2015 in Irish television

none September 2020 January 2015 2015 Irish television The following is a list of events relating to television in Ireland from 2015. Events January 1 January – UTV Ireland, the country's first new commercial broadcaster since the launch of TV3 in 1998, goes on air at 7.25pm. The opening night includes an hour-long episode of Emmerdale and a New Year special presented by Pat Kenny. The Station Promo Voice Was Paul Kennedy, he can be heard every day on Coolfm and Spirit radio The Graham Norton have moved from TV3 after UTV Ireland secured their broadcasting rights from its rival. http://www.irishmirror.ie/whats-on/arts-culture-news/utv-ireland-launch-happened-updates-4904572 UTV Ireland launch as it happened 1 January 2015 Irish Mirror 16 January 2015Stuart Kemp https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/05/utv-ireland-becomes-republics-first-new-commercial-broadcaster-since-1998 UTV Ireland becomes Republic's first new commercial broadcaster since 1998 The Guardian 5 January 2015 10 February 2015 4 January – Charlie, a drama about the private life of former Taoiseach Charles Haughey, debuts on RTÉ One. The first episode is watched by an audience of 724,000.Mal Rogers http://www.irishpost.co.uk/entertainment/700000-tune-new-rte-drama-charles-haughey Over 700,000 tune in to new RTÉ drama on Charles Haughey The Irish Post 6 January 2015 23 March 2015 5 January – RTÉ One begins We Need to Talk About Porn, a two-part documentary looking at the extent and impact of pornography consumption in Ireland.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0105/669341-rte-tens-tv-picks-for-today-monday-january-5/ RTÉ TEN'S TV picks for today Monday January 5 RTÉ Ten RTÉ 5 January 2015 27 June 2015 5 January – UTV Ireland's national news service, Ireland Live, launches.http://utv.ie/Press/2015/01/04/Ireland-Live-News-launches-tomorrow-25837 Ireland Live News launches tomorrow UTV UTV Ireland 4 January 2015 27 March 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150316180047/http://utv.ie/Press/2015/01/04/Ireland-Live-News-launches-tomorrow-25837 16 March 2015 Kim Bielenberg http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/review-utvs-new-ireland-live-is-slick-but-prepackaged-30884895.html REVIEW: UTV's new 'Ireland Live' is slick but pre-packaged Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 6 January 2015 15 March 2015 7 January – New soap Red Rock begins on TV3. http://www.irishmirror.ie/whats-on/arts-culture-news/red-rock-your-guide-tv3s-4921123 Red Rock: Your Guide 5 January 2015 Irish Mirror 16 January 2015 8 January – The Guarantee, Colin Murphy's film about the Irish banking crisis, receives its world television premiere on TV3 at 9.00 p.m.http://www.tv3.ie/entertainment_article.php?locID=1.803.813&article=155335 'The Guarantee' World Television Premiere on TV3 TV3 Xposé Entertainment TV3 6 January 2015 16 March 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150319140446/http://www.tv3.ie/entertainment_article.php?locID=1.803.813&article=155335 19 March 2015 dmy-all 10 January – New National Lottery game show hosted by Nicky Byrne, The Million Euro Challenge, starts on RTÉ One. The show is later cancelled after just one series. http://www.rte.ie/tv/programmes/themillioneurochallenge.html A new tv gameshow presented by nicky byrne 5 January 2015 RTÉ 16 January 2015 12 January – Figures indicate that RTÉ broadcast the 20 most watched television programmes of 2014.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0112/671979-rte-broadcasts-all-top-20-shows-of-2014/ RTÉ broadcasts the top 20 shows in 2014 RTÉ RTÉ News 12 January 2015 4 February 2015 15 January – Figures indicate RTÉ broadcast the 20 most watched sports programmes of 2014.http://www.rte.ie/sport/other-sport/2015/0115/672800-rte-tops-the-tables-for-sport-on-tv-in-2014/ RTÉ tops the tables for sport on TV in 2014 RTÉ RTÉ Sport 15 January 2015 4 February 2015 18 January – The Sunday Independent reports that the decision by Sky and UPC Ireland to increase their prices may have had a negative impact on UTV Ireland's launch because price rises coincided with the launch. UPC's decision to allocate UTV Ireland the same channel formerly occupied by Northern Ireland's UTV may also be affecting the channel because some of the content available through UTV is not shown by its counterpart.Sarah McCabe http://www.independent.ie/business/media/utv-blames-weak-ratings-on-sky-and-upc-s-price-hikes-30915637.html UTV blames weak ratings on Sky and UPC's price hikes Independent News and Media The Sunday Independent 18 January 2015 15 February 2015 21 January – Sean Haughey, the son of the late Taoiseach Charles Haughey, criticises the portrayal of his father in RTÉ's drama Charlie.Sarah Stack http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/family-of-charles-haughey-slam-tv-bosses-over-portrayal-in-charlie-30926019.html Family of Charles Haughey slam TV bosses over portrayal in Charlie Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 21 January 2015 10 April 2015 27 January – The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland publishes a new code of programme standards designed to promote responsible broadcasting.http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0127/675913-bai/ BAI aims to promote 'responsible broadcasting' with new code of standards RTÉ RTÉ News 27 January 2015 28 February 2015 28 January – John Whelan, chair of the support group Advic, criticises TV3 for what he feels to be a juvenile press release about State Pathologist Marie Cassidy's appearance in an edition of the channel's The Restaurant. The press release begins by suggesting that Cassidy "hopes to knock 'em dead on TV3's 'The Restaurant'", which Whelan feels is inappropriate when her office deals with cases of murder and manslaughter.Mark O'Regan Kirsty Blake Knox Adam Cullen http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/tv3-in-hot-water-over-reality-show-with-pathologist-marie-cassidy-30943896.html TV3 in hot water over reality show with pathologist Marie Cassidy Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 28 January 2015 22 February 2015 28 January – In Cork, an edition of Vincent Browne's Peoples Debate descends into uproar when a member of the audience miss-chooses his words while discussing the upcoming same-sex marriage referendum, then goes into a rant about the morals of Ireland's political parties when his error is pointed out to him. Footage of the debate subsequently becomes popular on YouTube.Brian O'Reilly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/mans-outburst-on-same-sex-marriage-leaves-vincent-browne-in-stitches-30947793.html Man's outburst on same sex marriage leaves Vincent Browne in stitches Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 29 January 2015 28 February 2015 30 January – TV3 axes its afternoon show Late Lunch Live in favour of an evening chat show. The 7 O'Clock Show will air from 16 February, and will be presented by Late Lunch Live presenters Lucy Kennedy and Martin King.http://www.carlow-nationalist.ie/2015/01/30/tv3-says-goodbye-to-late-lunch-live/ TV3 says goodbye to 'Late Lunch Live' Carlow Nationalist 30 January 2015 4 February 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150205011234/http://www.carlow-nationalist.ie/2015/01/30/tv3-says-goodbye-to-late-lunch-live/ 5 February 2015 30 January – UTV Ireland secures a deal with ITV to show Good Morning Britain after complaints from viewers who had watched the show on UTV via UPC. The programme had been absent from the platform since UTV Ireland's launch.James Mulhall http://www.irishpost.co.uk/news/utv-ireland-to-show-good-morning-britain-after-viewers-dissatisfaction UTV Ireland to show Good Morning Britain after viewers' dissatisfaction The Irish Post 30 January 2015 10 February 2015 February 1 February – Stephen Fry appears as a guest on RTÉ One's religious affairs programme The Meaning of Life during which he makes controversial comments about God, of whom he says is "utterly evil, capricious and monstrous".Henry McDonald https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/feb/01/stephen-fry-god-evil-maniac-irish-tv Stephen Fry calls God an 'evil, capricious, monstrous maniac' The Guardian 1 February 2015 4 February 2015 2 February – Good Morning Britain debuts on UTV Ireland, but viewing figures give it an average audience of 2,700, compared to 61,000 for TV3's Ireland AM.Gavin McLoughlin http://www.independent.ie/business/not-such-a-good-morning-as-british-breakfast-show-attracts-just-2700-viewers-to-utv-ireland-30964880.html Not such a good morning as British breakfast show attracts just 2,700 viewers to UTV Ireland Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 5 February 2015 10 February 2015 4 February – Sky reports an increase of more than 200,000 customers in the UK and Ireland in the second half of 2014, its highest growth for nine years.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31125858 Sky sees strong customer growth BBC BBC News 4 February 2015 4 February 2015 4 February – The National Lottery midweek draw is postponed until the following day because of a computer glitch that stopped the ticket machines working.http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0204/677849-lottery/ €10m jackpot delay as Lotto postponed for first time RTÉ RTÉ News 4 February 2015 4 February 2015 4 February – It is announced that Jeff Ford will leave his role as TV3's Director of Content in April to take up the position of General Manager at Fox International Channels UK.