PlayTV Discussion (reasonable discussion ONLY!)

TV3 GROUP RELEASE
IMMEDIATE: Friday 5th March 2010



TV3 ANNOUNCES THAT IT IS NOT RENEWING THE PLAY TV SERVICE



TV3 announces that it is not renewing the Play TV service. We would like to thank Telemedia for their professional service which gave TV3 the revenue to prevent further job cuts at the low point of the recession. The service was very popular with viewers but recently viewership to the service has declined.



TV3 will likely introduce different interactive services to the station subject to viewer demand. Commercial revenues from interactive services such as Play TV are an important source of funding for TV3 since TV3 receives no licence fee income. The revenue is used to fund the constantly increasing output of Irish programming, now accounting for over a third of TV3’s schedule; and has helped TV3 to produce award winning programming.



TV3 has made an excellent start to 2010 with viewer numbers up over 5%, building on the increases achieved in 2009. Neilsen data shows TV3 is the only terrestrial channel viewed in Ireland (including the UK channels) to increase its share in 2010; and 3e has rapidly become one of the top three digital channels in the market.



Ends.



Notes to editor:



PLAY TV commenced in May 2009. The service was an “infomercial” which ran between 12 midnight and 3am. Telemedia, the service provider, broadcasts similar programmes in most European countries.



TV3 won three of the major awards at the recently held IFTA’s: Best News Programme (News at 5.30); Best Factual Programme (Tonight with Vincent Browne); and Best Entertainment Series (The Apprentice)



Please see attached ratings data from Nielsen for January and February 2010, and for the full year 2009.





For further information:
Maureen Catterson
TV3 PRESS OFFICE