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UTV - news archive

This is an archive of news about UTV. Some links may no longer work, due to the transient nature of the internet.

Setanta and TUTV sign distribution deal
From Digital Spy. Posted July 2 2008, 9.21am
Setanta signs a distribution deal for carriage on pay DTT service Top Up TV. (more)

UTV appoints senior presenter
From Radio Today. Posted June 19 2008, 3.04pm
UTV Radio has appointed Chris Milow as senior presenter across 102.4 Wish FM, 107.4 Tower FM and 107.2 Wire FM.Milow will continue to be based at 102.4 Wish FM presenting the breakfast show but will now work closely with Brian Paige, the group’s senior programmer North West, to further develop the programming at all three stations. (more)

UTV unveils £50m rights issue despite 'strong trading'
From Financial Times. Posted June 5 2008, 3.00am
UTV Media, beaten by TIML last month in the auction to buy Virgin Radio, surprised the market yesterday by announcing a £49.9m rights issue, write Ben Fenton... (more)

UTV to reduce debt with rights issue
From Daily Telegraph. Posted June 5 2008, 12.01am
UTV, owner of the Ulster ITV franchise and TalkSPORT radio, is calling on shareholders for £50m with a deeply discounted rights issue, in a move to slash debt by about a third. (more)

UTV to reduce borrowings bill with £50m issue
From The Times. Posted June 5 2008, 12.00am
UTV, the owner of TalkSPORT and Ulster Television, has announced a surprise £50 million rights issue to avoid paying interest rates of more than 7 per cent on the debts it racked up buying a string of radio stations. (more)

UTV founder is upbeat after Disney injection
From Financial Times. Posted June 4 2008, 11.15pm
Ronnie Screwvala, the Bollywood actor-turned-media entrepreneur, is predicting that rev­enues at his Indian film and TV group will almost quadruple in the next two years (more)

UTV set to raise £50m rights issue
From Financial Times. Posted June 4 2008, 10.17am
The media group which operates the ITV franchise in Northern Ireland, is raising nearly £50m in fresh equity capital in the face of 'worsening financial market conditions' (more)

Rights issue for UTV Media
From Radio Today. Posted June 4 2008, 8.33am
talkSPORT owner UTV Media is hoping to raise an extra 49.9 million pounds in a rights issue, as part of an overall refinancing of the company. (more)

UTV's new Central location
From Radio Today. Posted June 2 2008, 8.32am
106.5 Central Radio, the new radio station for Preston, Chorley and Leyland will be based in the headquarters of North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. (more)

UTV strikes deal with ITN Source over selling news footage
From Media Guardian. Posted May 27 2008, 5.50am
Belfast-based media group Ulster Television has struck a deal with archive sales business ITN Source to sell clips including footage of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. By Mark Sweney (more)

Ofcom reject UTV
From Radio Today. Posted May 22 2008, 10.18am
Ofcom have turned down a request by UTV to relocate Imagine 104.9 FM. UTV wanted to move the Stockport station to their hub at Warrington, where it already houses three other stations.The regulars cited a "failure to provide sufficient evidence" for the required format change necessary to co-locate the station. (more)

UTV beats SMG on radio
From Financial Times. Posted May 17 2008, 2.48am
UTV Media reports a very strong performance from its national radio brand talkSport, while SMG says it has no further news on negotiations to sell Virgin Radio (more)

TalkSport boosts UTV revenue
From Media Guardian. Posted May 16 2008, 11.30am
Belfast-based media group Ulster Television has reported like-for-like group revenue rise of 4% for the four months to April 30. By Mark Sweney (more)

Major marketing for UTV stations
From Radio Today. Posted May 2 2008, 12.32am
UTV Radio is launching a new major marketing campaign across eight of its ILR stations. The activity begins at The Pulse in West Yorkshire and continues to 96.5 Radio Wave across Blackpool and 107.4 Tower FM across Bolton and Bury before the creative is rolled out across the five remaining stations. (more)

The new sound of UTV
From Radio Today. Posted April 21 2008, 9.58am
UTV Radio has launched its new on-air imaging on 12 of their stations throughout the UK and the soon to be launched Central Radio. (more)

UTV move questioned by Ofcom
From Radio Today. Posted April 4 2008, 10.47am
Ofcom have criticised UTV's request to move Stockport station Imagine FM out of its TSA to Warrington. The regulators believe the request would "substantially alter the character of the service" and have launched a public consultation. (more)

