Staff shake-up at Virgin TV as winds of change blow

WITH the recent rebranding of TV3 to Virgin Media, it appears that the station has not only undergone a name change but there is a major shake-up of staff and shows afoot, according to the talk around town.

Ireland AM sports presenter and regular contributor Aidan Cooney has disappeared from the air completely: he has not appeared on his regular slot for over five weeks now.

Cooney has been with Virgin Media /TV3 for over 15 years and was a wellliked and seasoned presenter.

He also has his own daily radio show on Q102 FM. But although he still on air at Q102 daily from 2pm to 5pm, he is mysteriously absent from Ireland AM, and Virgin Media has refused to comment.

It is understood that Cooney is on sick leave from the station.

In the past few weeks, various unknowns and office staff have been drafted in to host the spots that Cooney normally hosts.

When asked about the whereabouts of the popular presenter, Virgin Media refused to comment.

‘As an ongoing and consistent policy we don’t ever comment on anyone’s contractual arrangements,’ said a spokeswoman.

In addition to the changes at Ireland AM, there are also winds of change affecting the weather slot. Previously the gig had been shared between Martin King, Deric Hartigan and Conor Cleere.

However, bosses have promoted Deric Hartigan, above, to the role of ‘senior weather presenter’.

Hartigan came to the attention of Star Trek actor William Shatner, who campaigned to have him on the new Zoolander film.

Speaking to the MoS last week, Hartigan said he was delighted to have landed the gig. ‘It’s a big job,’ he said, ‘and I am looking forward to stepping up to the plate.’

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