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{{Short description|Irish television channel}}
{{Lowercase}}
{{About|the television channel formerly known as "be3"|the television channel renamed from "TV3"|Virgin Media One}}
{{Other uses|BE3 (disambiguation){{!}}BE3}}
{{Redirect|UTV Ireland|the ITV channel in Northern Ireland|UTV (TV channel)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Use Irish English|date=December 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox television channel
{{Infobox television channel
| name = be3
| name = Virgin Media Three
| logo = Virgin Media Three logo 2018.svg
| logofile = File:Be3_Ireland_2017.png
| logosize = 200px
| logo_size = 200px
| logo_caption =
| launch = 9 January 2017
| launch_date = {{start date and age|1 January 2015}}<br />(as UTV Ireland)
| network =[[TV3 Group]]
| network = [[Virgin Media Television (Ireland)|Virgin Media Television]]
| owner = [[Virgin Media Ireland]]
| owner = [[Virgin Media Ireland]]
| picture format = [[576i]] ([[16:9]] [[Standard-definition television|SDTV]])<br>[[1080i]] ([[High-definition television|HDTV]])
| share =
| share as of =
| share source =
| slogan =
| country = [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
| country = [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
| language = [[English language|English]]
| language = English
| former_names = UTV Ireland (2015–2017) <br /> be3 (2017–2018)
| broadcast area = Ireland
| sister_channels = [[Virgin Media One]] <br /> [[Virgin Media Two]] <br />[[Virgin Media More]] <br />[[Virgin Media Four]]
| affiliates =
| picture_format = [[1080i]] [[HDTV]]<br />(downscaled to [[16:9]] [[576i]] for the [[SDTV]] feed)
| headquarters = [[Dublin]], Ireland
| terr_serv_1 = [[Saorview]]
| former name = UTV Ireland
| terr_chan_1 = Channel 6
| replaced name =
| online_serv_1 = [[Virgin TV (Ireland)|Virgin TV Anywhere]]
| replaced by name =
| online_chan_1 = [https://www.virginmediatv.ie/en/epg/IESVC1238 Watch live] (Ireland only)
| sister names = [[TV3 (Ireland)|TV3]] <br> [[3e]]
| online_serv_2 = Virgin Media Player
| timeshift names =
| online_chan_2 = [https://www.virginmediatelevision.ie/player/live/virgin-media-three Watch live] (Ireland only)
| web = {{url|www.be3.ie}}
| website =
| terr serv 1 = [[Saorview]]
| terr chan 1 = Channel 6
| sat serv 1 = [[Sky Ireland]]
| sat chan 1 = Channel 116
| cable serv 1 = [[Virgin Media Ireland]]
| cable chan 1 = Channel 106<br />Channel 148 (HD)
| iptv serv 1 = eir Vision
| iptv chan 1 = Channel 108
| online serv 1 = Be3
| online chan 1 = [http://player.3.ie/ 3 Player]<br><small>(Ireland only)</small>
}}
}}
'''Virgin Media Three''', also called '''Virgin Three''',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mediahq.com/blog/2018/08/23/tv3-relaunch-virgin-media-television/|title=New autumn schedule for rebranded Virgin Media TV|date=23 August 2018|website=MediaHQ}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pressreader.com/ireland/sunday-independent-ireland-living/20181202/281981788655075 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225125914/https://www.pressreader.com/ireland/sunday-independent-ireland-living/20181202/281981788655075 |archive-date=2018-12-25 |title=This Morning (Virgin Three) |date=2018-12-02 |access-date=2023-04-02 |publisher=[[Sunday Independent (Ireland)]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.isatdb.com/en/channel-frequency/virgin-three-njuj|title=Virgin Three Actual Frequency Info - Internet Satellite Database|website=iSatDB - Internet Satellite Database}}</ref> is an [[Republic of Ireland|Irish]] [[free-to-air]] television channel owned by [[Virgin Media Ireland|Virgin Media Television]].


The channel was first launched by Northern Irish broadcaster [[UTV Media]] on 1 January 2015 as '''UTV Ireland'''; it primarily carried programmes licensed from British broadcaster [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]], along with some local news and lifestyle programmes. In July 2016, after [[ITV plc]] acquired UTV's television business and [[UTV (TV channel)|ITV franchise]], UTV Ireland was sold to [[Virgin Media Ireland]] and merged into its TV3 division; it was rebranded as '''be3''' on 9 January 2017, which primarily focuses on programmes targeting women.
'''be3''' is a television channel in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] operated by the [[TV3 Group]], a subsidiary of [[Virgin Media Ireland]]. It was known as UTV Ireland from January 2015 to January 2017. The channel re-launched at 07:00 on 9 January 2017 as a rebrand of [[UTV Ireland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2016/1206/836930-tv3-launches-its-new-look-three-channel-group/ |title=Bye Bye UTV Ireland. Hello girlie replacement be3 |publisher=RTÉ |date=9 December 2016 |accessdate=8 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adworld.ie/2016/12/09/utv-set-become-be3-tv3-group-ramps-broadcasting-presence/ |title=UTV Set to Become be3 as TV3 Group Ramps up its Broadcasting Presence |publisher=AdWorld.ie |date=9 December 2016 |accessdate=8 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ring |first=Evelyn |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/tv3-bosses-unveil-utv-ireland-replacement-channel-be3-434000.html |title=TV3 bosses unveil UTV Ireland replacement channel be3 |publisher=Irish Examiner |date=7 December 2016 |accessdate=8 January 2017}}</ref>

The channel's studios and headquarters are based at the TV3 Group headquarters in [[Ballymount]] in [[Dublin]]. The channel is also available in high-definition.


