Ireland’s TV3 Group Refreshes Three Channels

DUBLIN: The Irish channels TV3 and 3e have been refreshed with new brand identities, while UTV Ireland is being replaced by be3.

TV3 will be the group’s flagship channel, focusing on premium Irish content and the best of acquired programming. The schedule will feature prime-time originals such as Red Rock, Gogglebox Ireland, Celebrity Masterchef and The Restaurant. Coronation Street and Emmerdale join the lineup of international dramas such as Broadchurch and live premium sport, including the Tuesday night UEFA Champions’ League matches.

Starting this January, 3e will be the exclusive home of the Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother franchises. 3e is positioned as the entertainment channel for 15 to 44s. It will also be the exclusive broadcaster of The Xtra Factor, Get Me Out of Here Now and Britain’s Got More Talent. The channel is also the home of UFC.

be3, which becomes available January 9, will be home to drama and chat and give viewers a second chance to see their favorite soaps. The channel will feature such shows as Midsomer Murders, Loose Women and Benidorm. 3Kids, TV3 Group’s daily three-hour children’s programming block, also moves to be3.

Bill Malone, TV3 Group’s director of programming, said: “Today we give you a first look at the ambitious plans for the TV3 Group. Today’s story is not about a new channel or a new name for a channel. It represents a historic shift in Irish broadcasting. TV3 is now a three channel business and today we unveil three new-look and distinctive brands. Our commitment to Irish programming is clearly evident—we are now an Irish broadcaster of scale.”