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/tv3-director-of-content-jeff-ford-leaving-group-for-fox-international-channels-uk-30964393.html TV3 director of content Jeff Ford leaving group for Fox International Channels UK Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 4 February 2015 4 February 2015 4 February – Viewing figures for TV3's new soap Red Rock have halved from 323,000 to 165,000 during its first three weeks of broadcasting. However, TV3 remains pleased with the soap's performance, saying that its viewership has surpassed expectations.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/viewing-figures-for-new-tv3-soap-red-rock-halve-in-three-weeks-30964439.html Viewing figures for new TV3 soap 'Red Rock' halve in three weeks Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 4 February 2015 4 February 2015 4 February – TV3 presenter Sybil Mulcahy announces she is leaving the channel after 16 years.https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/i-need-a-new-challenge-says-sybil-mulcahy-as-she-takes-tv3-redundancy-after-16-years/30963058.html https://archive.today/20150204221324/http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/i-need-a-new-challenge-says-sybil-mulcahy-as-she-takes-tv3-redundancy-after-16-years-30963058.html live 4 February 2015 'I need a new challenge,' says Sybil Mulcahy as she takes TV3 redundancy after 16 years Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 4 February 2015 4 February 2015 5 February – RTÉ2 confirms it will air Eurovision's Greatest Hits, a concert celebrating 60 years of the Eurovision Song Contest, which will be shown throughout Europe over the Easter weekend.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0205/677984-rte2-to-air-eurovisions-greatest-hits/ RTÉ2 to air Eurovision's Greatest Hits RTÉ Ten RTÉ 5 February 2015 8 April 2015 9 February – Setanta Sports announces that it has gained exclusive live broadcasting rights to Champions League and Europa League football for three years from 2015 to 2016. However, RTÉ has retained the television and online rights to show Wednesday Champions League matches, while TV3 will show Tuesday Champions League matches.Brynmor Pattison http://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/setanta-sports-gains-television-rights-5133120 Setanta Sports gains television rights for Champions League and exclusive rights for Europa League Trinity Mirror The Irish Mirror 9 February 2015 14 February 2015 9 February – A man who appears in the TV3 documentary series Prison Families is given a suspended sentence at Dublin's Circuit Criminal Court after his trial was told that a robbery and an attempted robbery he committed took place at the time of other offences, and should have been considered at a previous trial.Sonya McLean http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/star-of-tv3-show-avoids-jail-over-raid-on-hair-salon-30977087.html Star of TV3 show avoids jail over raid on hair salon Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 9 February 2015 22 February 2015 12 February – Viewing figures released by Tam Ireland and Nielsen indicate UTV Ireland had an average audience of 5.5% through January, with an episode of Coronation Street featuring a storyline involving a bus crash having the most number of viewers, with 597,000.Laura Slattery http://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/utv-ireland-takes-5-5-share-of-tv-viewing-in-january-1.2101418 UTV Ireland takes 5.5% share of TV viewing in January The Irish Times Trust The Irish Times 12 February 2015 14 February 2015 13 February – UTV Ireland announces its intention to air highlights of the Ireland cricket team's 2015 World Cup campaign, beginning with their opening match against the West Indies on 16 February.http://www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/utv-ireland-to-televise-highlights-of-irelands-cricket-world-cup-campaign-30990412.html UTV Ireland to televise highlights of Ireland's Cricket World Cup campaign Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 13 February 2015 14 February 2015 14 February – Vodafone unveil plans to launch a TV service to compete with UPC, Sky and Eircom.Adrian Weckler http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/vodafone-plans-tv-service-in-ireland-as-quad-play-beckons-30992612.html Vodafone plans TV service in Ireland as 'quad play' beckons Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 15 February 2015 28 February 2015 15 February – UTV Ireland considers a move for its 6.30pm bulletin of Ireland Live to take on TV3's TV3 News at 5.30pm because of poor viewing figures, which were as low as 2% for the first two weeks of January.Sarah McCabe http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/utv-ireland-may-switch-flagship-news-show-to-take-on-tv3-30992620.html UTV Ireland may switch flagship news show to take on TV3 Independent News and Media The Sunday Independent 15 February 2015 15 February 2015 16 February – Laura Whitmore announces that she is leaving MTV News after seven years.Freya Drohan http://independent.ie/entertainment/television/its-been-a-blast-laura-whitmore-leaving-mtv-after-seven-years-30995718.html 'It's been a blast': Laura Whitmore leaving MTV after seven years Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 16 February 2015 6 October 2015 18 February – The BBC Northern Ireland current affairs series Spotlight wins "Scoop of the Year" at the Royal Television Society Awards for its programme A Woman Alone With The IRA, an investigation into how the IRA handled sexual abuse allegations against a suspected member.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-31529097 BBC NI Spotlight wins RTS award for Mairia Cahill scoop BBC BBC News 18 February 2015 28 February 2015 18 February – UTV Ireland confirms it will be showing Carl Frampton's prize fight against Chris Avalos on 28 February after UPC viewers, whose access to UTV ended with the launch of its all-Ireland counterpart, expressed concerns it would not be available.Nolan Sean http://www.sportsjoe.ie/boxing/great-news-as-utv-ireland-confirm-they-will-broadcast-carl-framptons-title-fight/14043 Great news as UTV Ireland confirm they will broadcast Carl Frampton's title fight SportsJOE.ie 18 February 2015 15 March 2015 19 February – Taoiseach Enda Kenny uses Prime Time to submit to a rare live television interview but must wait as an episode of British soap opera EastEnders concludes.http://www.thejournal.ie/enda-kenny-prime-time-2-1949421-Feb2015/ Taoiseach on a rare one-on-one interview live on TV TheJournal.ie 19 February 2015 19 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150304230552/http://www.thejournal.ie/enda-kenny-prime-time-2-1949421-Feb2015/ 4 March 2015http://businessetc.thejournal.ie/enda-kenny-interview-rescheduled-eastenders-1949132-Feb2015/ RTÉ has delayed the Taoiseach's interview… because of EastEnders Business, etc. 19 February 2015 19 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150304230831/http://businessetc.thejournal.ie/enda-kenny-interview-rescheduled-eastenders-1949132-Feb2015/ 4 March 2015 20 February – Ryan Tubridy's tone and choice of questions when interviewing Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy in relation to the campaign against the implementation of a water tax on The Late Late Show is much criticised.http://www.broadsheet.ie/2015/02/22/the-paul-murphy-takedown/ The Paul Murphy Takedown (contains transcript of interview) 22 February 2015 22 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150225143855/http://www.broadsheet.ie/2015/02/22/the-paul-murphy-takedown/ 25 February 2015Robert Hynes http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/twitter-users-angered-ryan-tubridys-5203545 Twitter users angered by Ryan Tubridy's interview with Anti Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy 21 February 2015 21 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150225143953/http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/twitter-users-angered-ryan-tubridys-5203545 25 February 2015Julien Mercille Julien Mercille http://www.broadsheet.ie/2015/02/23/just-doing-his-job/ Just Doing His Job 23 February 2015 23 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150225143717/http://www.broadsheet.ie/2015/02/23/just-doing-his-job/ 25 February 2015 23 February – Undecided on whether to renew The Voice of Ireland for a fifth series, RTÉ are looking for an alternative to replace the programme for its Winter 2016 schedule.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/rte-seeking-alternatives-to-the-voice-of-ireland-for-2016-sunday-tv-slot-31014850.html RTE seeking alternatives to The Voice of Ireland for 2016 Sunday TV slot Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 23 February 2015 28 February 2015 But after considering other options, the broadcaster announces in June that The Voice of Ireland will return for a fifth series in January 2016.Brian O'Reilly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/rte-confirms-the-voice-of-ireland-to-return-for-fifth-series-in-2016-31298668.html RTE confirms 'The Voice of Ireland' to return for fifth series in 2016 Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 12 June 2015 12 June 2015 25 February – Paramount Pictures Ireland announce a collaboration with the Gaelic language television channel TG4 that will see The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water made available in the Irish language in cinemas, the first collaboration of its kind.