ZEE Cine Awards nominations list announced
From Biz Asia. Posted March 29 2008, 11.40am
After our exclusive news breaks on the ZEE Cine Awards returning back to the UK on Saturday 26th April, we now reveal the full nominations list as to who is favourite to win on the glitzy night. Best Film Chak De! India- Aditya Chopra, Yash Raj Films Guru - Mani Ratnam, G. Srinivasan Jab We Met - Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Pvt. Ltd. Life in a Metro - Ronnie Screwvalla, UTV Motion Pictures Om Shanti Om - Shah Rukh Khan, Red Chillies Entertainment Taare Zameen Par - Aamir Khan, Aamir Khan Productions Best Director Aamir Khan – Taare Zameen Par Anurag Basu - Life in a Metro Farah Khan - Om Shanti Om Imtiaz Ali - Jab We Met Mani Ratnam - Guru Shamit Amin - Chak De! India Best Actor (Male) Abhishek Bachchan - Guru Akshay Kumar - Namastey London Amitabh Bachchan - Cheeni Kum Shah Rukh Khan - Chak De! India Shah Rukh Khan - Om Shanti Om Shahid Kapur - Jab We Met Best Actor (Female) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan- Guru Deepika Padukone - Om Shanti Om Kareena Kapoor - Jab We Met Katrina Kaif - Namaste London Tabu - Cheeni Kum Vidya Balan - Bhool Bhulaiyya Most Popular Track Of The Year Barso Re - Guru Dard-E-Disco- Om Shanti Om Do You Wanna Partner - Partner Hare Ram Hare Krishna - Bhool Bhulaiya In Dino - Life In A Metro Mauja Hi Mauja - Jab We Met Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Male) Aamir Khan - Taare Zameen Par Bobby Deol - Naqaab Irrfan Khan Life In A.. Metro Mithun Chakraborty - Guru Shreyas Talpade - Om Shanti Om Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Female) Chitrashi - Chak De! India Konkona Sen Sharma - Life In A.. Metro Lara Dutta - Jhoom Barabar Jhoom Shilpa Shetty - Life In A.. Metro Tisca Chopra - Taare Zameen Par Best Actor In A Negative Role (Male/Female) Arjun Rampal - Om Shanti Om Neil Nitin Mukesh - Johnny Gaddar Pawan Malhotra - Black Friday Shilpa Shukla - Chak De! India Viveik Oberoi - Shootout At Lokhandwala Best Actor In A Comic Role (Male/Female) Anil Kapoor - Welcome Nana Patekar - Welcome Riteish Deshmukh - Heyy Baby Tusshar Kapoor - Dhol Vinay Pathak - Bheja Fry Best Playback Singer (Male) KK - Aankhon Mein Teri (Om Shanti Om) Shaan - Jab Se Tere Naina (Saawariya) Soham - In Dino (Life In A.. Metro) Sukhwinder Singh, Salim Merchant & Marianna D’Cruz - Kuchh Kariye (Chak De! India) Sonu Nigam - Main Agar Kahoon (Om Shanti Om) Best Playback Singer (Female) Mahalaxmi Iyer - Bolna Halke (Jhoom Barabar Jhoom) Mahalaxmi Iyer - Salaam-e-Ishq (Salaam-e-Ishq) Shreya Ghosal - Barso Re Megha (Guru) Shreya Ghosal - Yeh Ishq Haaye (Jab We Met) Sunidhi Chauhan - Sajnaji Vaari Vaari (Honeymoon Travels P Ltd) Best Lyrics Gulzar - Tere Bina (Guru) Javed Akhtar - Main Agar Kahoon (Om Shanti Om) Prasoon Joshi - Maa (Taare Zameen Par) Sameer - Jab Se Tere Naina (Saawariya) Sayeed Quadri - In Dinon (Life In A.. Metro) Best Music A R Rahman - Guru Pritam - Life in a Metro Pritam, Sandesh Shandilya - Jab We Met Sajid-Wajid - Partner Vishal-Shekhar - Om Shanti Om Most Promising Debut Director Aamir Khan - Taare Zameen Par Feroz Abbas Khan - Gandhi My Father R Balakrishna - Cheeni Kum Reema Kagti - Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd Sajid Khan - Heyy Babyy Most Promising Debut (Male) Himesh Reshammiya - Aap Ka Suroor Neil Nitin Mukesh - Johnny Gaddar Ranbir Kapoor - Saawariya Most Promising Debut (Female) Deepika Padukone - Om Shanti Om Jiah Khan - Nishabd Sonam Kapoor - Saawariya Most Promising Debut (Child Artiste) Darsheel Safary - Taare Zameen Par Druv Piyush Panjuani - Apna Aasmaan Swini Khera - Cheeni Kum Related links: EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Cine Awards performers EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Cine Awards return to London (more)

UTV, the talkSPORT owner, broadcasts its interest in a link with struggling rival Virgin Radio
From The Times. Posted March 14 2008, 12.00am
John McCann, the chief executive of talkSPORT owner UTV, yesterday made clear his interest in buying Virgin Radio. (more)

UTV talks up a 21% rise in profits
From The Scotsman. Posted March 14 2008, 12.00am
BROADCASTING group UTV said a strong performance from its TalkSport radio division helped drive a 5 per cent rise in operating profits last year. (more)

UTV radio says there's future in digital
From Media Guardian. Posted March 13 2008, 5.54pm
There is 'absolutely no problem' with digital radio, Scott Taunton, the managing director of TalkSport owner UTV Radio said today. By Chris Tryhorn (more)

Revenues rise for UTV Radio
From Radio Today. Posted March 13 2008, 9.11am
Operating profit for UTV's radio division has risen 21 per cent in 2007, and the company has seen an encourgaing start to 2008. National talkSPORT in particular enjoyed a growth of 12 per cent. (more)

TalkSport helps UTV outperform
From Financial Times. Posted March 13 2008, 8.41am
Revenues at TalkSport, the voice only sports radio service, soared in the first quarter, helping UTV to outperform its media peers (more)

UTV gains on growing radio and internet return
From Financial Times. Posted March 13 2008, 8.41am
The Northern Irish broadcaster, which owns the TalkSport radio station, has increased pre-tax profit as higher revenues offset falling TV advertising (more)

UTV to keep Wish FM
From Radio Today. Posted February 8 2008, 10.29am
Wish FM is likely to remain in the hands of UTV, after only one declaration of intent to renew the licence was received by Ofcom. (more)

9X & Bindaas begin eating into popular channels
From Biz Asia. Posted December 24 2007, 12.06pm
Newcomers into the Indian TV market - 9X and Bindass have begun eating to the shares of long-running channels like Sony Entertainment Television Asia, Sahara One, MTV and Channel V, according to latest data. Business Standard is reporting that while 9X, within a month of its launch, has managed to penetrate nearly 30 per cent of the 76 million cable homes, Bindass, the youth channel from UTV, is generating higher ratings than MTV and Channel V, the two established youth-centric television channels. According to online rating generated by Audience Measurement and Analytics Ltd for the 10th December (Monday)-16th December (Sunday) period for the prime-time television (8pm-11pm), 9X is generating comparatively similar ratings at various time bands as Sony TV, the general entertainment channel (GEC) running for nearly a decade. Similarly, UTV’s Bindass has managed to outdo MTV and Channel V on several of the weekdays at prime time shows. For example, on 14th December (Friday) between 9pm-10pm, Bindass generated a rating of 0.21, which is 10 times the ratings generated by Channel V and MTV. In the GEC space, 9X generated a rating of 0.41 in the 8:30pm-9pm slot, similar to Sony TV on December 15 (Saturday). Analysts feel that this is because of a high cable household penetration achieved by 9X within a month of its launch coupled with interesting shows like 'Missing Ustaad' and others. In the long-term, these new channels (including ZEE Next launched on 17th December) may eat into the ad revenue of the big three GECs — STAR Plus, ZEE TV and Sony TV, says an industry source. The higher ratings of these newly launched channels will have an adverse impact on channels like Sahara One, STAR Utsav and SAB TV among others in the short run. Among the big three GECs, Sony TV has been at the third place for a long time both in terms of ratings and channel share, with STAR Plus being the numero uno followed closely by ZEE TV. Both STAR Plus and ZEE TV generate average television ratings of 3.9-5 during weekdays in the prime time viewing band. While Star Plus on most occasions gets the highest viewership ratings, ZEE TV has started displacing STAR Plus shows on several occasions, says the source. Related links: ZEE Next confirmed for launch in India New channel 9X opens to a mixed response INX Network to launch channel in India this month (more)