==History==
==History==
[[File:UTV Ireland logo.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|UTV Ireland logo (1 January 2015 – 8 January 2017)]]
On 6 November 2013, [[Wireless Group|UTV Media]]—owner of [[UTV (TV channel)|UTV]], the Northern Ireland franchise of UK television network [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]—announced that it had submitted a proposal to the [[Broadcasting Authority of Ireland]] (BAI) to operate a channel in the Republic of Ireland known as '''UTV Ireland'''. Ahead of the announcement, UTV reached an agreement to acquire the Republic of Ireland broadcast rights to several key ITV programmes from [[ITV Studios]], including ''[[Coronation Street]]'' and ''[[Emmerdale]]''—replacing [[Virgin Media One|TV3]]; pending regulatory approval, UTV planned to launch the new channel by early-2015.''<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Hora |first=Ailish |date=6 November 2013 |title=Blow to 3 as UTV plans to launch TV station here |newspaper=[[The Irish Independent]] |publisher=[[Independent News and Media]] |location=Dublin |url=http://www.independent.ie/business/blow-to-tv3-as-utv-plans-to-enter-television-market-29731761.html |access-date=6 November 2013 |issn=0021-1222}}</ref>'' UTV planned to have a national news service at launch, leveraging resources from its radio stations in the Republic.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kelly |first=Louise |date=6 November 2013 |title=Newstalk - UTV hopes to use radio network to contribute to Irish TV channel |website=[[Newstalk]] |publisher=[[Communicorp]] |url=http://www.newstalk.ie/UTV-announces-plans-for-new-Irish-TV-channel |access-date=6 November 2013}}</ref> It planned to employ around 100 people, with 30 of these jobs being based around the country.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Burke-Kennedy |first1=Eoin |last2=Carbery |first2=Genevieve |date=6 November 2013 |title=UTV to launch new Dublin-based TV channel by 2015 |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |location=Dublin |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/media-and-marketing/utv-to-launch-new-dublin-based-tv-channel-by-2015-1.1585517 |access-date=6 November 2013 |issn=0791-5144}}</ref>


TV3's CEO David McRedmond remarked that losing rights to ITV's soaps to UTV Ireland would allow it to reallocate their cost towards domestic programmes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-11-06 |title=Corrie, Emmerdale moving to UTV Ireland |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a529341/coronation-street-and-emmerdale-to-move-to-utv-in-ireland/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref> Nevertheless, in January 2014 ''The Sunday Times'' reported that TV3 had launched a lobbying campaign opposing UTV's license proposal.<ref>{{cite news |last=McCaughren |first=Samantha
{{about|the channel covering the Republic of Ireland|the channel covering Northern Ireland|UTV (TV channel)}}
|url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/ireland/article1361699.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2014_01_11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112235633/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/ireland/article1361699.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2014_01_11 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 12, 2014 |title=TV3 will oppose UTV Irish licence |newspaper=[[The Sunday Times]] |url-access=subscription |date=12 January 2014 |access-date=12 January 2014}}</ref> On 27 February 2014, the BAI approved UTV's license proposal.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.bai.ie/en/bai-signs-content-contract-with-utv-ireland/ |title=BAI Signs Content Contract with 'UTV Ireland' |publisher=[[Broadcasting Authority of Ireland]] |date=2014-02-27 |access-date=2019-11-17 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4287107&tpl=archnews&force=1 |title=UTV Ireland Appoints Mary Curtis as Head of Channel |publisher=Irish Film and Television Network |date=29 April 2014 |access-date=15 March 2015}}</ref> On 29 April 2014, [[Mary Curtis (TV executive)|Mary Curtis]] became UTV Ireland's first chief.<ref name="auto" /> On 1 December 2014, UTV Ireland was granted Public Service Status by Minister for Communications [[Alex White (Irish politician)|Alex White]], allowing it to appear on Saorview.<ref>{{Cite press release |url = http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/2014/Minister+designates+new+UTV+Ireland+channel+for+carriage+on+SAORVIEW.htm |archive-url = https://archive.today/20141206222159/http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/2014/Minister+designates+new+UTV+Ireland+channel+for+carriage+on+SAORVIEW.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 December 2014 |title=Minister designates new UTV Ireland channel for carriage on SAORVIEW |date=1 December 2014 |access-date=6 December 2014 |website = DCENR|publisher=[[Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources]] |via=archive.today}}</ref>
{{Use Irish English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2013}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = UTV Ireland
| logofile = UTV Ireland.svg
| logosize = 250px
| launch = 1 January 2015
| closed date = {{end date|2017|1|9|df=yes}}
| network = [[TV3 Group]]
| owner = [[Virgin Media Ireland]]
| picture format = [[576i]] ([[16:9]] [[Standard-definition television|SDTV]])<br>[[1080i]] ([[High-definition television|HDTV]])
| share = 8.09%
| share as of = November 2016
| share source = TAM Ireland <ref>http://www.tamireland.ie/box-clever/tv-basics/share-and-reach</ref>
| replaced by names = [[Be3 (TV channel)|be3]]
| slogan = YOU TV
| country = [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
| language = [[English language|English]]
| broadcast area = Ireland
| affiliates =
| headquarters = [[Dublin]], Ireland
| former name =
| replaced name = be3
| replaced by name = be3
| sister names = [[TV3 (Ireland)|TV3]] <br> [[3e]] <br> TV3 HD <br> TV3+1
| timeshift names =
| web = {{url|www.utv.ie}}
| terr serv 1 = [[Saorview]]
| terr chan 1 = Channel 6 (SD)
| sat serv 1 = [[Sky Ireland]]
| sat chan 1 = Channel 116 (SD)
| cable serv 1 = [[Virgin Media Ireland]]
| cable chan 1 = Channel 110 (HD)
| iptv serv 1 = eir Vision
| iptv chan 1 = Channel 108
| online serv 1 = Be3
| online chan 1 = [http://player.3.ie/ 3 Player]<br><small>(Ireland only)</small>
| airdate = 1 January 2015
| parent =
| key people =
| motto =
}}


UTV Ireland launched at 7:25 p.m. on 1 January 2015; its opening night of programmes featured a [[New Year's Day]]-themed launch special, ''Out with the Old — In with the U'', which was hosted by veteran personality [[Pat Kenny]] and featured appearances by [[Hozier (musician)|Hozier]], [[Tommy Bowe]], and other network personalities.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |url=http://www.irishmirror.ie/whats-on/arts-culture-news/utv-ireland-launch-happened-updates-4904572 |title= UTV Ireland launch as it happened |date=1 January 2015 |work=[[Irish Mirror]] |location=Dublin |access-date=16 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Stuart |last=Kemp |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/05/utv-ireland-becomes-republics-first-new-commercial-broadcaster-since-1998 |title=UTV Ireland becomes Republic's first new commercial broadcaster since 1998 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |location=London |date=5 January 2015 |access-date=10 February 2015}}</ref> Five days later, the channel launched its national news service, ''[[Ireland Live]]''.<ref>{{cite news|first=Kim |last=Bielenberg |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/review-utvs-new-ireland-live-is-slick-but-prepackaged-30884895.html |title=REVIEW: UTV's new 'Ireland Live' is slick but pre-packaged |publisher=[[Independent News and Media]] |newspaper=[[The Irish Independent]] |location=Dublin |issn=0021-1222 |date=6 January 2015 |access-date=15 March 2015}}</ref>
'''UTV Ireland''' was a television channel in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] operated by the [[TV3 Group]], a subsidiary of [[Virgin Media Ireland]]. The channel was launched by UTV in January 2015, and was sold to the TV3 Group in July 2016.


