Producer David Blake Knox (Blueprint Pictures) in an opinion piece in the Independent, says that “the primary threat which UTV might pose is not to TV3, but to RTÉ”.
Producer David Blake Knox (Blueprint Pictures), in an opinion piece in the Independent, says that “the primary threat which UTV might pose is not to TV3, but to RTE”. David was previously Head of Drama and Entertainment in RTE, as well as Director of TV Production.
“If there is one area where UTV has developed an undisputed expertise, it is in its coverage of news and current affairs. UTV has already developed an extensive news-gathering network around Ireland that is based on the local radio stations in which it has invested.
“The state broadcaster RTÉ has recently scrapped the morning news series 'Morning Edition', as it failed to attract enough viewers.”
As RTE faces new challenges and stiff competition in 2015 from both UTV and TV3 Mr Knox says, “there is a considerable difference in the make-up of the audiences which the two stations have targeted. TV3's programming is largely focused on younger Irish viewers - UTV's primary appeal has traditionally been to an older demographic.”
Despite UTV taking some key programmes from TV3’s schedule such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale, a major and significant coup for TV3 over other Irish broadcasters is their securing exclusive rights to broadcast the Rugby World Cup in 2015;
“an acquisition of strategic importance”, says Blake Knox.
As reported in the Financial Times, ‘The new station is putting a strong emphasis on news, with two nightly bulletins at 6.30pm and 10pm. John McCann, CEO UTV Media, said Northern Ireland was currently the only UK region where an independent news provider outperformed the BBC. “Good quality news and current affairs have always been the key to our success here [in Northern Ireland],” he said.
Read articles here: FT -
Viewers set for launch of UTV Ireland television station
David Blake Knox in the Irish Independent