UTV to acquire Dublin radio station
From Media Network Weblog. Posted December 19 2007, 11.42am
UTV Media Plc is buying Dublin radio station FM104 from Communicorp Group Ltd for 52 million euros ($74.6 million), clearing the way for Communicorp’s purchase of two other radio stations in Ireland. Ireland’s broadcasting regulator in October approved the sale of two radio stations to Dublin-based Communicorp by British media group Emap Plc, but rejected its [...] (more)

UTV buys Dublin radio station
From Media Guardian. Posted December 18 2007, 2.36pm
TalkSport parent UTV Media today bought market-leading Dublin radio station FM104 for £37m. By John Plunkett (more)

FM104 sold to UTV Radio
From Radio Today. Posted December 18 2007, 10.42am
Communicorp has sold Dublin's FM104 to UTV Radio for £37.1million. The sale leaves Communicorp free to purchase three stations from Emap - including national network Today FM. The sale is conditional on the approval of the Competition Authority, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and of the UTV shareholders in a general meeting. (more)

UTV in talks to buy FM104
From Radio Today. Posted December 14 2007, 12.12pm
UTV Radio is in exclusive talks with Communicorp Group to purchase Dublin's FM104 for around 50 million euros - according to a report in the Irish Times today. If Communicorp dispose of FM 104, it will leave the company free to purchase three stations from Emap, including national Today FM. (more)

Battle for control over India’s UTV
From Rapid TV News. Posted December 13 2007, 8.43pm
Ronnie Screwvala’s United Television Software Comm’s (UTV) already has Disney as a minority shareholder (14.85%). Now others are seemingly interested in buying the Indian film and programming company. (more)

UTV offers Porsche as prize
From Radio Today. Posted December 12 2007, 8.26am
National AM station talkSPORT and 14 local radio stations owned by UTV Radio are set to give away a Porsche car in their latest Lowest Unique Bid auction. The 12 Days of Christmas promotion starts on Friday, with one listener winning the car a week later. (more)

Burgess quits UTV Radio
From Radio Today. Posted December 5 2007, 9.40am
UTV Radio's senior programmer for stations in the north of England Gary Burgess has quit his position. His resignation comes just days after former newspaper sales boss Mike Baker was appointed senior station director for Wish, Wire and Tower FM. (more)

Disney eyes more Indian buys?
From Rapid TV News. Posted December 2 2007, 8.48pm
India’s United Television (UTV) has branded as speculation reports that Walt Disney is set to take a 51% stake in the company. (more)

New channel 9X opens to a mixed response
From Biz Asia. Posted November 26 2007, 8.37am
INX Media's new Hindi general entertainment channel 9X, which launched earlier this month has opened up to a bag of mixed numbers. Data for its launch week shows that the channel already has a 20 per cent reach, but in terms of channel share, it has opened lower compared to the likes of SAB and STAR Utsav. TAM Media Research data shows that for the C&S 4+ in the Hindi speaking markets, both in the all day data for the entire week, and the for weekdays primetime data, the channel has got better numbers only to the UTV owned Bindass. At an all day level for the entire week, 9X has a share of 0.63. In comparison, STAR Utsav is 0.86, SAB is 0.9, STAR One is 1.64, Sahara One is 2, Sony is 2.8, ZEE TV is 7.93 and STAR Plus is 10.09. The recently launched youth channel Bindass has a share of 0.49. If only the weekday primetime is seen, 9X has a share of 0.48, while STAR Utsav has 0.56, SAB has 0.88, Sony is 1.81, STAR One is 1.95, Sahara One is 2.42, ZEE TV is 13.57 and STAR Plus is 15.77. INX Media officials are "delighted" with the numbers and are touting it to be the “best opening numbers for a C&S channel in the history of Indian television”. Indrani Mukerjea, CEO, INX Media, said, "Things are going as per our plans – from the day we started, the reach numbers have gone up each day – right from November 12 to the close of the week, and will continue to do so." Karthik Laxminarayan, COO, Madison Media Infinity, voices the section of the industry that is happy with these numbers. He said, "They are very close to the second tier numbers in the first week itself and hence, these are very promising numbers. They have created enough buzz for people to tune in to the channel, and from here it is really up to the content of the channel." Prasanth Kumar, National Director, CTG, GroupM, on the other hand, is of the opinion that these are not encouraging numbers. He said, "9X is one of the channels that had launched with a high decibel impact plan. The programming line also had a good cast. However, the numbers haven’t given it an impact-at-launch. It shows that the channel certainly didn’t come as a surprise to viewers or clients and agencies." At a programme level, of the three shows in the primetime slot of 9X – 'Kahe Na Kahe', 'Jiya Jale' and 'Mere Apne' – 'Mere Apne' has delivered the highest with an average rating of 0.2. Siddharth Basu’s first shot at fiction – 'Jiya Jale' – has had an average rating of 0.14, while Ekta Kapoor’s 'Kahe na Kahe' is at an average rating of 0.11. The channel’s comedy band that has a different show on each day of the week at 22:30 has ratings varying from 0.09 to 0.15. Mukerjea is clear that the channel is not in any hurry to make any changes based on just a week’s data. She said, "We are confident that each of our shows is a unique property, and we don’t have knee jerk reactions to such early numbers." 9X's sister channel 9XM continues its run as market leader in the music sector after only three weeks on air. 9XM is also planning a UK launch next year. Related link: INX Network to launch channel in India this month STAR India's legal head quits network It's official! Top bosses quit STAR India Siddhartha Basu turns producer for ZEE TV soap (more)

ITV sells stake in MUTV
From Digital Spy. Posted November 19 2007, 6.20pm
ITV sells its one-third share in MUTV to Manchester United. (more)

ZEE TV wins 'Hindi Channel Of The Year' gong
From Biz Asia. Posted November 16 2007, 9.30pm
ZEE TV has pipped its rivals to bag the award for 'Hindi Channel Of The Year' at the Indian Telly Awards 2007. There was further good news for ZEE TV as its drama 'Kasamh Se's' Prachi Desai (Bani) and Ram Kapoor (Jai Walia) walked away with the Best Actress and Best Actor award respectively. The Best Daily Soap gong went to Shakuntalam Films 'Banoo Mein Teri Dulhann' - again a ZEE TV show. Other 'Channel Of The Year' awards went to: MAX - Hindi Movie Channel Of The Year Aaj Tak - Hindi News Channel Of The Year CNN IBN - English News Channel Of The Year CNBC TV 18 - Business News Channel Of The Year Another highlight of the night was Siddhartha and Anita Kaul Basu being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Said Siddhartha Basu, "It is a matter of pride that the Indian television industry has recognised my work." UTV Software Communications CEO Ronnie Screwvala was conferred with the Contribution to Indian Television award. Sharad Malhotra who plays Sagar Singh in 'Banoo Mein Teri Dulhann' and Smriti Z Irani who plays Vasudha in 'Virrudh' were the critic's choice for best actor and actress respectively. The seven long year running 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' was adjudged the best in the continuing TV programme category. Best Ensemble Cast was awarded to 'Virrudh', produced by Ugraya Entertainment. "Producing the show and then winning this award has been a dharam yudh for me. It has been a great journey," said Ugraya Entertainment promoter Smriti Z Irani. The much respected annual ceremony organised by online portal IndianTelevision.com is now in its seventh year. The Indian Telly Awards 2007 will be shown on Sony Entertainment Television Asia on Sunday 2nd December at 20:00. Extracts from IndianTelevision (more)

