Andrew Hanlon (pictured here on the left), TV3 Group Director of News and Information Programming, has decided to step down from his position with the station at the end of the year.

Andrew has occupied the role since TV3 commenced broadcasting in 1998 and was responsible for the launch of TV3 News as well as Ireland AM, Xposé and the Tonight with Vincent Browne show.

“Having been with the business since its inception, and through three stages of ownership, the time has come to pass on the baton,” Andrew told Hot Press. "TV3 has been an incredible experience for me over the years and I leave with a heavy heart, having made so many friends over my 18 years at the broadcaster. But new and exciting challenges await and I will continue to work in the media business for many years to come.

"I would like to thank Pat Kiely for his support and my other close colleagues at TV3 who I will miss dearly. I would also like to thank Tony Hanway and his colleagues in Virgin Media who have been great support for the TV3 business as new owners. I am delighted to be leaving TV3 in such good shape and exciting times whilst equally excited about my own future plans.”

“It would be hard to find somebody who played a bigger role in TV3’s development of local programming than Andrew Hanlon,” TV3 Group Managing Director Pat Kiely said, when the news was released. "From launching Ireland’s first independent television news service, TV3 News, to Ireland’s only daily television breakfast show, Ireland AM, and lots in between, Andrew leaves a legacy of successful TV3 programmes.

"Andrew was a loyal, dedicated and, above all, supremely talented colleague, who I have no doubt will continue to leave his mark on the Irish media landscape. As TV3 begins a new chapter, I am very sorry to see Andrew leave the business – but he takes the very best wishes from all his colleagues in TV3 and Virgin Media with him.”