Farewell TV3, hello Virgin Media TV...
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TV3’S Lucy Kennedy sizzled in the sunshine yesterday as she helped with her station’s hot rebrand.
She was dazzling in a yellow jumpsuit as she joined fellow stars including Louis Walsh, Sinead Kissane, Clare Brock and Graeme Souness at the launch.
The broadcaster, operating for 20 years this September, is to become Virgin Media Television and TV3, 3e and be3 will be Virgin Media One, Two and Three.
A new sports channel, Virgin Media Sport, exclusively for Virgin Media customers, is also to be launched and will show Champions League matches with Souness on the pundit panel.
And bosses unveiled some of their plans for the coming months, including an 8pm news bulletin, a new Irish drama called Blood starring Adrian Dunbar, a second season of Ireland’s Got Talent – and the return of Living With Lucy.
IGT judge Jason Byrne admitted he was relieved when he learned the show was being recommissioned. The Dublin comedian said: “Yeah, we weren’t sure. They did actually hold it back on us. It’s great, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Fellow judge Louis spoke of his hopes for the new series. He added: “I want to find someone who will go viral.
“I want to find something totally different, I want country singers, comedians, singing nuns, everything. It’s literally open to everyone, all ages.
“If we got a Susan Boyle type act that could totally [be my next act].”
Meanwhile, TV3 Director of Programming Bill Malone has said RTE should “look at efficiency” after the broadcaster recorded a loss of €6.4million last year.
He said: “We need to be profitable to keep investment, we don’t get €180million [ from the licence fee] but we are increasing our quality of output of news, entertainment, current affairs, sport and drama.
“A strong public service is good for everyone but maybe they should look at efficiency.”