Moz Dee set to join UTV Radio
From Radio Today. Posted November 12 2007, 12.30pm
BBC Radio 5 Live commissioning editor Moz Dee is joining UTV Radio early next year to take up the position of director of programmes. He will be responsible for output at talkSPORT and the new digital offering Talk Radio, due to launch nationally next year. (more)

Sky News entertains UTV
From Radio Today. Posted November 7 2007, 9.28am
Management and staff from UTV Radio visited the Sky News Centre in October as part of their programming conference. During the visit to Sky’s studio, organised by Head of Sky News Radio Andy Ivy, 40 senior staff from UTV Radio took part in a Q&A session with Head of Sky News John Ryley. (more)

Mixed results for UTV Radio
From Radio Today. Posted October 25 2007, 10.37am
Whilst UTV's talkSPORT and talk107 enjoy static if not slightly higher ratings this quarter, some of the groups local stations are suffering. Radio Wave is down five per cent since this time last year, taking it to an all time low, and Signal One drops three per cent audience share since last quarter. (more)

Radio means name change for Utv
From Radio Today. Posted October 16 2007, 8.12am
Wire FM, Swansea Sound and talkSPORT owner Utv has officially changed it's name to UTV Media plc. The change reflects the growing radio and new media interests for the company. In 2006, radio alone accounted for 54% of total sales for the first time. (more)

UTV becomes UTV Media
From Digital Spy. Posted October 15 2007, 4.18pm
UTV officially changes its name to UTV Media to reflect a diversification beyond television. (more)

More quizzes for UTV Radio
From Radio Today. Posted October 4 2007, 12.14pm
Local radio stations in the UK owned by UTV Radio have joined forces with Million 2-1 to launch a nationwide SMS game-show. The live show offers listeners to each radio station the opportunity to win the £1,000 daily jackpot each Saturday and Sunday evening. (more)

Virgin Radio turmoil opens door to UTV
From The Scotsman. Posted September 1 2007, 11.06pm
SMG is fighting to keep the flotation of Virgin Radio on track this weekend following the resignation of the station's chief executive and amid heightened speculation that Belfast-based UTV is preparing to launch a bid. (more)

UTV eyes up Virgin - again
From Radio Today. Posted August 31 2007, 8.02am
UTV Radio are thinking about the possibilities of buying Virgin Radio, co-locating the two, and selling airtime on both as one package to advertisers. MD Scott Taunton and CE John Mc-Cann have been talking to FT, also saying they would be interested in Emap's radio stations. (more)

UTV eyes Virgin Radio
From Financial Times. Posted August 31 2007, 3.00am
UTV, the Belfast-based broadcaster that already owns one UK national radio station in Talksport, said it would be interested in obtaining another, Virgin Radio. Scott... (more)

Virgin Radio float could trigger UTV move for SMG
From The Times. Posted August 31 2007, 12.00am
UTV said yesterday that it was ready to pounce on SMG if its Scottish rival’s forthcoming flotation of Virgin Radio ran into trouble. (more)

UTV profits rise 4%
From Digital Spy. Posted August 30 2007, 12.37pm
TalkSport-owner UTV is encouraged by its 4% rise in profits reported its interim results today. (more)

Radio growth boosts UTV profits
From Media Guardian. Posted August 30 2007, 1.00am
Operating profit at TalkSport owner UTV increased by 4% to �13m in the six months to June 30. By Ben Dowell. (more)

UTV switches on to youth market amid cable boom
From Financial Times. Posted August 22 2007, 3.00am
Eyeing an expected upsurge in pay television subscription fee collections, UTV Software Communications and Astro Measat of Malaysia are preparing to launch four... (more)

Peak FM joins UTV syndication
From Radio Today. Posted June 14 2007, 10.02am
Ofcom has granted permission to UTV Radio-owned The Pulse in Bradford and Peak FM in North Derbyshire to fully join the northern network of syndicated programmes which are already broadcast across other UTV stations. The Pulse already takes the syndicated output till 1am weekdays. (more)

UTV in talks to launch business news channel
From Biz Asia. Posted June 7 2007, 9.02am
Ronnie Screwvala-promoted UTV Software Communications is in talks with the Walt Disney-owned American Broadcasting Company News (ABC News) for launching a business news channel. Sources in the know said the foreign media company would pick up a minority stake in the venture and provide technical support. The laws allow a foreign company to pick up a maximum 26 per cent stake in a news venture. The discussions were at an advanced stage, and the deal would be announced shortly, they said. Walt Disney holds 14.85 per cent stake in UTV as on 31st March 2007. When contacted, an ABC News spokesperson said, "We are exploring various opportunities for our television content business in India and Asia Pacific and have nothing to announce at the moment." However, attempts to reach the UTV CEO Screwvala failed. An e-mail query sent to him on Tuesday remained unanswered. Media buyers believe there is room for more broadcasters to enter the space. "The men-focused brands are fueling the growth of advertising. Considering that news channels, and more specifically business news channels, address the needs of these brands, entry of news broadcasters is good news for advertisers," said Manish Porwal, managing director (India-south&west), Starcom. UTV Software Communication is into motion pictures, new media (gaming and animation), broadcast and television content. The company is slated to launch a bouquet of eight channels in a year under its subsidiary, UTV Broadcasting. Its first channel, Bindass – a youth channel – is expected to go on air by September. This will be followed by regional channels in the same genre. The company has already announced the launch of the world cinema channel Olive. UTV will be the second player entering the news broadcasting space this year after the earlier announcement by INX media, led by Indrani Mukerjea, wife of ex-STAR Group chief executive officer Peter Mukerjea. INX plans to launch 12 channels, with four dedicated to news (one national news channel and three city-specific news channels). As of now, there are only few broadcasters in the business news space, including NDTV Profit and TV 18’s CNBC-TV18 and CNBC Awaaz. Article from Business Standard (more)