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288052&tpl=archnews&force=1 New Spongebob film to be made available in Irish language in cinemas nationwide Irish Film and Television Network 25 February 2015 28 February 2015 26 February – The TV3 Group confirms plans to launch TV3 HD on both UPC Ireland and Sky Ireland in August.http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/tv3-announce-strong-line-up-for-rugby-world-cup-coverage-663935.html TV3 announce strong line-up for Rugby World Cup coverage Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 26 February 2015 1 March 2015 26 February – TV3 confirms its intention to air all 48 matches from the 2015 Rugby World Cup.http://www.tv3.ie/entertainment_article.php?locID=1.803.813&article=160069 TV3 confirms all 48 Rugby World Cup games TV3 TV3 News 26 February 2015 28 February 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150402120420/http://www.tv3.ie/entertainment_article.php?locID=1.803.813&article=160069 2 April 2015 dmy-all 27 February – Singer–songwriter Molly Sterling is selected to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 with the song "Playing with Numbers".Brian Byrne Geraldine Gittens http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/teen-pianist-16-to-represent-ireland-at-60th-eurovision-song-contest-31029201.html Teen pianist (16) to represent Ireland at 60th Eurovision Song Contest Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 28 February 2015 1 March 2015 Sterling, who at 17 is Ireland's youngest Eurovision entry, is knocked out of the contest during the second semi-final on 21 May.Babbage Rachel http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a648706/eurovision-song-contest-2015-ireland-malta-and-portugal-are-out-after-semi-final-2.html#~pdpQy35r6tHuNz Eurovision Song Contest 2015: Ireland, Malta and Portugal are out after semi-final 2 Digital Spy 21 May 2015 22 May 2015https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32842220 Eurovision: Ireland and Portugal out BBC News BBC 22 May 2015 22 May 2015 March 1 March – The Sunday Independent reports that RTÉ and TV3 are allowing representatives of commercial brands to appear on daytime chat shows to sell their products as part of package deals ranging from €1,000 to €15,000 per appearance. The sale of "editorial airtime" is prohibited by the broadcasting regulations.Allison Bray http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/rte-guests-charged-thousands-to-flog-brands-on-chat-show-31030846.html RTE 'guests' charged thousands to flog brands on chat show Independent News and Media The Sunday Independent 1 March 2015 1 March 2015 1 March – Writing in the Sunday Independent, GAA analyst and former All-Ireland winner Joe Brolly expresses his concern over the 2014 deal that allows Sky Sports to air some matches on a pay-per-view basis, saying that it "exemplifies the disregard for the lifeblood" of the GAA. However, speaking to RTÉ the following day, the new president of the Association, Aogán Ó Fearghail says that the deal has not hurt viewing figures and broadened the reach of Gaelic football by allowing it to be aired to a greater audience, but suggests that now there may be too many televised matches and the number may have to be reduced.http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2015/0302/683878-new-gaa-president-hints-at-reduced-tv-coverage/ New GAA president hints at reduced TV coverage RTÉ Sport RTÉ 2 March 2015 7 March 2015 4 March – TV3's Red Rock tackles the issue of arranged marriage with the arrival of two Asian characters, a father and daughter in conflict over the topic.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/tv3-soap-red-rock-tackles-issue-of-arranged-marriage-in-controversial-storyline-31033237.html TV3 soap Red Rock tackles issue of arranged marriage in controversial storyline Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 2 March 2015 2 March 2015 4 March – RTÉ launches RTÉ Player International, an online service making the broadcaster's content available to international viewers.Caroline Stephens http://www.rte.ie/blogs/digital/2015/03/04/rte-launches-new-global-online-irish-television-service-for-international-audiences/ RTÉ Launches New Global Online Irish Television Service for International Audiences RTÉ Digital RTÉ 4 March 2015 15 March 2015 5 March – As figures reveal that audience figures for UTV's Ireland Live dropped from 1.5 million in January to 1.3 million in February, Kevin Bakhurst, the managing director of news and current affairs at RTÉ, tells the Evening Herald UTV face a "hard slog" to improve their audience numbers.Elaine McCahill http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/utv-in-for-long-hard-slog-warns-rte-chief-kevin-bakhurst-31042300.html UTV in for long, hard slog, warns RTÉ chief Kevin Bakhurst Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 5 March 2015 7 March 2015 5 March – John Martin, a member of the New Land League, says he will make an official complaint to Gardaí following a confrontation with broadcaster Vincent Browne outside a repossessed property in Killiney the previous day. Gorse Hill Manor has been occupied by the group since it was seized by the High Court. Brown was accompanied by a camera crew and journalists, and used footage of his visit on that evening's edition of his show, Tonight with Vincent Browne.Paul Healy http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/new-land-league-member-to-make-official-complaint-to-gardai-about-tv3-broadcaster-vincent-browne-31043331.html 'New Land League' member to make official complaint to gardai about TV3 broadcaster Vincent Browne Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 5 March 2015 8 March 2015 5 March – TV3 announces it is axing the live element of its entertainment series, Xposé, which will return to being pre-recorded. The decision will allow the broadcaster to develop The 7 O'Clock Show as a live show with a similar format to BBC One's The One Show.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/tv3s-xpos-live-axed-after-just-six-months-to-accommodate-live-seven-oclock-show-31043228.html TV3's Xposé Live axed after just six months to accommodate live Seven O'Clock show Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 5 March 2015 8 March 2015 7 March – The Irish Independent reports that the Commercial Court is to hear a case brought against TV3 by RTÉ for non-payment of transmission tariffs through 2013 and 2014. The tariffs relate to unpaid fees to 2RN, a subsidiary company of RTÉ that manages the transmission system. The case is scheduled for Monday 9 March.Colm Kelpie http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/rte-and-tv3-in-legal-dispute-31047565.html RTE and TV3 in legal dispute Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 7 March 2015 7 March 2015 7 March – A group of 150 protesters gather outside RTÉ's Donnybrook headquarters to demonstrate against their coverage of water protests and austerity measures.http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0307/685326-protesters/ Up to 150 protesters gather outside RTÉ RTÉ News RTÉ 7 March 2015 8 March 2015 8 March – The US drama American Crime debuts on RTÉ2, just three days after making its US television debut on ABC.Pat Stacey http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/it-would-be-a-crime-to-miss-out-on-this-compelling-drama-31055346.html https://web.archive.org/web/20150412223457/http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/it-would-be-a-crime-to-miss-out-on-this-compelling-drama-31055346.html dead 12 April 2015 It would be a crime to miss out on this compelling drama Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 10 March 2015 8 April 2015 8 March – Mary McAleese narrates a documentary about the women's organisation Cumann na mBan on TG4.