Andrew Hanlon is set to leave TV3 after 18 years with the station.
The Director Of News has been in the role since the station commenced broadcasting in 1998 and is responsible for the launch of TV3 News, Ireland AM, Xpose and Tonight With Vincent Browne.
He has also brought forward some of Ireland’s most popular talents including Grainne Seoige, Claire Byrne, Lorraine Keane, Maura Derrane and most notably Amanda Byram who will be hosting RTE’s Dancing With The Stars.
Stepping down: Andrew is set to leave his role as TV3’s Director Of News | LINKEDIN
“Having been with the business since inception, and through three stages of ownership, the time has come to pass on the baton,” he said in a press release obtained by the Irish Independent.
“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.”
TV talent: The TV3 director is responsible for introducing many popular TV shows like Xpose | VIPIRELAND.COM
Pat Kiely, TV3 Group Managing Director, admitted that it will be hard to find someone “who played a bigger role in TV3’s development of local programming than Andrew Hanlon.”
“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,” he added.
The news comes after it was revealed that there was set to be a major shake-up in TV3 with the return of soaps Coronation Street and Eastenders – but this has left people wondering what will happen to The Seven O’Clock Show.
