Concern over the future of Irish TV

IRISH DIASPORA BROADCASTER HAS 20 EMPLOYEES AT ITS HUB IN TRALEE

THERE are mounting concerns for the future of digital TV station Irish TV amid intense speculation that the channel’s main financial backer is about to pull his support.

Reports at the weekend suggested that millionaire UK based investor John Griffin is considering withdrawing his support for the channel.

To date Mr Griffin is understood to have committed about £15 million to the company, which produces programming for the Irish diaspora as well as a large amount of regional shows.

The channel’s Munster Regional Hub is located in the Tom Crean Centre at Kerry Technology Park in Tralee. Some 20 people are employed at the Munster Hub which is overseen by the company’s Munster Regional Manager well-known broadcaster Brian Hurley.

Irish TV is now understood to be examining its options including seeking new investment to keep the station afloat.

Accountancy firm KPMG are believed to be advising the company as it considers its restructuring options.

Production of a number of the channels programmes – including Sligo County Matters – has been halted temporarily.

At the moment the channel, which is targeted at the Irish diaspora, is available in Ireland on the Sky, Eir and free satellite platforms, and is also available intheUS.

The company recently signed a deal with Indian conglomerate Tata that would make it available to viewers worldwide on smart TVs and on Apple’ and Android devices.

It also signed a deal with Soarview that would see it added to the free-to-air national digital television service.

According to the most recent accounts it filed Irish TV’s parent company Teilifís Mhaigh Eo Teo has accumulated losses of €2.2 million.

When contacted for comment Mr Griffin – who is also Irish TV’s Chairman –saidhe had no comment to make on the matter.

Irish TV’s head office in Westport County Mayo did not respond to a request from The Kerryman for a comment. Company co-founder and CEO Pierce O’Reilly has also declined media requests for a statement on the situation.