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0226/683098-tg4-screens-new-cumann-na-mban-documentary/ TG4 to screen new Cumann na mBan documentary RTÉ Ten RTÉ 26 February 2015 9 April 2015 9 March – At the Commercial Court, RTÉ is seeking €1m from TV3 for the non payment of digital transmission tariffs through 2013 and 2014.Tim Healy http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/rte-suing-tv3-for-around-1m-in-dispute-over-alleged-failure-to-pay-for-digital-transmission-services-31052754.html RTE suing TV3 for around €1m in dispute over alleged failure to pay for digital transmission services Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 9 March 2015 15 March 2015 10 March – In celebration of St Patrick's Day, UTV Ireland launches its "Bringing U Home" campaign, which encourages Irish people living overseas to submit greetings videos to friends and relatives, with entries having a chance to win return air tickets to Ireland from wherever they are currently living.http://www.westmeathindependent.ie/news/roundup/articles/2015/03/10/4036256--utv-ireland-wants-to-bring-you-home-for-st-patricks-day/ Westmeath Independent UTV Ireland wants to bring you home for St Patrick's Day 10 March 2015 15 March 2015 2 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402142132/http://www.westmeathindependent.ie/news/roundup/articles/2015/03/10/4036256--utv-ireland-wants-to-bring-you-home-for-st-patricks-day/ dead 11 March – Analysis of All-Ireland matches from the past five seasons has indicated that Sky Sports succession as second provider of GAA games has had little impact on the majority of supporters as many county matches are not shown live.Martin Breheny http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/skys-arrival-has-altered-very-little-for-majority-of-gaa-fans-31060274.html Sky's arrival has altered very little for majority of GAA fans Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 11 March 2015 15 March 2015 14 March – Brendan O'Connor confirms that the current series of The Saturday Night Show will be the last. O'Connor will return with a new show in 2016, while Ray D'Arcy will present a replacement show for The Saturday Night Show from the autumn.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0314/687145-oconnor-announces-end-of-saturday-night-show/ O'Connor announces end of Saturday Night Show RTÉ Ten RTÉ 14 March 2015 2 April 2015 18 March – UTV Media confirms it expects UTV Ireland to report £6m in losses over 2015, double its original forecast. The company cites the length of time the channel took to receive its public service status as a major contributing factor, since it could not fully engage with advertisers and viewers until it was established.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/18/utv-media-doubles-forecast-for-losses-to-6m UTV Ireland's forecast losses double to £6m The Guardian 18 March 2015 18 March 2015 18 March – TV3 will host two Irish Film and Television Awards ceremonies this year. The first in May will focus on film and television, while the second in October will award achievements in the television industry.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0318/688011-tv3-to-host-2015-iftas/ TV3 to host two IFTA Awards this year RTÉ Ten RTÉ 18 March 2015 23 March 2015 18 March – GAA USA, a four-part series presented by Dara Ó Cinnéide that tells the story of Gaelic football in the United States, debuts on TG4.Steve Neville http://www.irishexaminer.com/examviral/fun-times/video-new-documentary-explores-the-gaas-history-in-the-us-317794.html New documentary explores the GAA's history in the US Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 11 March 2015 9 April 2015Stephen Glennon http://connachttribune.ie/tg4-documentary-charts-history-of-gaa-in-the-usa-777/ TG4 documentary charts history of GAA in the USA Connacht Tribune 20 March 2015 9 April 2015 19 March – Lynda McQuaid is appointed Director of Content at TV3, replacing Jeff Ford.http://www.thejournal.ie/new-head-of-content-tv3-2001830-Mar2015/ The woman behind You're A Star gets top job at TV3 Distilled Media Thejournal.ie 19 March 2015 23 March 2015 20 March – Broadcaster Joe Duffy is making a television version of his popular radio programme, Liveline, a pilot of which will be aired by RTÉ over the summer.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/rtes-joe-duffy-set-to-make-tv-version-of-his-hit-radio-show-liveline-31081812.html RTE's Joe Duffy set to make TV version of his hit radio show 'Liveline' Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 20 March 2015 9 April 2015 22 March – The Sunday Times reports that TV3 believed the decision to grant UTV Ireland public service status was a "fait accompli" that had been decided weeks before its announcement as documents released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal the extent of TV3's objection to the decision.Samantha McCaughren http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/ireland/Business/article1534317.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2015_03_21 https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223949/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/ireland/Business/article1534317.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2015_03_21 dead 3 March 2016 Free-to-air status for UTV was a done deal, fumes TV3 News UK The Sunday Times 22 March 2015 23 March 2015 subscription London 22 March – RTÉ screens Ireland's 2015 Women's Six Nations Championship match against Scotland live from Cumbernauld.http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/rte-to-show-ireland-women-against-scotland-as-they-chase-six-nations-and-triple-crown-glory-31077502.html RTE to show Ireland women against Scotland as they chase Six Nations and Triple Crown glory Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 18 March 2015 23 March 2015 The game sees Ireland beat Scotland 37–3, meaning Ireland have secured both the 2015 Men's and Women's Six Nations titles.https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/2015/0322/688907-ireland-women-six-nations/ Ireland obliterate Scotland to win Six Nations RTÉ Sport RTÉ 22 March 2015 23 March 2015 24 March – TV3 announces the launch of its new nightly news programme, TV3 News at 8, a 30-minute bulletin showing at 8.00pm, following a similar format to nightly newscasts across Europe. The programme goes on air from Monday 30 March, and will be presented by Colette Fitzpatrick.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/tv3-launches-new-main-evening-news-at-8pm-31091956.html TV3 launches new main evening news at 8pm Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 24 March 2015 28 March 2015 25 March – Speaking at a sitting of the Dáil, former Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte accuses RTÉ of being a "recruiting sergeant" for Sinn Féin and the far left because of its coverage of the Irish Water controversy. The comments are rejected by the broadcaster and Sinn Féin.Niall O'Connor http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/rt-is-recruiting-sergeant-for-sinn-fin-says-rabbitte-31095639.html RTÉ is 'recruiting sergeant' for Sinn Féin, says Rabbitte Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 26 March 2015 24 May 2015 26 March – BBC Director-General Tony Hall signs a deal with Northern Ireland Screen which will see an increase in network spending in Northern Ireland. The agreement will also enable an extra £200,000 a year to be invested in drama development, and a £2m annual investment in children's content.Kanter Jake http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/bbc-unveils-boost-for-ni-television-sector/5085804.article BBC unveils boost for NI television sector | News | Broadcast Broadcast 27 March 2015 11 April 2015 27 March – TV3 has announced the establishment of a strategic distribution partnership with Sky Vision, which will see its content distributed on the international market.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288155&tpl=archnews&force=1 TV3 partners with Sky Vision in major international distribution deal The Irish Film and Television Network 27 March 2015 28 March 2015 29 March – Minister for Communications Alex White will include the Six Nations Championship on a list of sporting events that must be made free-to-air on live terrestrial television, it is reported.Cuddihy Tony http://www.joe.ie/sport/the-six-nations-to-be-made-free-to-air-on-irish-television/490104 The Six Nations to be made 'free-to-air' on Irish television JOE.ie 29 March 2015 31 March 2015 White confirms to Cabinet his intention to add the coverage of the tournament to the free-to-air list two days later.Raf Diallo http://www.newstalk.com/Six-Nations-moves-closer-to-freetoair-future Six Nations moves closer to free-to-air future Communicorp Newstalk 31 March 2015 31 March 2015 September 2026 InternetArchiveBot 30 March – Sky Sports have secured the rights to Ireland's 2015 Rugby World Cup warm-up games against Scotland on 15 August, and Wales on 29 August.http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/world-cup/at-least-three-of-irelands-four-rugby-world-cup-warmup-games-to-be-shown-on-sky-sports-31105119.html At least three of Ireland's four Rugby World Cup warm-up games to be shown on Sky Sports Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 30 March 2015 31 March 2015 30 March – Former RTÉ presenter Sheena Keane makes her return to television five years after leaving The Afternoon Show with a series on TV3 titled Get the Numbers, Write.McCahill Elaine http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/sheana-returns-to-tv-five-years-after-quitting-rte-31103697.html https://web.archive.org/web/20150402134935/http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/sheana-returns-to-tv-five-years-after-quitting-rte-31103697.html dead 2 April 2015 Sheana returns to TV five years after quitting RTÉ Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 30 March 2015 31 March 2015 30 March – Following a case brought by three music companies, the High Court orders UPC Ireland, the country's second largest internet service provider, to take measures to stop the illegal downloading of content.http://advanced-television.com/2015/03/30/judge-upc-ireland-must-enforce-3-strikes-policy/ Judge: UPC Ireland 'must enforce 3 strikes policy' Advanced Television 30 March 2015 11 April 2015 31 March – David McGovern, a fireman based in West Florida, is announced as the winner of UTV Ireland's "Bringing U Home" competition, and wins return tickets to visit his friends and relatives in Ireland.http://utv.ie/News/2015/03/31/UTV-Ireland-is-bringing-David-McGovern-home-34620 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114836/http://utv.ie/News/2015/03/31/UTV-Ireland-is-bringing-David-McGovern-home-34620 dead 2 April 2015 UTV Ireland is bringing David McGovern home UTV UTV Ireland 31 March 2015 31 March 2015 April 1 April – In an April Fools' Day hoax RTÉ News reports the launch of Fur TV, a channel aimed specifically at pets.Laura Delaney http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0401/691320-watch-new-tv-channel-for-pets-is-launched-today/ New TV channel for pets is launched RTÉ Ten RTÉ 1 April 2015 9 April 2015 On TV3, Vincent Browne joins Glenda Gilson to present the channel's entertainment series Xposé.http://www.irishexaminer.com/examviral/real-life/video-the-incredibly-uncomfortable-moment-vincent-browne-hosts-xposeacute-322597.html The incredibly uncomfortable moment Vincent Browne hosts Xpose Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 7 April 2015 2 May 2015 2 April – RTÉ have issued a memorandum to their staff reminding them not to publicly express any opinions about the forthcoming 22 May referendum during the campaign period, including via posts on social media, it is reported.Louise Hogan http://www.independent.ie/business/media/rte-staff-warned-not-to-post-views-on-samesex-marriage-referendum-on-social-media-31114268.html RTE staff warned not to post views on same-sex marriage referendum on social media Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 2 April 2015 6 April 2015Elaine McCahill http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/rtes-gagging-order-broadcaster-warns-staff-not-to-make-comment-on-marriage-referendum-31115766.html RTE's gagging order: Broadcaster warns staff not to make comment on marriage referendum Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 3 April 2015 6 April 2015 2 April – SIPTU general secretary Jack O'Connor walks off the set of TV3's Tonight with Vincent Browne following a heated argument with Brown. O'Connor exited the studio because he believed his presence legitimised TV3's policy of not respecting the rights of its staff in collective bargaining, but Browne described the union leader's actions as a "stroke".http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/watch-tv3s-vincent-browne-accuses-siptu-boss-of-stunt-after-he-walks-off-show-live-on-air-31115723.html Watch: TV3's Vincent Browne accuses SIPTU boss of 'stunt' after he walks off show live on air Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 3 April 2015 4 April 2015 3 April – Pat Cowap, the director of RTÉ's soon to end The Saturday Night Show, is recruited by UTV Ireland to work on Pat Kenny's new show In The Round, which begins filming shortly.Kirsty Blake Knox http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/pat-kenny-woos-director-of-axed-saturday-night-show-for-new-slot-on-utv-31117505.html Pat Kenny woos director of axed 'Saturday Night Show' for new slot on UTV Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 4 April 2015 6 April 2015 3 April – Eurovision's Greatest Hits airs on RTÉ2.http://entertainment.ie/tv-highlight/Eurovisions-Greatest-Hits/359113.htm Eurovision's Greatest Hits The Irish Times Trust Entertainment.ie 3 April 2015 8 April 2015 4 April – RTÉ One arts programme The Works is to be "reformatted" as part of RTÉ's autumn schedule, the broadcaster announces.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0404/692075-rte-to-reformat-television-series-the-works/ RTÉ to "reformat" television series The Works RTÉ Ten RTÉ 4 April 2015 7 April 2015 4 April – Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace, who play EastEnders couple Alfie and Kat Moon, are to film a six-part spin-off series as the characters which will be set in Ireland and air in 2016.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32173159 EastEnders duo in spin-off show BBC News BBC 4 April 2015 4 April 2015Patricia Murphy http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/ireland-will-be-the-set-of-a-new-eastenders-spinoff-starring-kat-and-alfie-moon-31119267.html Ireland will be the set of a new Eastenders spin-off starring Kat and Alfie Moon Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 5 April 2015 11 April 2015 5 April – The mother of broadcaster Brendan Courtney voices her support for marriage equality in a series of online videos.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/broadcaster-brendan-courtneys-mum-explains-her-reasons-for-supporting-marriage-equality-via-video-on-twitter-31119871.html Broadcaster Brendan Courtney's mum explains her reasons for supporting marriage equality via video on Twitter Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 5 April 2015 6 April 2015 5 April – Irish television premiere of the War of Independence film A Nightingale Falling, which airs on UTV Ireland at 10.00pm.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288163&tpl=archnews&force=1 'A Nightingale Falling' to air on UTV Ireland on Easter Sunday The Irish Film and Television Network 30 March 2015 31 March 2015 5 April – TG4 airs Louise Ni Fhiannachta's award-winning short film Rúbaí, a drama about an atheist girl who refuses to take part in her First Holy Communion.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288167&tpl=archnews&force=1 'Rubaí to air on TG4 on Easter Sunday The Irish Film and Television Network 31 March 2015 8 April 2015 6 April – RTÉ's Road to the Rising, an event marking the anniversary of the Easter Rising, is held in Dublin's O'Connell Street. The occasion includes a screening of Insurrection, the broadcaster's eight-part drama that was commissioned for the Easter Rising's 50th anniversary in 1966.David Kearns http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/festivals/oconnell-street-transformed-for-road-to-the-rising-showcase-31120672.html O'Connell Street transformed for 'Road to the Rising' showcase Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 6 April 2015 6 April 2015 7 April – The Irish Language Broadcast Fund announces its latest round of funding for television and film projects, which includes finance for Piobairí Ard Mhacha, a series for BBC Northern Ireland about the Armagh Pipers, and Lomax in Éirinn: The Album That Saved Irish Music, a series about the field collectors of folk music Alan Lomax for TG4.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/finance/finance_news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288179&tpl=archnews&force=1 Irish Language Broadcast Fund announce latest funding decisions The Irish Film and Television Network 7 April 2015 9 April 2015 8 April – Viewers are invited to apply for tickets for Pat Kenny In The Round, which goes on air in May.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/audience-tickets-for-pat-kennys-new-utv-ireland-show-now-available-31127352.html Audience tickets for Pat Kenny's new UTV Ireland show now available Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 8 April 2015 8 April 2015 8 April – TV3 Group announce that the timeshift channel TV3 +1 is launching on Sky Channel 117 after they agreed a deal with Sky to carry the channel.Karina Corbett http://www.businessandleadership.com/marketing/item/50174-tv3-1-launches-at-channel/ TV3+1 launches at channel 117 on Sky – Marketing – Marketing | Ireland's online business and management news service Distilled Media Business and Leadership 9 April 2015 9 April 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150415140450/http://www.businessandleadership.com/marketing/item/50174-tv3-1-launches-at-channel/ 15 April 2015 9 April – The Unemployables, which aired as a pilot in 2014, returns to RTÉ2 for a full series. The programme sees Darren Kennedy and Jennifer Maguire helping young unemployed people to find work.Anna Nolan http://www.herald.ie/opinion/anna-nolan-trying-to-convince-the-unemployed-that-they-deserve-a-chance-is-hard-work-31122355.html https://archive.today/20150407151534/http://www.herald.ie/opinion/anna-nolan-trying-to-convince-the-unemployed-that-they-deserve-a-chance-is-hard-work-31122355.html dead 7 April 2015 Trying to convince the unemployed that they deserve a chance is hard work Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 7 April 2015 7 April 2015 9 April – French international distributor, Lagardère Entertainment has secured a deal to distribute TG4's Gaelic language thriller, An Bronntanas on the international market.