UTV rebrands as Wireless Group and shifts focus to radio

ITV has confirmed that its £100 million acquisition of UTV’s television assets is complete and that the managing director of UTV and UTV Ireland is to transfer with the business.

Adam Crozier, chief executive of ITV, said on Monday that UTV and UTV Ireland would become a "full part" of its company and it is committed to "maintaining and strengthening" UTV's news service and its wider programming output.

Mr Crozier also had reassuring words for UTV television’s Dublin operation.

“The team has done a great job in establishing UTV Ireland and shaking up the Irish market place in the process.

“In just over a year on air, the channel is already running second in the market in ratings terms on a regular basis. This is a significant achievement and one we look forward to building upon with the team.”

He said that ITV was also pleased to confirm that Michael Wilson would remain in place as managing director of UTV and UTV Ireland.

Mr Wilson has praised his team north and south and said he was “very proud to be surrounded by a highly talented and enthusiastic team who work for UTV Television”.

He says he is confident that the ITV acquisition is the “best way to take UTV’s television business forward”.

Wireless Group will now focus on its radio interests, which include TalkSport and six stations in the Republic, and its digital media business.