Minister Pat Rabbitte officially opened TV3’s new €5m Sony HD production centre in Ballymount last night, at a star-studded event hosted by Vincent Browne.
At 500 square metres, the facility is the largest purpose-built TV studio in Ireland and one of the most technologically-advanced broadcast facilities in Europe.
Minister Rabbitte congratulated TV3 and its investor Doughty Hanson for opening the facility, describing it as an impressive and important addition to the Irish broadcast landscape.
‘I am personally delighted that Ballymount is now becoming a major centre for Irish and international television production. Plurality in media is a key aim of public policy which must ensure both strong public service and commercial broadcasting,’ Mr Rabbitte said.
The €5m HD infrastructure was funded by a direct capital contribution from TV3’s investors Doughty Hanson, along with a multi-million euro technology and naming rights deal between TV3 and Sony.
David McRedmond, CEO of TV3, said: ‘The opening of this world-class studio is a great day for TV3 and for the Irish TV industry. It opens a major new centre for Irish TV production and connects Dublin into a global network of broadcast facilities.’
The studio represents the final link in TV3’s HD infrastructure following investment in HD transmission and post-production facilities. When fully operational the studio is expected to provide an additional 40 full-time high skilled jobs, and many more on specific productions.
Olivier Bovis, Head of Sony Professional Solutions Europe, added: ‘The studio is built to the highest international specifications and really is the perfect place to showcase the best and latest Sony HD broadcast technology.’
The new studio will initially be used to upscale TV3’s flagship programmes including Tonight with Vincent Browne, Ireland AM and Champions’ League, and to film TV3’s commissions such as Take Me Out which are currently filmed in theatre locations.
Vincent Browne’s featured panel guests included Gay Byrne, Minister Rabbitte, Independent Senator Mary-Louise O’Donnell and Mr McRedmond, before an audience of 200 - an edited version of which will be released online this week.
Also in attendance were Chris Fielding and John Leahy from Doughty Hanson; Bob Collins, Chairman of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland; Aidan Dunning, Secretary General of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; Louis Walsh and many other famous faces from the world of entertainment and broadcasting.