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288187&tpl=archnews&force=1 French Distributor to take 'An Bronntanas' worldwide The Irish Film and Television Network 9 April 2015 9 April 2015 9 April – The first edition of Pat Kenny in the Round is filmed at Dublin's Mansion House. The programme takes the form of a one-hour interview with a notable figure, with the first guest being Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. It is the first in a series of thirteen interviews, though an airdate for the series is yet to be confirmed.John Meagher http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/screen-test-can-pat-kenny-save-utv-ireland-31130327.html Screen test... can Pat Kenny save UTV Ireland? Independent News and Media The Sunday Independent 12 April 2015 12 April 2015 12 April – An article in the Sunday Independent highlights some of the shows that ceased being available to many Irish television viewers following the launch of UTV Ireland. They include ITV's News at Ten and Championship League football coverage, both of which have been replaced with homegrown programmes, as well as dramas such as Foyle's War and Arthur & George.John Meagher http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/reschedule-the-favourites-utv-ireland-has-turned-off-31130335.html Reschedule: the favourites UTV Ireland has turned off Independent News and Media The Sunday Independent 12 April 2015 26 April 2015 15 April – Debut of Wild Ireland, a six-part series presented by Christine Bleakley in which she travels the Wild Atlantic Way, the longest continuous coastal route.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/broadcast/BroadcastNews/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288180&tpl=archnews&force=1 Big Mountain's 'Wild Ireland' to air on ITV and UTV Ireland The Irish Film and Television Network 7 April 2015 7 April 2015 15 April – Islanders, a four-part series looking at life in the island communities on the Irish coast, debuts on TV3.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/new-tv3-series-to-shed-light-on-island-life-31142394.html New TV3 series to shed light on island life Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 14 April 2015 14 April 2015 16 April – It is reported that a number of private equity groups, including The Carlyle Group, have held preliminary discussions with TV3's owners, Doughty Hanson about a possible takeover.Mark Kleinman http://news.sky.com/story/1466127/buyout-firms-broadcast-bids-for-irelands-tv3 Buyout Firms Broadcast Bids For Ireland's TV3 British Sky Broadcasting Sky News 16 April 2015 16 April 2015 16 April – TV3 begins airing Paramedics, a six-part documentary looking at the work of Ireland's emergency medical service.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288197&tpl=archnews&force=1 Tile Films 'Paramedics' to air on TV3 on Thursday, 16 April The Irish Film and Television Network 14 April 2015 14 April 2015 20 April – Premiere of Dáil on the Dole, a four-part TV3 series that sees TDs spending time with constituents on social welfare in order to gain insight into the issues affecting them.http://www.tv3.ie/entertainment_article.php?locID=1.803.813&article=164760 Dail on the Dole TV3 Xposé Entertainment TV3 20 April 2015 20 April 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150427143116/http://www.tv3.ie/entertainment_article.php?locID=1.803.813&article=164760 27 April 2015 dmy-all Ed Power http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-reviews/dail-on-the-dole-review-here-for-once-is-a-tv3-broadcast-crying-out-for-extra-sensationalism-31156947.html Dail on the Dole review – 'here, for once, is a TV3 broadcast crying out for extra sensationalism' Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 20 April 2015 20 April 2015 21 April – Minister of Communications Alex White confirms that the TV licence will not be replaced by a public service broadcasting charge until there is "public understanding and support" for the change.http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0421/695731-rte-reduced-operating-costs-alex-white/ No broadcasting charge before election – White RTÉ News RTÉ 21 April 2015 21 April 2015 24 April – A University College Dublin medical student who punched TV3 cameraman Ronan Quinlan in an unprovoked attack at a Dublin bar in August 2014 has his case adjourned for 12 months by a judge at Dublin District Court, and is warned that he must not come to the attention of the Garda during that time.Phelan Andrew http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/ucd-science-student-broke-tv3-cameramans-nose-in-a-pub-attack-31169095.html UCD science student broke TV3 cameraman's nose in a pub attack Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 24 April 2015 26 April 2015 24 April – UTV Ireland have signed Lorraine Keane to do a one-off interview with singer Josh Groban on 3 May, it is reported.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/lorraine-keane-to-return-to-tv-screens-as-she-lands-gig-with-utv-ireland-31167799.html Lorraine Keane to return to TV screens as she lands gig with UTV Ireland Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 24 April 2015 24 April 2015 26 April – The Sunday Independent reports that TV3 have signed a deal with Endemol to air Big Brother, the first time the franchise has aired on an Irish television channel.http://www.independent.ie/business/tv3-gets-the-rights-to-big-brother-as-buyers-loom-31171743.html TV3 gets the rights to Big Brother as buyers loom Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 26 April 2015 27 April 2015 26 April – Patrick Donoghue wins the fourth series of The Voice of Ireland.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-news/series-favourite-patrick-donoghue-wins-the-voice-of-ireland-for-team-una-31172854.html Series favourite Patrick Donoghue wins The Voice of Ireland for Team Una Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 26 April 2015 26 April 2015 27 April – Taoiseach Enda Kenny says that he will not take part in a televised debate on the marriage referendum as he launches Fine Gael's campaign for a Yes vote.Connolly Shaun http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/enda-kenny-says-no-to-tv-debate-but-says-yes-vote-could-be-the-making-of-us-327370.html Enda Kenny says No to TV debate, but says Yes vote 'could be the making of us' Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 28 April 2015 22 May 2015 28 April – Caroline Morahan is to star in Fir Bolg, a new bilingual drama to air on TG4.Elaine McCahill http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/caroline-morahan-takes-time-out-of-hollywood-to-sign-up-for-tg4-31176199.html https://archive.today/20150501003648/http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/caroline-morahan-takes-time-out-of-hollywood-to-sign-up-for-tg4-31176199.html dead 1 May 2015 Caroline Morahan takes time out of Hollywood to sign up for TG4 Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 28 April 2015 30 April 2015 30 April – It is reported that businessman Denis O'Brien is seeking an injunction to stop RTÉ airing a story about his private banking details. The case will be heard before the High Court on 1 May.http://www.thejournal.ie/denis-obrien-rte-injunction-2078594-Apr2015/ Denis O'Brien wants an injunction to stop RTÉ airing a story about him Distilled Media Thejournal.ie 30 April 2015 30 April 2015 30 April – RTÉ announce that Henry Shefflin has signed up as a pundit on RTÉ2's The Sunday Game.John Fogarty http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/shefflin-chooses-rte-over-sky-sports-675168.html Shefflin chooses RTÉ over Sky Sports Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 30 April 2015 30 April 2015 May 1 May – The High Court places a temporary injunction on the broadcast of an RTÉ story about businessman Denis O'Brien until 12 May, while a full hearing on the issue takes place.http://www.thejournal.ie/rte-denis-obrien-2079413-May2015/ An RTÉ story about Denis O'Brien has been blocked until at least 12 May Distilled Media Thejournal.ie 1 May 2015 1 May 2015 1 May – After agreeing a deal with Endemol, TV3 announce they will broadcast Big Brother UK, the sixteenth series of which begins airing on TV3 and 3e from 12 May.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/165818/TV3-brings-Big-Brother-back-to-Irish-screens TV3 brings Big Brother back to Irish screens TV3 Xposé TV3 1 May 2015 1 May 2015 The programme had been absent from Irish TV screens since 2011 when it moved to Channel 5, which is not licensed to broadcast in the Irish Republic.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/been-missing-big-brother-since-it-went-to-channel-5-its-coming-to-irish-tv-courtesy-of-tv3-31172513.html Been missing Big Brother since it went to Channel 5? It's coming to Irish TV courtesy of TV3 Independent news and Media The Sunday Independent 26 April 2015 9 May 2015 1 May – The Late Late Show stages a debate on Marriage Equality ahead of the 22 May referendum on the issue.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0430/697882-late-late-show-to-hold-marriage-equality-debate/ Late Late Show to hold Marriage Equality debate RTÉ Ten RTÉ 30 April 2015 1 May 2015Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/geordie-shores-charlotte-crosby-hamsandwich-and-marriage-equality-debate-on-tonights-late-late-show-31187241.html Geordie Shore's Charlotte Crosby, HamsandwicH, and marriage equality debate on tonight's Late late Show Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 1 May 2015 2 May 2015 1 May – The world's largest television, the 105-inch LG Ultra HD 5K UC9 TV, is unveiled at the Henry Street branch of Arnotts in Dublin, with a price tag of €82,599.Collins Oisin http://www.joe.ie/tech/check-out-irelands-biggest-curved-tv-screen-its-105-only-e82599/494175 Check out Ireland's biggest curved TV screen… it's 105" & only €82,599 JOE.ie 1 May 2015 9 May 2015 2 May – Music producer Louis Walsh tells the Daily Star that he is planning a talent show for Irish television following a similar format to Britain's Got Talent.