UTV Radio sees talk107 rise
From Radio Today. Posted May 10 2007, 9.01am
Edinburgh talk radio station, talk107, has increased its audience figures once again in the latest RAJAR results. Both hours and reach are up, climbing steadily since not such a good start in Q2, 2006. Other UTV stations including talkSPORT and Belfast's U105 have seen an increase in figures. (more)

UTV lines up bid for Virgin or Emap stations
From The Scotsman. Posted April 28 2007, 11.07pm
MEDIA group UTV is lining up a possible �100m bid for either Virgin Radio or Emap's Irish radio stations following its failed merger with SMG. (more)

UTV interested in Chrysalis
From Radio Today. Posted March 20 2007, 9.18am
UTV, fresh from revealing a 50 per-cent increase in radio profits, has announced it is ready to bid for Chrysalis' radio business. But if the radio stations owned by Chrysalis do become available, there will certainly be no shortage of bidders. (more)

UTV Preliminary Year End Results
From Merry Media. Posted March 19 2007, 12.02pm
UTV have announced a 24% drop in television operating profits with their radio profits up 52% according to the preliminary year end results.. (more)

UTV talks big about advertising profits
From The Scotsman. Posted March 19 2007, 11.52am
NORTHERN Irish broadcaster UTV, owner of Edinburgh radio station Talk 107, today said it had bucked the trend for declining radio advertising revenues, as its radio business delivered profits up by more than 50 per cent to �14.6 million last year. (more)

UTV revenue and profits fall
From Digital Spy. Posted March 19 2007, 10.39am
Ulster Television suffers a 9% drop in TV ad revenues, as profits fall from �14.5 million to �12.7 million. (more)

Radio profits up for UTV
From Radio Today. Posted March 19 2007, 7.56am
Northern Irish broadcaster UTV have reported a strong performance for it's radio stations in the last 12 months, with profits for the division up by 50 per cent. Total group operating profits are up 6 per cent, whilst television operating profits are down 24 per cent. (more)

UTV not ruling out further SMG talks
From Media Guardian. Posted March 19 2007, 12.00am
12.30pm update: UTV would 'never ever' rule out restarting its failed merger talks with rival TV and radio group SMG. By Stephen Brook. (more)

UTV outperforms market
From Media Guardian. Posted March 19 2007, 12.00am
10.30am: Ulster Television said it had outperformed the market with a 6% rise in group operating profit. By Stephen Brook. (more)

UTV Radio co-location questions
From Radio Today. Posted March 15 2007, 1.31pm
The chairman of the newly-licenced radio station for Preston, Leyland and Chorley has been quoted by the area's local newspaper as saying the location of their studio base is "irrelevant". John Barnett made the comments when asked whether Proud FM would share facilities with other UTV Radio stations. (more)

Termination of SMG & UTV Merger Talks
From Merry Media. Posted February 28 2007, 5.08pm
It has been announced that merger talks between UTV and SMG have terminated due to differing views over the level of SMG's pension liabilities.. (more)

SMG breaks off UTV merger talks
From Media Guardian. Posted February 28 2007, 12.00am
4.45pm update: The owner of the two Scottish ITV franchises and Virgin radio has called off its merger talks with UTV and appointed former Channel 4 commercial director Rob Woodward as chief executive. By Chris Tryhorn. (more)

SMG UTV merger problems - from Radio Today
From Breaking Radio. Posted February 24 2007, 11.49am
Speculation is mounting that City specialist Hanover Investors are attempting to stop the merger between UTV and SMG. The rumour comes after Hanover (more)

SMG UTV merger problems
From Radio Today. Posted February 23 2007, 9.20am
Speculation is mounting that City specialist Hanover Investors are attempting to stop the merger between UTV and SMG. The rumour comes after Hanover increased their shares in SMG from 5.4 per-cent to 12.6 per-cent. Hanover has a history of making changes to companies which are underperforming. (more)

Northern network for UTV Radio
From Radio Today. Posted February 15 2007, 5.15pm
RadioToday.co.uk has learnt that UTV Radio is to launch networked evening and overnight programming across 7 of its radio stations in the North of England. Wire FM, Wish FM, Radio Wave, Tower FM, Imagine FM, The Pulse and Signal Two will all carry the live shows from next month. (more)

Hours up for UTV Radio
From Radio Today. Posted February 1 2007, 3.02pm
UTV Radio are celebrating after the group's 17 stations posted their first quarter-on-quarter increase in listening hours in almost two years. The company saw steady increases at its newest broadcasters - U105 in Belfast and talk107 in Edinburgh. (more)

UTV Radio extends premium game
From Radio Today. Posted January 29 2007, 8.40am
UTV Radio and interactive gambling company Million-2-1 have extended their relationship by agreeing a new two-year contract to the end of 2008. Million-2-1 has provided UTV radio stations with a reverse auction service for the last two years. (more)

UTV retains Limerick licence
From Radio Today. Posted January 22 2007, 3.47pm
UTV Radio has been re-awarded the local radio licence serving Limerick city and county, fighting off competition from the only other applicant, Heart FM. Live 95FM will continue to serve the area for another 10 years after the licence award today by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. (more)

UTV gains ground over SMG
From Radio Today. Posted January 12 2007, 9.28am
As a merger between UTV and SMG gathers pace, RadioToday.co.uk has learnt the deal will see the Ulster broadcast take a 54% share of the combined group, leaving the Virgin Radio owner SMG with the rest. UTV’s John McCann will also become chief executive of the merged company. (more)

CN and UTV sign for Sky News
From Radio Today. Posted January 9 2007, 7.38am
Talk 107 and Lakeland Radio are just two of the 29 new stations which have signed up to use the services of Sky News Radio via a syndicated package from UBC Media. All UTV Radio and CN Radio stations will continue to use IRN, but take additional advantage of reports and bulletins from Sky. (more)

Hazlitt's shock exit linked to UTV move
From The Scotsman. Posted January 9 2007, 1.27am
FRU Hazlitt, the chief executive of Virgin Radio, shocked the media world yesterday by abruptly resigning from her �200,000 a year post. (more)

UTV Appoint Paul O'Brien
From Merry Media. Posted December 19 2006, 8.39pm
The Board of UTV is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul O’Brien, FCMA, as Group Finance Director and Company Secretary. He takes up his position with immediate effect.. (more)

Ofcom explains UTV licence win
From Radio Today. Posted December 17 2006, 1.52pm
Ofcom has revealed why the Radio Licencing Committee awarded UTV the licence to provide a new local radio service for Preston, Leyland and Chorley. Proud FM won the licence over stiff competition from CLR, PLCfm and UFM. (more)

