AN IRISH satellite television channel says it will create 150 new jobs, including 10 at its three British bases when it launches here next month.
IrishTV is due to air on May 1 and has its headquarters in Westport, Co. Mayo where 34 staff will be based.
The station will also have offices in London, Manchester and Liverpool and will be broadcast across Britain, Ireland and Europe on Sky Channel 191 and in the US on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
Broadcasting 24 hours a day, IrishTV will feature 50 programmes a week, with original content nightly from 6-12pm. It will also provide a platform for some RTÉ digital news and political content.
Founded by Mayo entrepreneurs Pierce O’Reilly and Mairead Ní Mhaoilchiaráin, the €15million project is backed by Mayo-born multi-millionaire John Griffin, who has recently sold Britain’s largest minicab service Addison Lee for €360m.
“With a focus on connecting people to their locality, IrishTV aims to shine a light on rural Ireland and bring the real essence of Irish life to a worldwide audience,” said CEO Pierce O’Reilly.
“So whether you’re from Cavan, Carlow, Cork or Clare, there is at least half an hour’s worth of programming a week bringing your local area to you, wherever you are in the world.”
While IrishTV will produce and feature local news, sport, culture, musically the spotlight will be on the successful country and Irish format, with stars such as Nathan Carter and Mike Denver featuring large, and singing sensation Lisa McHugh presenting a prime time Saturday night show.
“Securing the deals both with Sky in the UK and Europe and PBS in the US has enabled us to potentially capture a large portion of the Irish diaspora – people who will now be closer to home than ever,” added Mr O’Reilly.
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