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/louis-walsh-irelands-got-talent-could-hit-our-screens-soon-31189612.html Louis Walsh: 'Ireland's Got Talent' could hit our screens soon Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 2 May 2015 9 May 2015 4 May – Pat Kenny tells RTÉ Guide that he may not have left the network had his current affairs series The Frontline not been cancelled.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/pat-kenny-i-might-not-have-left-rte-for-newstalk-if-the-frontline-wasnt-axed-31193637.html Pat Kenny: I might not have left RTE for Newstalk if 'The Frontline' wasn't axed Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 4 May 2015 4 May 2015 5 May – RTÉ One's Prime Time features a marriage referendum debate between Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Yes Equality's Noel Whelan and Grainne Healy for the Yes campaign, and David Quinn, John Waters and Eileen King of Mothers and Fathers Matter for the No campaign.http://www.thejournal.ie/prime-time-same-sex-marriage-debate-2086154-May2015/ Miss last night's Prime Time debate? Here's what people are talking about Distilled Media Thejournal.ie 6 May 2015 22 May 2015 6 May – TV3's Tonight with Vincent Browne hosts a live studio debate on the upcoming marriage referendum.http://entertainment.ie/tv-highlight/Same-Sex-Marriage-Referendum-Debate-with-Vincent-Browne/364115.htm Same-Sex Marriage Referendum Debate with Vincent Browne Entertainment.ie 6 May 2015 22 May 2015 7 May – BBC Sport NI announce their coverage of the 2015 North West 200 motorcycle race to be held later this month, which will air on radio and television across Northern Ireland, as well as online.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/northern-ireland/32627393 BBC Sport North West 200: BBC Sport NI gears up for big biking event BBC 7 May 2015 9 May 2015 9 May – Figures released by UPC Ireland indicate the number of subscribers to the service has fallen from 422,700 to 386,500 over the past twelve months. The operator blames an increase in competition for the fall. However, its broadband business is faring better, with an increase from 348,300 to 365,800 subscribers over the same period.Adrian Weckler http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/news/upc-sees-big-switchoff-in-its-irish-tv-business-31207478.html UPC sees big switch-off in its Irish TV business Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 9 May 2015 9 May 2015 10 May – RTÉ One airs a service of remembrance for the 40 children killed during the Easter Rising, which took place on 7 May at St Patrick's Parish Church, Ringsend, Dublin.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0507/699462-rte-to-air-service-to-remember-children-of-1916/ RTÉ to air service to remember children of 1916 RTÉ Ten RTÉ 7 May 2015 9 May 2015 11 May – Pat Kenny in the Round debuts on UTV Ireland.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288256&tpl=archnews&force=1 Pat Kenny returns to TV on May 11 with UTV Ireland entertainment series The Irish Film and Television Network 30 April 2015 30 April 2015 The first show to be aired features an interview with Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte.http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2015/05/08/Mickey-Harte-first-guest-on-Pat-Kenny-in-the-Round-36891 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518093146/http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2015/05/08/Mickey-Harte-first-guest-on-Pat-Kenny-in-the-Round-36891 dead 18 May 2015 Mickey Harte first guest on Pat Kenny in the Round UTV UTV Ireland 8 May 2015 9 May 2015 The programme is well received by viewers, but is beaten in the ratings by RTÉ One's Claire Byrne Live, which features a debate on the upcoming marriage referendum between Simon Coveney TD for the Yes campaign and Senator Rónán Mullen for the No campaign. An average 150,000 tune in for Pat Kenny's show at 9.00pm, UTV Ireland's best figures to date for the 9.00pm timeslot and a 33% increase in viewership, while Claire Byrne's programme at 9.35 receives an average audience of 368,000.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/rtes-claire-byrne-live-hits-ratings-high-as-pat-kenny-in-the-round-launches-on-utv-ireland-31215974.html RTE's Claire Byrne Live hits ratings high as Pat Kenny in the Round launches on UTV Ireland Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 12 May 2015 12 May 2015Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/tonight-with-vincent-browne-to-broadcast-second-marriage-referendum-debate-31235772.html Tonight with Vincent Browne to broadcast second marriage referendum debate Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 19 May 2015 22 May 2015 11 May – Ireland Lives Alison Comyn chairs a marriage referendum debate from UTV Ireland's Cork studios, featuring representatives from Mothers and Fathers Matter, Yes Equality, Stand Up for Marriage and Labour LGBT.http://utv.ie/News/2015/05/11/Marriage-referendum-debated-live-on-UTV-Ireland-37039 https://web.archive.org/web/20150515000048/http://utv.ie/News/2015/05/11/Marriage-referendum-debated-live-on-UTV-Ireland-37039 dead 15 May 2015 Marriage referendum debated live on UTV Ireland UTV UTV Ireland 11 May 2015 22 May 2015 11 May – TV3's Tonight with Vincent Browne features a live debate from the Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells. A man is seen falling over as Browne introduces the programme, prompting him to comment on the fact to much raucous laughter.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/watch-somebody-faceplants-behind-vincent-browne-live-on-air-31214892.html Somebody faceplants behind Vincent Browne live on air Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 12 May 2015 1 June 2015Flaherty Ciara http://www.irishexaminer.com/examviral/fun-times/a-man-fell-over-on-vincent-browne-last-night-and-a-nation-cheered-330116.html A man fell over on Vincent Browne last night and a nation cheered Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 12 May 2015 1 June 2015 12 May – TV3 announces it will air the 2015 FA Cup Final on 30 May, bringing the FA Cup back to Irish terrestrial television after a 20-year absence.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/tv-news/166762/FA-Cup-Final-to-be-Shown-Live-on-TV3 FA Cup Final to be Shown Live on TV3 TV3 Xposé TV3 12 May 2015 13 May 2015http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/other-soccer/fa-cup-final-returns-to-irish-terrestrial-tv-for-the-first-time-in-20-years-31216938.html FA Cup Final returns to Irish terrestrial TV for the first time in 20 years Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 12 May 2015 13 May 2015 12 May – UTV Ireland's news programme Ireland Live at 10 hosts a debate on the Age of Presidential Candidates Referendum (an issue also being decided by a referendum on 22 May) from its Dublin studios.http://utv.ie/News/2015/05/08/Live-referendum-debates-on-UTV-Ireland-36874 https://web.archive.org/web/20150523014610/http://utv.ie/News/2015/05/08/Live-referendum-debates-on-UTV-Ireland-36874 dead 23 May 2015 Live referendum debates on UTV Ireland UTV UTV Ireland 8 May 2015 2015-05-22 13 May – Taoiseach Enda Kenny appears as a guest on TV3's Ireland AM.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/tv-news/166745/Taoiseach-Enda-Kenny-joins-Ireland-AM Taoiseach Enda Kenny joins 'Ireland AM' TV3 Xposé TV3 12 May 2015 12 May 2015Kevin Doyle http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/ten-things-we-learned-from-endas-appearance-on-tv3-31218475.html Ten things we learned from Enda's appearance on TV3 Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 13 May 2015 13 May 2015 14 May – UTV Media adjusts UTV Ireland's expected loss for its first year on air to £8.5m (€11.82), almost three times the original forecast.