UTV hopes for third time lucky with SMG
From The Scotsman. Posted December 12 2006, 1.44am
A MERGER between UTV and SMG moved closer to reality last night as the Scots broadcaster confirmed it was once more in talks with the owner of talkSPORT and the ITV Ulster Television franchise. (more)

UTV Confirms Further Approach to SMG
From Merry Media. Posted December 11 2006, 1.02pm
UTV confirms that it made a further approach to SMG on 23 November 2006 regarding a merger proposal, for which it is seeking a recommendation from the Board of SMG. As a result SMG has agreed to enter into discussions with UTV, which may or may not lead to a merger.. (more)

Merger talks at UTV and SMG
From Radio Today. Posted December 11 2006, 10.16am
SMG have confirmed they have entered into discussions with the UTV Board once again which may or may not lead to a merger. At the same time, UTV has confirmed it made a further approach to SMG on November 23rd 2006. (more)

SMG and UTV merger talks back on
From Media Guardian. Posted December 11 2006, 12.00am
10.30am: Virgin Radio owner SMG has said it is back in talks with UTV over a potential merger. By Chris Tryhorn. (more)

UTV extends local station network with Preston licence win
From Brand Republic. Posted December 8 2006, 11.12am
LONDON - Residents of Preston, Leyland and Chorley are to have a new speech and music radio station, Proud FM, dedicated to their part of country, following the award of the new FM local licence by Ofcom. (more)

UTV extends local radio network with Preston win
From Brand Republic. Posted December 8 2006, 11.12am
LONDON - Residents of Preston, Leyland and Chorley are to have a new speech and music radio station, Proud FM, dedicated to their part of country, following the award of the new FM local licence by Ofcom. (more)

Ofcom awards Preston licence to UTV
From Breaking Radio. Posted December 7 2006, 6.21pm
Ofcom today announces the award of the new FM local commercial radio licence for Preston to UTV's Proud FM. (more)

UTV wins Preston licence
From Radio Today. Posted December 7 2006, 5.00pm
UTV has won the new local radio licence for Preston, Leyland and Chorley. Proud FM won after a battle with three other companies all proposing a local news and information service featuring music from the last five decades. (more)

TalkSport owner UTV wins Preston radio licence bid
From Media Guardian. Posted December 7 2006, 12.00am
6.45pm: Ofcom has awarded the FM local commercial radio licence for Preston to TalkSport owner UTV Radio Group. By Tara Conlan. (more)

4Radio woos with UBC and UTV in multiplex bid
From Brand Republic. Posted December 5 2006, 11.12am
LONDON - Channel 4's 4Radio is expected to sign up UBC Media and UTV Radio as partners in its bid for the second commercial radio multiplex and is believed to be in talks with the UK's biggest radio owner, GCap. (more)

Third time lucky for UTV?
From Radio Today. Posted November 30 2006, 9.19am
UTV, Irish owner of talkSPORT and numerous local radio stations across the UK has made another approach to Virgin Radio owner SMG with a new merger proposal. The latest offer is for a nil-premium merger, now that UTV's capitalisation is higher than SMG?s. (more)

UTV goes back to SMG with new merger proposal
From Brand Republic. Posted November 30 2006, 9.11am
LONDON - Ulster Television has approached the board of Scottish Media Group with another merger proposal three months after being rejected, according to reports. (more)

UTV likely to win over SMG with new merger proposal
From The Times. Posted November 30 2006, 12.00am
SMG, the Scottish owner of Virgin Radio, has received another merger approach from UTV, the Northern Irish broadcaster, which could create a media group worth about �400 million, The Times has learnt.... (more)

Radio in the red for UTV
From Breaking Radio. Posted November 26 2006, 5.52pm
UTV, the Northern Ireland-based broadcaster, is still struggling to bring its Dublin radio station into the black. Losses at Q102 narrowed last year to �68,070 from �1.2m in 2004, following a 33% rise in turnover. (more)

UTV opts out of contest for Manchester radio licence
From Brand Republic. Posted October 5 2006, 11.10am
LONDON - Emap, Chrysalis and Guardian Media Group will be among several bidders for the new Manchester commercial radio licence when Ofcom's deadline closes this afternoon, but UTV Radio has surprisingly pulled out. (more)

UTV withdraws merger proposal with SMG
From Digital Spy. Posted September 20 2006, 3.42pm
UTV has said it has withdrawn its merger offer with SMG, blaming the Scottish Media Group's poor results and weakness in TV adspend. (more)

UTV withdraws merger proposalRadioToday.co.uk with United Radio.. : News
From Radio Today. Posted September 20 2006, 3.30pm
(more)

UTV Won't Pursue Merge Proposal with SMG
From Merry Media. Posted September 20 2006, 1.44pm
UTV has today written to the Board of SMG to confirm that it no longer intends to pursue its merger proposal with SMG.. (more)

UTV withdraws offer to merge with SMG
From Brand Republic. Posted September 20 2006, 12.09pm
LONDON - Ulster Television has withdrawn its merger offer to Scottish Media Group after reflecting on SMG's recent results and the ongoing ad downturn affecting the ITV network, but has said it reserves the right to make another offer. (more)

UTV pulls out of SMG merger
From Media Guardian. Posted September 20 2006, 1.00am
1.30pm update: UTV, the owner of the TalkSport radio station and the ITV franchise in Northern Ireland, has withdrawn its merger proposal with Scottish group SMG. By Chris Tryhorn. (more)

No response from UTV
From Radio Today. Posted September 13 2006, 11.30am
SMG have published their Interim Results today, in which Chairman Chris Masters comments about a recent merger approach, and how no response has been made from UTV since they rejected their offer on August 29th. SMG say they would be willing to hold discussions with the Board of UTV on the basis of a proposal which has regard to the relative market values of SMG and UTV, SMG's prospects and the value of SMG's portfolio of assets. The latest offer was to give SMG 52 per cent of the merged company. (more)

No responce from UTV
From Radio Today. Posted September 13 2006, 10.15am
SMG have published their Interim Results today, in which Chairman Chris Masters comments about a recent merger approach, and how no responce has been made from UTV since they rejected their offer on August 29th. SMG say they would be willing to hold discussions with the Board of UTV on the basis of a proposal which has regard to the relative market values of SMG and UTV, SMG's prospects and the value of SMG's portfolio of assets. The latest offer was to give SMG 52 per cent of the merged company. (more)

SMG hopes to revive UTV talks
From Media Guardian. Posted September 13 2006, 1.00am
11am update: SMG, owner of ITV's Scottish franchises and Virgin Radio, today renewed its offer to discuss a merger with UTV if it comes back with a better deal. By Chris Tryhorn. (more)