In June 2015, UTV Group reported losses of €16.2 million on the channel due to poor daytime and weekend ratings performance, and it was reported that the network was planning a revamp of its branding and lineup within the coming months. Managing Director Michael Wilson defended UTV Ireland's performance, noting that ''Coronation Street'' and ''Emmerdale'' were drawing larger audiences on UTV Ireland than on previous broadcasters, but admitted that their staff had gone "under the bonnet" to find means of improving the network's overall performance.<ref>{{cite news |title=UTV Ireland plans channel revamp |url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0628/711174-utv-ireland/ |work=[[RTÉ News]] |date=2015-06-28 |access-date=2017-03-05 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>-
The channel's studios and headquarters were based at Macken House in Dublin with local offices in [[Cork (city)|Cork]], [[Limerick]], [[Galway]] and [[Waterford]]. UTV Media's headquarters in [[Belfast]], [[Northern Ireland]] were utilised as transmission facilities for the channel.


On 19 October 2015, [[ITV plc]] announced its intent to acquire UTV Group's television business, including UTV Ireland, for £100 million, subject to regulatory approval.<ref name="bbc-utvsale">{{cite news |last=Cambell |first=John |title=UTV Media agrees sale of TV stations to ITV for £100m |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34508529 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=2015-10-19 |access-date=2019-11-17 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> In December 2015, the deal was approved by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.<ref name="bft-utvsale">{{cite news |last=Mulgrew |first=John |title=UTV Ireland clears first hurdle in takeover deal |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/utv-ireland-clears-first-hurdle-in-takeover-deal-34306440.html |newspaper=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |publisher=[[Independent News and Media]] |issn=0307-5664 |url-access=registration |date=2015-12-22 |access-date=2017-03-25 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The sale was completed on 29 February 2016, with the remainder of UTV Group operating as radio broadcaster [[Wireless Group]] (later sold to [[News UK]]).<ref>{{cite news |last=McDonnell |first=Francess |title=UTV rebrands as Wireless Group and shifts focus to radio |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/utv-rebrands-as-wireless-group-and-shifts-focus-to-radio-1.2554535 |access-date=5 March 2016|newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |location=Dublin |issn=0791-5144 |date=29 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="it-utvirelandvt"/>
The channel employed around 100 people, in permanent and contract roles with 30 of these jobs being based around the country.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Burke-Kennedy |first1=Eoin |last2=Carbery |first2=Genevieve |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/media-and-marketing/utv-to-launch-new-dublin-based-tv-channel-by-2015-1.1585517 |title=UTV to launch new Dublin-based TV channel by 2015 |publisher=The Irish Times |date=2013-11-06 |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref> However, the majority of these jobs employees were made redundant by the channels new owners Virgin Media on January 6, 2017.


On 11 July 2016, ITV plc announced that it had sold UTV Ireland to [[Virgin Media Television (Ireland)|TV3 Group]], a division of [[Virgin Media Ireland]], for €10 million. As part of the deal, TV3 Group inherited UTV Ireland's ten-year programme supply contract with ITV (effectively re-uniting these rights with its previous owner). ITV director of operations and strategy Christy Swords stated that "Launching UTV Ireland last year represented a significant achievement by the teams in Dublin and Belfast in challenging circumstances", but that when ITV plc took over the network, they "concluded that bringing TV3 and UTV Ireland together under common ownership offers the best prospect of delivering a strong and sustainable Irish commercial broadcaster, underpinned by a long-term programming agreement with ITV".<ref name="it-utvirelandvt">{{cite news |last=Slattery |first=Laura |title=TV3 owner Virgin Media buys UTV Ireland for €10m |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/tv3-owner-virgin-media-buys-utv-ireland-for-10m-1.2718283 |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |issn=0791-5144 |location=Dublin |date=2016-07-11 |access-date=2019-11-17 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Virgin Media Ireland had acquired TV3 in 2015, and had begun to make major investments in the broadcaster.<ref name="it-utvirelandvt"/>
In December 2016, the TV3 Group announced it planned to rebrand the channel as '''[[Be3_(TV_channel)|be3]]''' on 9 January 2017. The channel forms part of a line-up of three channels run by the company and will focus on children's and female-orientated programming.<ref>http://www.independent.ie/business/media/new-utv-ireland-name-could-be-be3-35261604.html</ref><ref>{{citeweb|url= https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/utv-ireland-broadcasts-for-the-last-time-amid-rebrand-438236.html|title=UTV Ireland broadcasts for the last time amid rebrand|date=9 January 2017|work=Irish Examiner|accessdate=10 January 2017}}</ref>


[[File:be3_Ireland_2017.png|thumb|upright=0.7|Be3 logo (9 January 2017 – 30 August 2018)]]
On 6 November 2013, UTV Ireland's then owner, UTV Media, announced its subsidiary, UTV Ireland Ltd, would launch a new television channel targeting audiences within the Republic of Ireland and obtained a licence for a 'Content Provision Contract' from the [[Broadcasting Authority of Ireland]].
On 22 November 2016 it was announced that ''Coronation Street'' and ''Emmerdale'' would move back to TV3 beginning 5 December 2016.<ref name="thejournal-corriereturns">{{cite news |last=Murray |first=Sean |title=The rovers return: TV3 is getting Emmerdale and Corrie back|url=http://www.thejournal.ie/tv3-reclaim-soaps-3095795-Nov2016/ |work=[[TheJournal.ie]] |publisher=Distilled Media |location=Dublin |date=2016-11-22 |access-date=2017-03-05 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The next day, it was announced that UTV Ireland would be re-launched as '''be3''' on 9 January 2017, as part of a wider re-branding of all three TV3 channels with new positioning and lineups. The re-branded channel would be primarily aimed towards women, and it was also announced that TV3's [[3Kids|children's strand]] would also be moved to the channel. In the lead-up to the re-branding, the channel's operations were consolidated at the TV3 Group's main studio in [[Ballymount]]. Many of UTV Ireland's employees were laid off, but 40 new positions were offered within the TV3 Group.<ref name="it-be3rebranding">{{cite news |last=Paul |first=Mark |title=UTV Ireland becomes be3 as TV3 group rebrands channels |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/utv-ireland-becomes-be3-as-tv3-group-rebrands-channels-1.2895242 |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |location=Dublin |issn= 0791-5144 |date=2016-12-06 |access-date=2019-11-17 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Conall |last=Ó Fátharta |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/utv-ireland-broadcasts-for-the-last-time-amid-rebrand-438236.html |title=UTV Ireland broadcasts for the last time amid rebrand |date=9 January 2017|newspaper=[[Irish Examiner]] |location=Cork |publisher=[[Landmark Media Investments]] |access-date=10 January 2017}}</ref>


