TV3 have just announced that they are replacing UTV Ireland with a 'female-focused' channel - be3.
be3 will be launched on January 9th, 2017, and will show TV dramas, chat shows and children’s programming.
be3 will air soap repeats and programmes such as Midsomer Murders, Loose Women and Benidorm. There will be two national and international news bulletins every weekday evening. TV3’s programmes for kids, called 3Kids will also be shown in the morning on be3 from Monday 9th January.
The news comes today as TV3 also revealed the rebranding of its current channels – TV3 and 3e.
New TV3 Group Branding
UTV Ireland will be shut off on January 8th, with be3 filling the channel the next day. Earlier this year, Virgin Media, the group that own TV3, bought UTV Ireland from ITV for €10m.
TV3 will remain as the group’s flagship channel and is set to be the “grown up” channel. It will be home to the likes of Red Rock, Gogglebox Ireland, Celebrity Masterchef, and The Restaurant. Recently returned soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale join dramas such as Broadchurch and live premium sport including UEFA Champions’ League matches.
TV3’s current affairs schedule will not have too many changes, with Pat Kenny Tonight, Agenda presented by David McWilliams and Tonight With Vincent Browne all returning next year.
3e will focus on entertainment shows and reality TV. Shows such as Big Brother, Xtra Factor and Graham Norton will remain on the channel. 3e will continue to be the home of UFC.
News across all three channels will be provided by ‘3 News Ireland’. This news hub will provide individual news programmes for all three channels. ‘3 News Ireland’ launches on 9th January.
Speaking at the launch, Bill Malone, TV3 Group Director of Programming, said: “Today we give you a first look at the ambitious plans for the TV3 Group. Today’s story is not about a new channel or a new name for a channel. It represents a historic shift in Irish broadcasting. TV3 is now a three channel business and today we unveil three new-look and distinctive brands. Our commitment to Irish programming is clearly evident – we are now an Irish broadcaster of scale.”
What do you think of the new pink themed be3? Do Irish women need a ‘female-focused’ channel, with soap re-runs, panel shows, and kids TV?
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