-based plc to run the station.

The company took the Irish television market by surprise in November last year by announcing that it would apply for a licence under Section 71 of the Broadcasting Act.

UTV Ireland, which the broadcaster has indicated will be known simply as “UTV” on screen, will be a general entertainment channel. The only local content that has been confirmed to date is an hour-long news and current affairs programme, which will run from Monday to Thursday, most likely at 10pm. The broadcaster is currently seeking a head of news to oversee this output.

The station’s evening schedule will be underpinned by the soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale, following UTV’s signing of an exclusive content deal for the Irish market with ITV Studios.

BAI chairman Bob Collins said the contract signing was to be welcomed, "particularly for the additional choice and increased diversity of content that it will offer to Irish viewers". Mr Collins added that the BAI "wishes the company every success".

The contract “represents a strong vote of confidence by UTV in Irish broadcasting and our investment in the Irish economy”, UTV group chief executive John McCann said.

The operation is expected to lead to the creation of 100 jobs. About 70 of the positions will be based in Dublin, with the remainder in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, where it will base news reporters. About half of the jobs will be editorial roles.

The section of the Act under which UTV has received its licence does not require it to pay a broadcasting levy, but a much smaller fee. However, UTV also will not have automatic right to carriage on any platform and must now negotiate with Sky, UPC and other television package providers for a prominent place on their electronic programme guides (EPGs).

"Our plans for UTV Ireland are now well under way and we look forward to announcing more exciting programming in the coming months," said UTV's managing director of television, Michael Wilson.