Virgin Media receives approval to acquire UTV Ireland

The Liberty Global subsidiary already owns TV3 and 3e, which means it’ll be seriously challenging RTÉ for programming rights and ratings dominance.

Tony Hanway, CEO of Virgin Media in Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to have received regulatory approval to acquire UTV Ireland. This follows our acquisition of TV3 last year and we look forward to playing an even bigger role in the Irish broadcasting sector.”

Pat Kiely, MD of TV3, said: “The purchase of UTV Ireland is good news for viewers and will support TV3 to further compete against significant local and international competition.”

The agreement is the latest in big Irish media deals which have taken place this year. Earlier in 2016, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp paid £220 million for the control of Wireless Group, who last year took over UTV’s radio interests. This means that the Australian tycoon is now calling the shots at Q102, FM104, 96FM, C103, Live95FM, LMFM, U105.8FM, Galway Bay FM and WLR.