Celtic tiger and three lions help UTV to buck radio ad downturn
From Media Guardian. Posted September 12 2006, 1.00am
UTV said it had shrugged off an ad downturn but disappointed investors hoping for an update on a proposed merger with SMG. By Katie Allen. (more)

UTV Group Operating Profit up by 30%
From Merry Media. Posted September 11 2006, 2.36pm
UTV, the multi media group which broadcasts radio and television and provides internet and telephony services, announces its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2006.. (more)

UTV: Television ad market "remains weak"
From Digital Spy. Posted September 11 2006, 11.39am
UTV says the television advertising market "remains weak" as it announces interim results. (more)

Radio business booming for UTV
From Radio Today. Posted September 11 2006, 10.00am
Group operating profits for broadcaster UTV have risen 30 per cent in the last six months. They made a Radio operating profit of �6.3m, after deducting start-up losses of �1.4m launching Talk 107 in Edinburgh and U105 in Belfast. UTV said advertising revenues at both its British and Irish radio stations rose 16 per cent in the six months to end-June while television advertising revenue fell by 6 percent, outperforming the broader ITV network. (more)

UTV grows profits despite faltering TV revenues
From Brand Republic. Posted September 11 2006, 9.09am
LONDON - First-half results for Ulster Television, the TV and radio group interested in a merger with Scottish Media Group, show a 5% increase in group pre-tax profits to �8.5m despite a 6% drop in television revenues. (more)

UTV cheered by radio revenues
From Media Guardian. Posted September 11 2006, 1.00am
8.30am: Broadcasting company UTV said today it had outperformed its rivals in the first half of the year despite a 'difficult' advertising environment. By Chris Tryhorn. (more)

UTV Respond to SMG's Rejection
From Merry Media. Posted August 31 2006, 1.29pm
UTV has noted the announcement made by SMG that its board has rejected UTV's revised improved merger proposal to the board of SMG on 21st August 2006, pursuant to which SMG's shareholders would receive a 52% interest in the merged entity. The board of UTV have said they are disappointed that SMG have rejected this revised proposal which it believes would be highly attractive from a strategic, commercial and financial perspective and would create shareholder value for both SMG and UTV shareholders. Both companies have major tv and radio interests. SMG own Scottish and Grampian TV licences along with Virgin Radio with UTV owning Ulster TV and Talksport.. (more)

SMG will hold out for 55% in merger with UTV
From The Times. Posted August 30 2006, 12.00am
SMG, the Scottish owner of Virgin Radio, will consider merging with UTV, the Northern Irish media company, only if it can have a 55 per cent slice of the combined group, according to sources.... (more)

SMG Reject UTV's Merger Proposal
From Merry Media. Posted August 29 2006, 3.08pm
The board of SMG have rejected the revised merger proposal from UTV due to it being unacceptable with regards to the market values of both SMG and UTV, SMG's prospects and the value of its portfolio of assets. UTV made the proposal wit SMG receiving only a 52 per cent equity interest in the combined entity. At the same time, the board of SMG explained its view on these factors to UTV and indicated its willingness to meet to discuss with the board of UTV whether a potential merger on mutually acceptable terms would be possible. On the 22nd August the board of SMG received a revised merger proposal from UTV under which SMG shareholders would receive only a 52 per cent equity interest in the combined entity.. (more)

SMG officially rejects UTV offer
From Radio Today. Posted August 29 2006, 2.30pm
SMG have released a statement today officially rejecting a merger offer from UTV. Under the terms of the proposal, SMG shareholders would receive only a 50 per cent equity interest in the combined entity. SMG, the owners of Virgin Radio, decided to reject the Proposal as they considered it to be unacceptable having regard to the relative market values of SMG and UTV, SMG's prospects and the value of its portfolio of assets. (more)

SMG turns down UTV bid
From Media Guardian. Posted August 29 2006, 1.00am
2.30pm update: Virgin Radio owner SMG has rejected a revised merger approach from UTV that would have given SMG shareholders a 52% stake in the combined company. By Julia Day. (more)

SMG spurns Ulster TV tie-up, but takeover stays on the table
From The Independent. Posted August 27 2006, 12.00am
SMG, the media group that owns Virgin Radio, has rejected a merger approach from Ulster TV (UTV). (more)

SMG expected to rebuff merger offer from UTV
From Brand Republic. Posted August 21 2006, 9.08am
LONDON - Ulster Television's merger offer to Scottish Media Group is likely to be rebuffed this week, as SMG decides to hold out for a better deal and another suitor prepares a higher counter-bid backed by private equity. (more)

UTV Responds to SMG Merger Reports
From Merry Media. Posted August 19 2006, 10.25pm
UTV notes the recent press speculation about a potential merger with SMG and the announcement made earlier today by SMG. UTV confirms that it has approached the board of SMG with a merger proposal. However, discussions are at an early stage and there can be no certainty that a merger will occur nor as to the structure or terms on which any merger might happen. In particular, any merger could proceed by way of a bid by either company for the other or a scheme of arrangement in either company. UTV will update shareholders in due course.. (more)

UTV discussions at early stage
From Radio Today. Posted August 18 2006, 2.00pm
UPDATE: UTV have also issued a press statement this morning following recent press reports about the merger of the company with SMG. UTV points out the discussions are at an early stage and there can be no certainty that a merger will occur nor as to the structure or terms on which any merger might happen. (more)

SMG confirms UTV merger approach
From Digital Spy. Posted August 18 2006, 10.56am
Scottish TV and Virgin Radio owner SMG confirms a merger approach from UTV. (more)

UTV proposes �400m merger with Scottish Media Group
From Brand Republic. Posted August 18 2006, 9.08am
LONDON - Scottish Media Group has confirmed it has received a 50:50 merger proposal from Ulster Television, the Irish media group that bought The Wireless Group last year. (more)

SMG and UTV in merger talks
From Radio Today. Posted August 18 2006, 8.15am
Virgin Radio owners SMG have announced this morning they have received a merger proposal from UTV. It follows months of speculation about a UTV take-over bid for SMG. The statement comes after The Times newspaper reports that UTV�s adviser, Numis Securities, has held discussions with Citigroup, the bank that advises SMG, and suggested the possibility of a merger of equals between the two Celtic broadcasters. (more)

SMG confirms UTV merger bid
From Media Guardian. Posted August 18 2006, 1.00am
9.30am update: SMG, the owner of ITV franchises STV and Grampian and Virgin Radio, has confirmed that it has received a merger bid from UTV. By Jason Deans. (more)