In June 2018, it was announced that be3 would be rebranded as '''Virgin Media Three''' on 30 August 2018, as part of a rebranding of all three TV3 channels under the Virgin Media brand.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Woods |first=Killian | url=http://www.thejournal.ie/tv3-virgin-media-sports-channel-2-4096826-Jun2018/ |title=TV3 is officially changing its name - to Virgin Media One |work=[[TheJournal.ie]] |publisher=Distilled Media |location=Dublin |date=2018-06-28 |access-date=2018-06-29 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
UTV launched the channel follow their acquisition of Republic of Ireland broadcasting rights to key programming from ITV Studios Global Entertainment, including ''[[Emmerdale]]'', ''[[Coronation Street]]'' and ''[[The Jeremy Kyle Show]]''. [[TV3 (Ireland)|TV3]] previously held the rights until December 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/business/blow-to-tv3-as-utv-plans-to-enter-television-market-29731761.html |title=Blow to 3 as UTV plans to launch TV station here |publisher=Independent.ie |date=2013-11-06 |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref>


==Programming==
The announcement of the channel was welcomed by the [[Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources|Minister for Communications]], [[Pat Rabbitte|Pat Rabbitte TD]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/the-irish-times/pat-rabbitte-welcomes-utv-move |title=Pat Rabbitte welcomes UTV move by The Irish Times |publisher=SoundCloud |date=2013-11-06 |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref> and TV3's CEO David McRedmond welcomed the channels launch saying it is good news for the independent sector and all money that was spent on ITV programming by TV3 can be reinvested elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kelly |first=Louise |url=http://www.newstalk.ie/UTV-announces-plans-for-new-Irish-TV-channel |title=Newstalk - UTV hopes to use radio network to contribute to Irish TV channel |publisher=Newstalk |date=2013-11-06 |accessdate=2013-11-06}}</ref> In January 2014 ''The Sunday Times'' reported that 3 had launched a lobbying campaign against the establishment of UTV Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|last=McCaughren|first=Samantha |url=http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/ireland/article1361699.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2014_01_11|title=TV3 will oppose UTV Irish licence |publisher=The Sunday Time|date=2014-01-12 |accessdate=2014-01-12}}</ref>
When branded as UTV Ireland, the channel relied heavily on acquired ITV programming, but also broadcast some Irish-produced programming. Under the be3 brand, the channel was targeted towards women.<ref name="examiner-be3">{{cite web|title=TV3 group to launch new-look 'be3' channel on January 9|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/entertainment/tv3-group-to-launch-new-look-be3-channel-on-january-9-767374.html|website=Irish Examiner|access-date=5 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="it-be3rebranding"/>


On {{start date|2014|2|27|df=y}} the [[Broadcasting Authority of Ireland]] signed a contract with UTV for the company to provide a general entertainment channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bai.ie/?p=4493|title=BAI Signs Content Contract with ‘UTV Ireland’|work=bai.ie}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4287107&tpl=archnews&force=1 |title=UTV Ireland Appoints Mary Curtis as Head of Channel |publisher=Irish Film and Television Network |date=29 April 2014 |accessdate=15 March 2015}}</ref> On {{start date|2014|4|29|df=y}} Mary Curtis became UTV Ireland's first chief.<ref name="auto"/>

On 1 December 2014 UTV Ireland was granted Public Service Status by Minister for Communications, [[Alex White (politician)|Alex White]], TD, allowing it to appear on Saorview.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/2014/Minister+designates+new+UTV+Ireland+channel+for+carriage+on+SAORVIEW.htm|title = Minister designates new UTV Ireland channel for carriage on SAORVIEW|date = 1 Dec 2014|accessdate = 6 Dec 2014|website = DCENR|publisher = Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources|last = |first = }}</ref>

UTV Ireland went on air at 7.25pm on 1 January 2015. The opening night included an hour-long episode of ''[[Emmerdale]]'' and a New Year special presented by [[Pat Kenny]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.irishmirror.ie/whats-on/arts-culture-news/utv-ireland-launch-happened-updates-4904572|title= UTV Ireland launch as it happened|date=1 January 2015 |work=Irish Mirror|accessdate=16 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Stuart |last=Kemp |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/05/utv-ireland-becomes-republics-first-new-commercial-broadcaster-since-1998 |title=UTV Ireland becomes Republic's first new commercial broadcaster since 1998 |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=5 January 2015 |accessdate=10 February 2015}}</ref> Five days later, the channel launched its national news service, ''[[Ireland Live]]''.<ref>{{cite news|first=Kim |last=Bielenberg |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/review-utvs-new-ireland-live-is-slick-but-prepackaged-30884895.html |title=REVIEW: UTV's new 'Ireland Live' is slick but pre-packaged |publisher=Independent News and Media |newspaper=The Irish Independent |date=6 January 2015 |accessdate=15 March 2015}}</ref>

It was announced in June 2015 that UTV Ireland was set to receive a major overhaul and rebranding in September 2015 due to declining viewership and advertising revenue, however as of November 2015 no such major rebranding has taken place apart from some new idents, the schedule has remained largely unchanged along with the channel's website, with some media commentators assuming a major rebrand will be made in early 2016 when ITV plc will take full control of the channel under the sale agreement UTV made with ITV plc in October 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0628/711174-utv-ireland/|title=UTV Ireland plans channel revamp|date=28 June 2015|work=RTÉ.ie}}</ref>

On 19 October 2015 it was announced that UTV Ireland and alongside UTV would be sold to ITV plc for €136m subject to regulatory approval, and like UTV Northern Ireland ITV plans to retain the UTV Ireland brand. Both the BAI and CCPC confirmed approval of ITV purchasing UTV Ireland and was provided from the Department of communications.<ref>http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/utv-ireland-clears-first-hurdle-in-takeover-deal-34306440.html</ref>

In February 2016, UTV Media sold its television broadcasting business to [[ITV plc]]. ITV sold the channel and a 10-year deak for programming from ITV Studios for €10 million to Virgin Media Ireland's subsidiary TV3 Group on 11 July 2016, while retaining its service in Northern Ireland.<ref>http://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/3-owner-virgin-media-buys-utv-ireland-for-10m-1.2718283</ref> Both the BAI and CCPC approved the Virgin Media purchase of UTV Ireland, which was followed by approval from the Department of Communications in November 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.itvplc.com/investors/announcements/itv-sells-utv-ireland|title=ITV sells UTV Ireland |website=itvplc|access-date=2016-07-15}}</ref>

