Ireland’s new media regulator and development agency, Coimisiún na Meán has signed a new national free-to-air Television Programme Service Contract with Virgin Media Television Limited.
The broadcaster was previously awarded a new 10-year contract following a licensing process commenced by An Coimisiún’s predecessor, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. It sees the continued provision of the national free-to-air channels Virgin Media One and Two.
Paul Farrell, Managing Director of Virgin Media Television said, “The award of this broadcasting licence is a further significant milestone in Virgin Media Television’s journey as Ireland’s leading independent commercial public service broadcaster. It recognises the achievements of our entire team across over a quarter of a century of public service broadcasting.”
Farrell promised continued investment in original Irish content and presentation, news and current affairs, documentaries, drama and entertainment, while also shining a light on under-represented communities.
“We’re excited about this new chapter for Virgin Media Television and are grateful to Coimisiún na Meán for trusting us with this responsibility. We look forward to a more open debate and understanding of the role other media outlets play in providing public service content, and equally how the funding model needs to be reviewed to be more equitable”.
Commenting, Broadcasting Commissioner, Celene Craig added: “Virgin Media One and Two are valued components of Ireland’s media landscape, enhancing choice and diversity for Irish audiences with home-produced and international content in areas such as news and current affairs, entertainment, drama, sport, factual and lifestyle.”
Virgin Media Television was launched in 1998 as TV3, the name it held until August 2018.
