In response to a shift in focus within the group, the senior staff at Setanta Television, Cormac Hargaden and Trisha Canning, have announced they have agreed terms with Setanta Sport to acquire its independent production subsidiary Setanta Television.
Last week Setanta Sport announced its plans to establish Ireland’s first ever sports dedicated television channel with the assistance of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.
The Setanta Television management buy out/buy in is being led by veteran UK TV executive Mick Pilsworth, the former CEO of Chrysalis TV.
From January 4th, the new company will be known as Motive and will be moving to new offices in Thomas Street. There will be the same staff, complemented by Mick Pilsworth’s international management experience. All existing projects on the Setanta TV development slate will immediately transfer to Motive.
2004 has been Setanta TV’s most successful year to date.
On the home front, Breaking Ball, BBX, Marooned and Entrepreneur of the Year kept all shoulders to the wheel. Meanwhile, on the international stage, Setanta produced the breakthrough series Coach – directed by Liam Mc Grath - to the German/French broadcaster ARTE.
In 2005, Motive intend to build on their reputation as one of the country’s most reliable and creative producers: diversifying from their traditional sports focus into factual entertainment.