On 22 November 2016 it was announced that UTV Ireland would no longer broadcast ''Coronation Street'' and ''Emmerdale'' following Virgin Media Ireland's acquisition of the channel. From 1 December both soaps moved to TV3 but were also simulcast on UTV Ireland, however from 5 December both shows permanently moved to TV3.<ref>https://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/223563/Coronation-Street-and-Emmerdale-return-to-TV3</ref>

In December 2016, the TV3 Group announced it would re-brand UTV Ireland as '''be3''' from 9 January 2017. The channel join the other 2 channels run by TV3 as part of a line-up of three channels run by the company. It focuses on children's and female-orientated programming.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mulligan |first=John |url=http://www.independent.ie/business/media/new-utv-ireland-name-could-be-be3-35261604.html |title=New UTV Ireland name could be B3 |publisher=Independent.ie |date=2 December 2016 |accessdate=8 January 2017}}</ref>

==Programming==
===News and current affairs===
===News and current affairs===
''[[Ireland Live]]'' was UTV Ireland's national news and current affairs service, airing two programmes at 5:30 and 10:00 p.m. on weeknights, and news cut-ins during ''[[Good Morning Britain (2014 TV programme)|Good Morning Britain]]''. The station did not broadcast any weekend news programming, apart from morning weather forecasts.


Following the re-launch as be3, ''Ireland Live'' was replaced by the relaunched ''[[3News Ireland]]'' service. Mick McCaffrey, who led the ''Ireland Live'' news operation, was retained and made head of the new division, which produces bulletins for all three TV3 channels.<ref>{{cite web|title=TV3 appoints Mick McCaffrey as head of news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/tv3-appoints-mick-mccaffrey-as-head-of-news-1.2915690|website=Irish Times|access-date=5 March 2017}}</ref>
''[[Ireland Live]]'' was UTV Ireland's national news and current affairs service, airing two programmes at 5.30pm and 10pm on weeknights, with short updates on weekday mornings as part of a simulcast of ''[[Good Morning Britain (2014 TV programme)|Good Morning Britain]]''. However, the station did not broadcast any weekend news programming, apart from morning weather forecasts.


=== Children's ===
[[Ireland Live]] was amalgamated into TV3's newsroom with the loss of a number of jobs at the new merged company. TV3 moved it from 17:30 to 19:00 as part of the move '''[[3News Ireland]]''', the 22:00 news remains.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.ie/tv/display.asp?channelid=1929&programme=&programme_day=09+January+2017&programme_time=time6&submit=Search |title=be3. TV Programme listings |publisher=entertainment.ie |accessdate=8 January 2017}}</ref>
3e's children's strand [[3Kids]] moved to be3 upon its launch.<ref name="it-be3rebranding"/><ref name="examiner-be3"/>


===Entertainment===
===Entertainment===
As part of the new UTV Ireland a number of independent commissions were produced. [[Pat Kenny]], former host of ''[[The Late Late Show (Ireland)|The Late Late Show]]'', presented a chat show called ''Pat Kenny in the Round'', which was axed after one series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utvireland.ie/Press/2014/12/09/coco-television-to-produce-pat-kenny-series-20701|title=Coco Television to produce Pat Kenny series|date=9 December 2014|work=UTV Ireland}}</ref> Kenny also hosted the station's launch night special, ''Out with the Old – In with the U'', on New Year's Day 2015.
[[Pat Kenny]], former host of ''[[The Late Late Show (Ireland)|The Late Late Show]]'', presented a chat show called ''Pat Kenny in the Round'', which was axed after one series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utvireland.ie/Press/2014/12/09/coco-television-to-produce-pat-kenny-series-20701|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216022544/http://www.utvireland.ie/Press/2014/12/09/coco-television-to-produce-pat-kenny-series-20701|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 December 2014|title=Coco Television to produce Pat Kenny series|date=9 December 2014|work=UTV Ireland}}</ref> Kenny also hosted the station's launch night special, ''Out with the Old – In with the U'', on New Year's Day 2015.<ref name=":0" />


In July 2015, UTV Ireland began airing a weekly entertainment news bulletin with the station's weather presenter, [[Jenny Buckley]], called ''The Pulse''. The programme was sponsored by [[Diet Coke]]. The feature was extended into a weekly 30-minute magazine show in January 2016.<ref>http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2016/01/18/The-Pulse-extends-to-half-hour-show-52380</ref>
In July 2015, UTV Ireland began airing a weekly entertainment news bulletin with the station's weather presenter, [[Jenny Buckley]], called ''The Pulse''. The programme was sponsored by [[Diet Coke]]. The feature was extended into a weekly 30-minute magazine show in January 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2016/01/18/The-Pulse-extends-to-half-hour-show-52380|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160306183343/http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2016/01/18/The-Pulse-extends-to-half-hour-show-52380|archive-date = 2016-03-06|title = UTV.ie - News, Views, and Articles}}</ref> As be3, ''[[Xposé]]'' moved over to the channel on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

As be3 Xpose moved over to the channel on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Similar to 3e it repeats many of TV3's programmes such as, ''[[Elaine Crowley (presenter)|Elaine]]'', ''[[Ireland AM]]'', ''[[Saturday AM (TV3)|Saturday AM]]'' and ''[[Sunday AM]]''.

===Drama===
UTV Ireland are in negotiations with the BAI for funding from the Sound and Vision fund for a feature-length historical drama called ''Pilgrimage''. The drama is multi-lingual with English and the independent producer is SP Films.<ref name="bai.ie">{{cite web|url=http://www.bai.ie/?p=60562|title=BAI Announces Over €5m Funding Support through Sound & Vision II Scheme|work=bai.ie}}</ref>

As be3 it repeats the Irish produced soap ''[[Red Rock (TV series)|Red Rock]]''.


===Lifestyle===
===Lifestyle===
Two of UTV's feature local programmes in Northern Ireland were adapted for viewers in the Republic. The long running travelogue series ''Lesser Spotted Ulster'', presented by Joe Mahon, was rebranded to ''Lesser Spotted Journeys'' to focus on locations within the Republic of Ireland, additionally the agricultural programme ''Rare Breed'' was also adjusted to accommodate its audience in the Republic.
Two of UTV's feature local programmes in Northern Ireland were adapted for viewers in the Republic. The long running travelogue series ''Lesser Spotted Ulster'', presented by Joe Mahon, was rebranded to ''Lesser Spotted Journeys'' to focus on locations within the Republic of Ireland, additionally the agricultural programme ''Rare Breed'' was also adjusted to accommodate its audience in the Republic.


