TV3 owners Virgin Media Ireland will continue to operate three TV channels in Ireland, but a restructuring means there are only 40 posts to be filled by 61 staff.
It follows the granting of regulatory approvals for the purchase of the channel spun off from UTV in Belfast, itself now owned by ITV.
TV3 says it hopes to employ as many UTV staff as possible, but admits there may be redundancies.
A 30-day consultation period will begin on December 5.
“The announcement strengthens independent television broadcasting in Ireland by bringing together great channels and great content under the one roof. The combined TV3 Group business is now better equipped to compete against significant local and international broadcasters,” said Pat Kiely, Managing Director of TV3. “We can now also play an increasingly bigger role in the development of Irish originated production and broadcasting. I am confident that our new three channel structure will drive the future potential and long-term growth of the business.”
The UTV Ireland operation currently based in Macken House will move to TV3’s headquarters in Ballymount.
UTV Ireland will then be rebranded into the TV3 fold. Its prize assets are the ITV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale that had at one time aired on TV3.
