Liberty Global could be about to extend its television interests in the Irish Republic.
The Sunday Telegraph has reported that Liberty, which already owns Ireland’s TV3 and Virgin Media, could be about to add UTV Ireland to its portfolio.
UTV Ireland launched on New Year’s Day 2015 as a spin-off from the Channel 3 licence holder in Northern Ireland. UTV was subsequently sold to ITV in which Liberty owns 9.9%.
Last year Liberty purchased TV3, Ireland’s ‘official’ commercial broadcaster, though UTV Ireland also has DTT carriage.
UTV Ireland has an agreement with ITV Studios Global Entertainment, which gives UTV the exclusive broadcasting rights for ITV Studios programmes for the Republic of Ireland audience, including popular soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
Liberty is making no comment.