===Acquired programming===
Both ''Rare Breed'' and [[Kevin Dundon]]'s ''Back To Basics'' remained with be3.
==== As UTV Ireland ====
UTV's decision to enter the Republic's market followed the acquisition of broadcast rights to ITV programmes such as ''[[Coronation Street]]'' and ''[[Emmerdale]]'' from rivals [[TV3 (Ireland)|TV3]]. UTV's Northern Ireland service had enjoyed a large following in the Republic up until the 2000s but its audience share had diminished following the arrival of [[Sky UK|Sky TV]], which does not carry UTV. The company had profited greatly from high audience ratings in the Republic due to spillover and cable connections in the 1980s and 1990s.


By and large, UTV Ireland replicated the Northern Ireland service, with some variations due to domestic programme rights for programmes not produced by [[ITV Studios]] (such as ''[[The X Factor (UK)|The X Factor]]'', whose rights were held by TV3). ''[[The Graham Norton Show]]'' also aired on the channel on a delay from its UK broadcast on [[BBC One]]. Daytime programmes such as ''[[The Jeremy Kyle Show]]'', ''[[Lorraine (TV programme)|Lorraine]]'', ''[[This Morning (TV programme)|This Morning]]'' and ''[[Loose Women]]'' also aired. ''The Jeremy Kyle Show'' has previously aired on TV3, while ''Loose Women'' also aired on TV3 for a period during 2008. ITV's flagship breakfast show, ''[[Good Morning Britain (2014 TV programme)|Good Morning Britain]]'', was added to the station's lineup in February 2015. With Ireland Live updates being shown at 6:15, 7:15 and 8:10. Good Morning Britain simulcasts on the channel ended on Friday 6 January 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kelly |first=Aoife |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/good-morning-britain-and-ireland-utv-ireland-to-broadcast-uk-breakfast-show-30950083.html |title='Good Morning Britain' (and Ireland) - UTV Ireland to broadcast UK breakfast show |newspaper=[[The Irish Independent]] |publisher=[[Independent News & Media]] |location=Dublin |date=2017-01-30 |access-date=2017-03-05 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> UTV Ireland also utilised ITV's back catalogue of programming, including drama series such as ''[[Vera (TV series)|Vera]]'', [[All3Media]]'s ''[[Midsomer Murders]]'' and ''[[Foyle's War]]''. When ITV announced they were buying UTV Ireland, ITV CEO [[Adam Crozier]] said he intended to strengthen the channel further with high-quality ITV programming at its core.
===Documentary===
The company is seeking BAI funding for a two-part documentary called ''The Wireless'', produced by Circle Films. It is an historical documentary about the development of [[radio]].<ref name="bai.ie"/> It also received funding for ''The Airport Up at Knock'', both aired in 2016.


=== Imported programming ===
==== As be3 ====
be3 airs many of ITV's drama programming and live studio shows, following a 10-year agreement between [[ITV plc]] and the [[Virgin Media Television (Ireland)|TV3 Group]]. The channel also airs repeats of US court series ''[[Judge Judy]]'' and several ITV shows, such as ''[[Loose Women]]'' (live), ''[[Dickinson's Real Deal]]'', [[Surprise Surprise (British TV series)|Surprise Surprise]], ''[[Who's Doing the Dishes?]]'', ''[[The Cube (British game show)|The Cube]]'' and ''[[The Chase (UK game show)|The Chase]]''.


Acquired drama series include ''[[Wentworth (TV series)|Wentworth]]'' and ''[[Bull (2016 TV series)|Bull]]''. It also airs ITV dramas and comedies such as ''[[Benidorm (British TV series)|Benidorm]]'', ''[[Doc Martin]]'', ''[[Endeavour (TV series)|Endeavour]]'', ''[[Birds of a Feather (TV series)|Birds of a Feather]]'', ''[[Midsomer Murders]]'', ''[[Prime Suspect]]'', ''[[Grantchester (TV series)|Grantchester]]'' and ''[[Vera (TV series)|Vera]]''.
====2015 - 2016====
UTV's decision to enter the Republic's market followed the sale of broadcast rights from ''[[Coronation Street]]'' and ''[[Emmerdale]]'' from rivals [[TV3 (Ireland)|TV3]]. UTV's Northern Ireland service had enjoyed a large following in the Republic up until the 2000s but its audience share had diminished following the arrival of Sky Digital, which does not carry UTV. The company had profited greatly from high audience ratings in the Republic due to spillover and cable connections in the 1980s and 1990s.


By and large, UTV Ireland replicates the Northern Ireland service, with some variations as rights to certain programmes are not available to UTV in the Republic and other programming rights are not available in Northern Ireland. For example, the [[BBC]]'s ''[[The Graham Norton Show]]'', produced by a division of ITV Studios, aired on UTV Ireland two days after UK transmission, while [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]'s ''[[The X Factor (UK)|The X Factor]]'', produced independently by a division of FremantleMedia, remained with TV3.

Other imports include daytime ITV programmes such as ''[[The Jeremy Kyle Show]]'', ''[[Lorraine (TV programme)|Lorraine]]'', ''[[This Morning (TV programme)|This Morning]]'' and ''[[Loose Women]]''. ''The Jeremy Kyle Show'' has previously aired on TV3, while ''Loose Women'' also aired on TV3 for a period during 2008. ''[[Good Morning Britain (2014 TV programme)|Good Morning Britain]]'' was added to the station's line up in February 2015 and includes short opt-outs for ''Ireland Live'' news updates. Other ITV shows include ''[[The Chase (UK game show)|The Chase]]'', ''Undeniable'', ''[[Love Your Garden]]'', ''[[The Cube (game show)|The Cube]]'' and ''[[Doc Martin]]''. As of April 2016 UTV Ireland has begun broadcasting ITV Reality Show [[The Only Way is Essex]]

Some ITV programming continued to air on TV3 as they have maintained the rights to some output, until 2016, including ''[[The Jonathan Ross Show]]'', ''[[Mr Selfridge]]'' and ''[[Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway]]''. Since 24 January 2015 The Jonathan Ross Show airs on UTV Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.ie/tv-highlight/The-Jonathan-Ross-Show/333383.htm|title=TV - The Jonathan Ross Show - entertainment.ie|work=entertainment.ie}}</ref> UTV Ireland also utilised ITV's back catalogue of programming, including drama series such as ''[[Vera (TV series)|Vera]]'', [[All3Media]]'s ''[[Midsomer Murders]]'' and ''[[Foyle's War]]''. When ITV announced they were buying UTV Ireland, ITV CEO Adam Crozier said he intended to strengthen the channel further with high-quality ITV programming at its core.

The only imported programmes broadcast from outside Ireland or the UK are the Canadian drama series ''[[Republic of Doyle]]'' and the American children's programme ''[[Sesame Street]]''.

====2017 - ====
be3 airs many of ITV's drama programming and live studio shows, following a 10-year agreement between [[ITV plc]] and the [[TV3 Group]].