UTV sets sights on merger with SMG
From The Times. Posted August 18 2006, 12.00am
UTV, the Northern Irish owner of the radio station TalkSport, has approached the Scottish group SMG, owner of STV and Virgin Radio, about a �400 million merger, The Times has learnt.... (more)

SMG admits merger approach from UTV
From The Times. Posted August 18 2006, 12.00am
SMG, owner of STV and Virgin Radio, admitted today that it had received a merger proposal from UTV, the Northern Irish owner of the radio station TalkSport.... (more)

UTV plots takeover of SMG
From Radio Today. Posted July 24 2006, 10.15am
UTV, owners of UTV Radio stations around the UK are said to be keeping a close eye on the share price of SMG with a view to putting in a �300million pound takeover bid for the company. Two years ago in March 2004, UTV considered a �400million takeover of the group, but was rejected. (more)

UTV plots �300m takeover of Scottish Media Group
From Brand Republic. Posted July 24 2006, 8.07am
LONDON - Ulster Television is considering a �300m bid for SMG, which owns the Grampian and Scottish ITV franchises and Virgin Radio. (more)

Report: UTV considering SMG bid
From Digital Spy. Posted July 24 2006, 12.08am
UTV considers making a takeover bid for Scottish TV and Virgin Radio owner SMG. (more)

New appointments at UTV Radio
From Radio Today. Posted July 15 2006, 11.45am
UTV Radio has bolstered the programme management team for its local stations in England, Scotland and Wales with a number of external appointments and internal promotions. Simon Walkington has been promoted to the position of deputy group programme director (ILR) and Steve Barnes and Kevin Howard have been promoted to senior programmer roles with regional responsibilities for the Midlands and South Wales, respectively. The group is advertising for a further senior programmer with regional responsibility for it�s eight northern area stations. (more)

Name change for UTV
From Radio Today. Posted June 21 2006, 9.30am
Ulster Television, owners of UTV Radio have announced an official name change of the company. Following its recent Annual General Meeting at which a special resolution to change the name of the Company was passed, the Company�s name changed to �UTV plc�. It's part of a bigger plan to move away from just television activities, as the company now own many radio stations and are branching out into new media including UTV Internet. (more)

World Cup a turn-off, says UTV
From Media Guardian. Posted May 26 2006, 4.06pm
3pm update: UTV is the latest broadcaster to confirm the World Cup will not be ITV's saviour, warning ad revenues will be down 6%. By Lisa O'Carroll. (more)

UTV Trading Update Statement
From Merry Media. Posted May 26 2006, 1.17pm
Ulster Television Chairman, John B McGuckian gave the following trading update at the annual general meeting of Ulster Television plc (UTV) today. “Your company’s success in both outperforming the market and in creating new profit streams has been amply demonstrated over the past few years and is again evident in the Report and Accounts which are laid before you today. In a landmark year, and despite difficult trading conditions, earnings per share increased by 18% while foundations for future growth were laid.. (more)

UTV publish trading update
From Radio Today. Posted May 26 2006, 12.45pm
Ulster Television Chairman, John B McGuckian gave the company trading update at the annual general meeting of Ulster Television plc (UTV) today. He explained that UTV Radio are performing well, and their new stations in Belfast and Edinburgh are on target to achieve profitability in year three. The full report follows.. (more)

UTV Radio Boss on Board
From Radio Today. Posted May 20 2006, 1.00am
The Group Managing Director of ILR for UTV Radio, Chris Hurst, has been appointed to the board of UTV Radio GB Ltd. After graduating from Leeds university, Chris started his career at Signal Radio in Stoke On Trent, where he later became Sales Director then Station Director. He was promoted once again to become Regional Managing Director for The Wireless Group before UTV took over the company last year. His responsiblity for 17 Independent Local Radio Stations ranges from Talk 107 in Scotland to Swansea Sound in Wales. (more)

UTV forced out of TV3 race by private equity firm
From Media Guardian. Posted May 15 2006, 1.46pm
A London-based private equity firm that bought and sold the Priory rehab clinics has knocked UTV out of the race to become ITV's partner in Irish broadcaster TV3. By Lisa O'Carroll. (more)

ITV battles UTV for stake in Irish channel
From Media Guardian. Posted April 11 2006, 11.23am
10.15am: ITV is fighting Ulster broadcaster UTV for control of Ireland's only privately owned terrestrial TV channel, TV3. By Lisa O'Carroll. (more)

Revenues jump 46% at UTV as it considers TV3 bid
From Brand Republic. Posted March 13 2006, 12.03pm
LONDON - UTV, which has been identified as one of the potential bidders for a stake in TV3, has reported pre-tax profit up almost 20% and turnover up by 46% on the back of its takeover of TalkSport owner The Wireless Group last year. (more)

A good year for UTV
From Radio Today. Posted March 13 2006, 7.16am
UTV, the multi media group which broadcasts television, radio and provides internet and telephony services, announces its preliminary results for the year to 31 December 2005. The results indicate that, amongst TV and New Media, Radio operating profit (in Ireland alone) is up 56%. The results talk about the succesful launch of U105 in Belfast and gives mention to Talk 107 in Edinburgh, which UTV acquired with the takeover of The Wireless Group. (more)

UTV withdraw from GCap bid
From Radio Today. Posted February 3 2006, 9.09am
UTV Radio, one of the favourites expected to make an offer for nine GCap Media stations which are for sale, has withdraw the from auction. A report in the Guardian Newspaper today also claims that just five companies, possibly including an overseas company are left in the race. The sale is expected to fetch around 35 mln stg, which GCap plans to distribute to shareholders, the newspaper said. (more)

John Dash joins UTV as Group PD
From Radio Today. Posted January 16 2006, 11.46am
John Dash will join UTV Radio this month as ILR Group Programme Director with responsibility for programming across UTV�s 17 local radio stations in the UK. With more than 25 years experience in commercial radio, John is one of the industry�s most experienced programmers. A graduate of Bradford University, John was formerly programme director at Red Dragon in Cardiff, Key 103 in Manchester, Galaxy 101 in Bristol and most recently at Wave 105 on the south coast which won the accolade of �Commercial Station of the Year� in 2004. (more)

UTV man walks to Absolute Radio
From Radio Today. Posted December 15 2005, 5.22am
After two highly successful years re-launching UTV owned Q102 in Dublin, Programme Director Ian Walker is to join Absolute Radio�s team as Senior VP Programming and Operations. Clive Dickens, Absolute Radio�s Programme and Operations Director says: �Ian is an incredibly talented programmer and manager and with increased demand from AR clients and partners for even more strategic insights coupled with operational expertise he will make a strong addition to the company.' (more)