TV3 are set to launch a new channel to replace UTV Ireland in early 2017.
The news comes just weeks after Virgin Media acquired the station.
The channel will be replaced as be3, which will be launched on January 9.
Be3 will mostly air dramas and chat shows, including Midsomer Muders, Benidorm and Loose Women, and feature two half hour news bulletins in the evening every weekday, while the three-hour children’s programming slot 3Kids will also move to be3.
Expanding: TV3 have launched a new channel to replace UTV Ireland | VIPIRELAND.COM
TV3 will continue to air Red Rock, Gogglebox Ireland, Celebrity Masterchef, as well as Coronation Street and Emmerdale – as the station’s main channel.
In 2017, the station’s other channel 3e will exclusively air Big Brother in Ireland, as well as popular spin-off shows including Xtra Factor and I’m A Celebrity Extra Camp.
News across all three channels will be provided by 3 News Ireland.
be3 will be available on channel 106 on Virgin Media, channel 116 on Sky, channel 106 on Saorview, channel 108 on Eir’s eVision and channel 106 on Vodafone.
Speaking at the launch, Bill Malone, TV3 Group 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.”