The channel also airs repeats of US court series ''[[Judge Judy]]'' and several ITV shows, such as ''[[Loose Women]]'' (live), ''[[Dickinson's Real Deal]]'', [[Surprise Surprise]], ''[[Who's Doing the Dishes?]]'', ''[[The Cube (game show)|The Cube]]'', ''[[The Chase (UK game show)|The Chase]]'' and ''[[Babestation]]''.

Australian drama series ''[[Wentworth (TV series)|Wentworth Prison]]'' airs every Wednesday at 21:00. The American drama ''[[Bull (2016 TV series)|Bull]]'' airs every Thursday at 21:00. It also airs ITV series such as ''[[Benidorm (TV series)|Benidorm]]'', ''[[Doc Martin]]'', ''[[Endeavour (TV series)|Endeavour]]'', ''[[Birds of a Feather]]'', ''[[Midsomer Murders]]'', ''[[Prime Suspect]]'', ''[[Grantchester (TV series)|Grantchester]]'' and ''[[Vera (TV series)|Vera]]''.

be3 repeats the British soaps ''[[Emmerdale]]'' and ''[[Coronation Street]]'' rather than simulcasts which moved to TV3.

==3Kids==
As part of the rebrand '''3Kids''' moved from 3e to be3, this replaced Good Morning Britain. 3Kids is a 3-hour children's strand which airs daily from 07:00 to 10:00 am.

==logos==
As UTV Ireland the channel used the UTV branding.
[[File:UTV Ireland.svg|120px|right|thumb|2015–2017]]

As be3 the channel reflects its new ownership using TV3 branding.
==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist|30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{virginmediatelevision.ie|id=player/live/three|title=Virgin Media Three}}
* {{Official website|http://www.tv3.ie}} (TV3 Group Site)

* {{Official website|http://www.be3.ie}} (Official be3 site)
{{TV3 Group}}
{{Virgin Media Ireland}}
{{TV3p}}
{{TV3 presenters}}
{{Irish Television Channels}}
{{Irish Television Channels}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Be3}}
[[Category:Television stations in Ireland]]
[[Category:Television stations in Ireland]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 2017]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 2015]]
[[Category:Virgin Media Television (Ireland)|Virgin Media 3]]

Revision as of 22:01, 6 April 2024

This article is about the television channel formerly known as "be3". For the television channel renamed from "TV3", see Virgin Media One.
"UTV Ireland" redirects here. For the ITV channel in Northern Ireland, see UTV (TV channel).

Virgin Media Three
CountryIreland
NetworkVirgin Media Television
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format1080i HDTV
(downscaled to 16:9 576i for the SDTV feed)
Ownership
OwnerVirgin Media Ireland
Sister channelsVirgin Media One
Virgin Media Two
Virgin Media More
Virgin Media Four
History
Launched1 January 2015; 9 years ago (1 January 2015)
(as UTV Ireland)
Former namesUTV Ireland (2015–2017)
be3 (2017–2018)
Availability
Terrestrial
SaorviewChannel 6
Streaming media
Virgin TV AnywhereWatch live (Ireland only)
Virgin Media PlayerWatch live (Ireland only)

Virgin Media Three, also called Virgin Three,[1][2][3] is an Irish free-to-air television channel owned by Virgin Media Television.

The channel was first launched by Northern Irish broadcaster UTV Media on 1 January 2015 as UTV Ireland; it primarily carried programmes licensed from British broadcaster ITV, along with some local news and lifestyle programmes. In July 2016, after ITV plc acquired UTV's television business and ITV franchise, UTV Ireland was sold to Virgin Media Ireland and merged into its TV3 division; it was rebranded as be3 on 9 January 2017, which primarily focuses on programmes targeting women.

History

UTV Ireland logo (1 January 2015 – 8 January 2017)

On 6 November 2013, UTV Media—owner of UTV, the Northern Ireland franchise of UK television network ITV—announced that it had submitted a proposal to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to operate a channel in the Republic of Ireland known as UTV Ireland. Ahead of the announcement, UTV reached an agreement to acquire the Republic of Ireland broadcast rights to several key ITV programmes from ITV Studios, including Coronation Street and Emmerdale—replacing TV3; pending regulatory approval, UTV planned to launch the new channel by early-2015.[4] UTV planned to have a national news service at launch, leveraging resources from its radio stations in the Republic.[5] It planned to employ around 100 people, with 30 of these jobs being based around the country.[6]

TV3's CEO David McRedmond remarked that losing rights to ITV's soaps to UTV Ireland would allow it to reallocate their cost towards domestic programmes.[7] Nevertheless, in January 2014 The Sunday Times reported that TV3 had launched a lobbying campaign opposing UTV's license proposal.[8] On 27 February 2014, the BAI approved UTV's license proposal.[9][10] On 29 April 2014, Mary Curtis became UTV Ireland's first chief.[10] On 1 December 2014, UTV Ireland was granted Public Service Status by Minister for Communications Alex White, allowing it to appear on Saorview.[11]

UTV Ireland launched at 7:25 p.m. on 1 January 2015; its opening night of programmes featured a New Year's Day-themed launch special, Out with the Old — In with the U, which was hosted by veteran personality Pat Kenny and featured appearances by Hozier, Tommy Bowe, and other network personalities.[12][13] Five days later, the channel launched its national news service, Ireland Live.[14]

In June 2015, UTV Group reported losses of €16.2 million on the channel due to poor daytime and weekend ratings performance, and it was reported that the network was planning a revamp of its branding and lineup within the coming months. Managing Director Michael Wilson defended UTV Ireland's performance, noting that Coronation Street and Emmerdale were drawing larger audiences on UTV Ireland than on previous broadcasters, but admitted that their staff had gone "under the bonnet" to find means of improving the network's overall performance.[15]-

On 19 October 2015, ITV plc announced its intent to acquire UTV Group's television business, including UTV Ireland, for £100 million, subject to regulatory approval.[16] In December 2015, the deal was approved by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.[17] The sale was completed on 29 February 2016, with the remainder of UTV Group operating as radio broadcaster Wireless Group (later sold to News UK).[18][19]

On 11 July 2016, ITV plc announced that it had sold UTV Ireland to TV3 Group, a division of Virgin Media Ireland, for €10 million. As part of the deal, TV3 Group inherited UTV Ireland's ten-year programme supply contract with ITV (effectively re-uniting these rights with its previous owner). ITV director of operations and strategy Christy Swords stated that "Launching UTV Ireland last year represented a significant achievement by the teams in Dublin and Belfast in challenging circumstances", but that when ITV plc took over the network, they "concluded that bringing TV3 and UTV Ireland together under common ownership offers the best prospect of delivering a strong and sustainable Irish commercial broadcaster, underpinned by a long-term programming agreement with ITV".[19] Virgin Media Ireland had acquired TV3 in 2015, and had begun to make major investments in the broadcaster.[19]

