Ireland’s TV3 Acquires Channel 6

DUBLIN, July 29: Channel
6, the Irish entertainment network launched in 2006, is being acquired by
terrestrial broadcaster TV3 for an undisclosed sum.

TV3, owned by the
private-equity firm Doughty Hanson, is taking full control of Channel 6 from
its founders and a consortium of investors. TV3, launched in 1998, is the
second most-viewed channel in Ireland. Subject to approval by the Broadcasting
Commission of Ireland, the deal is expected to close in the third quarter.

Channel 6 is Ireland’s
newest national television station, serving up a range of genres for viewers
aged 15 to 34. It reaches more than 80 percent of multichannel homes in Ireland
via the NTL/Chorus and Sky platforms. With a host of U.S. dramas and sitcoms
and a smattering of locally produced series, Channel 6 has a weekly audience
reach in excess of 900,000 viewers. Its key offerings include Heroes, My Name is Earl, Family Guy, CSI, The Sopranos, Sex and the City and Friends.

Announcing the deal, David
McRedmond, the CEO of TV3, stated: “The acquisition of Channel 6 consolidates TV3's position as Ireland's
leading commercial broadcaster. Channel 6's program inventory, distribution and
listings provide a fast route to TV3's stated intention to be a multichannel
Irish content provider. We look forward to working closely with the government
and the regulators to ensure a strong, indigenous commercial television
sector.”

—By Mansha Daswani