Be3 logo (9 January 2017 – 30 August 2018)

On 22 November 2016 it was announced that Coronation Street and Emmerdale would move back to TV3 beginning 5 December 2016.[20] The next day, it was announced that UTV Ireland would be re-launched as be3 on 9 January 2017, as part of a wider re-branding of all three TV3 channels with new positioning and lineups. The re-branded channel would be primarily aimed towards women, and it was also announced that TV3's children's strand would also be moved to the channel. In the lead-up to the re-branding, the channel's operations were consolidated at the TV3 Group's main studio in Ballymount. Many of UTV Ireland's employees were laid off, but 40 new positions were offered within the TV3 Group.[21][22]

In June 2018, it was announced that be3 would be rebranded as Virgin Media Three on 30 August 2018, as part of a rebranding of all three TV3 channels under the Virgin Media brand.[23]

Programming

When branded as UTV Ireland, the channel relied heavily on acquired ITV programming, but also broadcast some Irish-produced programming. Under the be3 brand, the channel was targeted towards women.[24][21]

News and current affairs

Ireland Live was UTV Ireland's national news and current affairs service, airing two programmes at 5:30 and 10:00 p.m. on weeknights, and news cut-ins during Good Morning Britain. The station did not broadcast any weekend news programming, apart from morning weather forecasts.

Following the re-launch as be3, Ireland Live was replaced by the relaunched 3News Ireland service. Mick McCaffrey, who led the Ireland Live news operation, was retained and made head of the new division, which produces bulletins for all three TV3 channels.[25]

Children's

3e's children's strand 3Kids moved to be3 upon its launch.[21][24]

Entertainment

Pat Kenny, former host of The Late Late Show, presented a chat show called Pat Kenny in the Round, which was axed after one series.[26] Kenny also hosted the station's launch night special, Out with the Old – In with the U, on New Year's Day 2015.[12]

In July 2015, UTV Ireland began airing a weekly entertainment news bulletin with the station's weather presenter, Jenny Buckley, called The Pulse. The programme was sponsored by Diet Coke. The feature was extended into a weekly 30-minute magazine show in January 2016.[27] As be3, Xposé moved over to the channel on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Lifestyle

Two of UTV's feature local programmes in Northern Ireland were adapted for viewers in the Republic. The long running travelogue series Lesser Spotted Ulster, presented by Joe Mahon, was rebranded to Lesser Spotted Journeys to focus on locations within the Republic of Ireland, additionally the agricultural programme Rare Breed was also adjusted to accommodate its audience in the Republic.

Acquired programming

As UTV Ireland

UTV's decision to enter the Republic's market followed the acquisition of broadcast rights to ITV programmes such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale from rivals TV3. UTV's Northern Ireland service had enjoyed a large following in the Republic up until the 2000s but its audience share had diminished following the arrival of Sky TV, which does not carry UTV. The company had profited greatly from high audience ratings in the Republic due to spillover and cable connections in the 1980s and 1990s.

By and large, UTV Ireland replicated the Northern Ireland service, with some variations due to domestic programme rights for programmes not produced by ITV Studios (such as The X Factor, whose rights were held by TV3). The Graham Norton Show also aired on the channel on a delay from its UK broadcast on BBC One. Daytime programmes such as The Jeremy Kyle Show, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women also aired. The Jeremy Kyle Show has previously aired on TV3, while Loose Women also aired on TV3 for a period during 2008. ITV's flagship breakfast show, Good Morning Britain, was added to the station's lineup in February 2015. With Ireland Live updates being shown at 6:15, 7:15 and 8:10. Good Morning Britain simulcasts on the channel ended on Friday 6 January 2017.[28] UTV Ireland also utilised ITV's back catalogue of programming, including drama series such as Vera, All3Media's Midsomer Murders and Foyle's War. When ITV announced they were buying UTV Ireland, ITV CEO Adam Crozier said he intended to strengthen the channel further with high-quality ITV programming at its core.

As be3

be3 airs many of ITV's drama programming and live studio shows, following a 10-year agreement between ITV plc and the TV3 Group. The channel also airs repeats of US court series Judge Judy and several ITV shows, such as Loose Women (live), Dickinson's Real Deal, Surprise Surprise, Who's Doing the Dishes?, The Cube and The Chase.

Acquired drama series include Wentworth and Bull. It also airs ITV dramas and comedies such as Benidorm, Doc Martin, Endeavour, Birds of a Feather, Midsomer Murders, Prime Suspect, Grantchester and Vera.

References

  1. ^ "New autumn schedule for rebranded Virgin Media TV". MediaHQ. 23 August 2018.
  2. ^ "This Morning (Virgin Three)". Sunday Independent (Ireland). 2 December 2018. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  3. ^ "Virgin Three Actual Frequency Info - Internet Satellite Database". iSatDB - Internet Satellite Database.
  4. ^ O'Hora, Ailish (6 November 2013). "Blow to 3 as UTV plans to launch TV station here". The Irish Independent. Dublin: Independent News and Media. ISSN 0021-1222. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
  5. ^ Kelly, Louise (6 November 2013). "Newstalk - UTV hopes to use radio network to contribute to Irish TV channel". Newstalk. Communicorp. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
  6. ^ Burke-Kennedy, Eoin; Carbery, Genevieve (6 November 2013). "UTV to launch new Dublin-based TV channel by 2015". The Irish Times. Dublin. ISSN 0791-5144. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
  7. ^ "Corrie, Emmerdale moving to UTV Ireland". Digital Spy. 6 November 2013. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  8. ^ McCaughren, Samantha (12 January 2014). "TV3 will oppose UTV Irish licence". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 12 January 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  9. ^ "BAI Signs Content Contract with 'UTV Ireland'" (Press release). Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. 27 February 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
  10. ^ a b "UTV Ireland Appoints Mary Curtis as Head of Channel". Irish Film and Television Network. 29 April 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
  11. ^ "Minister designates new UTV Ireland channel for carriage on SAORVIEW". DCENR (Press release). Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. 1 December 2014. Archived from the original on 6 December 2014. Retrieved 6 December 2014 – via archive.today.
  12. ^ a b "UTV Ireland launch as it happened". Irish Mirror. Dublin. 1 January 2015. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  13. ^ Kemp, Stuart (5 January 2015). "UTV Ireland becomes Republic's first new commercial broadcaster since 1998". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
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External links

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