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/14/utv-ireland-losses-itv-utv-media-talksport UTV Ireland losses forecast to hit £8.5m The Guardian 14 May 2015 19 May 2015 14 May – UTV Ireland announces it is moving its early evening edition of Ireland Live from 6.30pm to 5.30pm. The channel will also introduce hourly news updates during the day.http://utv.ie/News/2015/05/14/UTV-Ireland-evening-news-moves-to-530pm-with-hourly-news-updates-37227 UTV Ireland evening news moves to 5.30pm with hourly news updates UTV UTV Ireland 14 May 2015 21 May 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150518093959/http://utv.ie/News/2015/05/14/UTV-Ireland-evening-news-moves-to-530pm-with-hourly-news-updates-37227 18 May 2015 http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/utv-ireland-teatime-news-moves-back-to-530pm-as-hourly-news-updates-are-announced-for-weekdays-31222375.html UTV Ireland teatime news moves back to 5.30pm as hourly news updates are announced for weekdays Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 15 May 2015 19 May 2015 15 May – TV3's political editor Ursula Halligan comes out as gay in an Irish Times article, and declares her support for a Yes vote in the marriage referendum.http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/referendum/tv3s-ursula-halligan-comes-out-as-she-calls-yes-vote-the-most-christian-thing-to-do-31224441.html TV3's Ursula Halligan comes out as she calls 'Yes' vote the 'most Christian thing to do' Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 15 May 2015 19 May 2015Lisa O'Carroll https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/15/irish-journalist-comes-out-ahead-of-referendum-on-gay-marriage Irish journalist comes out ahead of referendum on gay marriage The Guardian 15 May 2015 19 May 2015 Halligan steps aside from providing TV3's coverage of the referendum in the wake of her announcement in order to protect the channel's impartiality.http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0515/701349-ursula-halligan/ Halligan urges Yes vote after revealing she is gay RTÉ News RTÉ 15 May 2015 22 May 2015 15 May – Comedian Oliver Callan is reminded of RTÉ's controversial policy on impartiality surrounding the marriage referendum after publicly backing a Yes vote.Shaun Connolly http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/marriage-equality-referendum-comedian-oliver-callan-reminded-of-broadcasters-guidelines-330738.html Marriage Equality Referendum: Comedian Oliver Callan reminded of broadcaster's guidelines Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 15 May 2015 22 May 2015 15 May – Pinewood Studios announce the establishment of an Irish studio with the launch of Pinewood Productions Ireland Limited.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288303&tpl=archnews&force=1 Pinewood Studios announce launch of Irish Branch The Irish Film and Television Network 15 May 2015 21 May 2015 15 May – RTÉ and Pat Kenny dismiss rumours that Kenny was blocked from appearing on Ray D'Arcy's RTÉ radio show ahead of the launch of Pat Kenny in the Round.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/radio/we-didnt-block-kenny-from-appearing-on-darcy-show-rt-31224300.html We didn't block Kenny from appearing on D'Arcy show – RTÉ Independent News and Media 15 May 2015 22 May 2015 16 May – The Irish Independent reports that Communications Minister Alex White is to replace Health Minister Leo Varadkar as the government representative in the final RTÉ marriage referendum debate after a row broke out between Fine Gael and the Labour Party about which of the coalition parties should be represented in the final debate, the government's place in the two previous debates having been taken by Fine Gael TDs.Niall O'Connor and Lise Hand http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/referendum/varadkar-is-frozen-out-of-referendum-debate-despite-protests-from-rt-chiefs-31227217.html Varadkar is frozen out of referendum debate, despite protests from RTÉ chiefs Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 16 May 2015 22 May 2015 18 May – Thejournal.ie reports that Fianna Fáil—currently the main opposition party—has written to RTÉ to complain about its exclusion from the majority of the broadcaster's marriage referendum debates. Sinn Féin have said they will also complain about their exclusion from the debates.http://www.thejournal.ie/fianna-fail-sinn-fein-rte-2109135-May2015/ Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin are really unhappy with RTÉ Distilled Media Thejournal.ie 18 May 2015 22 May 2015 18 May – Communications Minister Alex White, who is to represent the government in the last of three marriage referendum debates, to be aired by RTÉ the following day, dismisses claims of government tension after RTÉ said that Health Minister Leo Varadkar, who is openly gay, had originally been lined up to appear.John Downing http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/referendum/alex-white-says-leo-varadkar-has-no-issue-about-television-debate-lineup-31231389.html Alex White says Leo Varadkar 'has no issue' about television debate line-up Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 19 May 2015 21 May 2015 White goes head-to-head with Rónán Mullen on a Prime Time special presented by Miriam O'Callaghan,http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/late-slot-costs-claire-in-tv-wars-31240540.html Late slot costs Claire in TV wars Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 21 May 2015 22 May 2015 while Varadkar speaks for the Yes campaign opposite Patrick Treacy SC on the 18 May edition of Claire Byrne Live, the second edition of that programme to feature a marriage referendum debate. 18 May – UTV's Ireland Live at 10 hosts a debate on the Age of Presidential Candidates referendum from its Galway studios. 18 May – The second guest on Pat Kenny In the Round is Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. Figures later indicate the programme to have had an audience of 66,000, fewer than half the viewers who tuned into the previous week's opening edition. The show is beaten in the ratings for the 9.00pm timeslot by documentaries on both RTÉ One and TV3—Ireland and the Eurovision attracting a viewership of 351,800 for RTÉ One, and The Battle of Gorse Hill, a documentary about businessman Brian O'Donnell, securing an audience of 74,700 for TV3. An edition of Coronation Street preceding In the Round pulls in an audience of 416,000.Kirsty Blake Knox http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/tv3-and-rt-trump-kennys-in-the-round-as-viewers-fall-by-over-50pc-31237497.html TV3 and RTÉ trump Kenny's 'In the Round' as viewers fall by over 50pc Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 20 May 2015 20 May 2015 19 May – A second marriage referendum debate on Tonight with Vincent Browne features Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and journalist John Waters. Waters also debates with Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald on UTV's Ireland Live.Anita McSorley http://utv.ie/News/2015/05/19/McDonald-and-Waters-debate-marriage-referendum-37552 https://web.archive.org/web/20150522141733/http://utv.ie/News/2015/05/19/McDonald-and-Waters-debate-marriage-referendum-37552 dead 22 May 2015 McDonald and Waters debate marriage referendum UTV UTV Ireland 19 May 2015 22 May 2015 21 May – As part of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's code of practice relating to election coverage, a moratorium on the broadcast of news items that it is deemed could influence the decision of voters in the 22 May marriage referendum comes into effect at 2.00pm.http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/broadcast-moratorium-in-effect-678152.html Broadcast moratorium in effect Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 21 May 2015 21 May 2015 21 May – The High Court grants businessman Denis O'Brien an injunction against RTÉ preventing them from broadcasting a news story about his banking affairs with Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC).http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/obrien-wins-high-court-case-against-rte-678177.html O'Brien wins High Court case against RTE Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 21 May 2015 21 May 2015 The report must now be redacted before the High Court rules on whether a revised version can be aired.Tim Healy http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/denis-obrien-granted-high-court-injunction-preventing-rte-broadcast-31241859.html Denis O'Brien granted High Court injunction preventing RTE broadcast Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 21 May 2015 21 May 2015 21 May – Charlie Murphy, Brian Gleeson and Sarah Greene will appear in a new RTÉ drama about the Easter Rising. Rebellion, a five-part television series produced by Zodiak Media Ireland, will air in 2016.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/charlie-murphy-brian-gleeson-and-sarah-greene-to-star-in-new-rte-drama-series-rebellion-31241686.html Charlie Murphy, Brian Gleeson and Sarah Greene to star in new RTE drama series 'Rebellion' Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 21 May 2015 21 May 2015Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288322&tpl=archnews&force=1 RTÉ announces new Irish drama series 'Rebellion' The Irish Film and Television Network 21 May 2015 21 May 2015 21 May – TV3 announce their coverage of the 2015 IFTA Film and Drama Awards, which will be held on 24 May. Caroline Morahan will present the Awards coverage itself, while Louise Duffy and Eoghan Doherty will present a special TV3 IFTA Film and Drama Awards programme on Monday 1 June.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/tv-news/167571/Louise--Eoghan-to-present-special--TV3-IFTA-Film-and-Drama-Awards-programme Louise & Eoghan to present special TV3 IFTA Film and Drama Awards programme TV3 Xposé TV3 21 May 2015 21 May 2015 22 May – UTV Ireland airs the second Pride of Ireland Awards, the ceremony having been held at Dublin's Mansion House three days earlier.http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2015/05/19/Pride-of-Ireland-award-winners-announced-37559 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045302/http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2015/05/19/Pride-of-Ireland-award-winners-announced-37559 dead 4 March 2016 Pride of Ireland award winners announced UTV UTV Ireland 19 May 2015 21 May 2015 22 May – Ireland's national airline, Aer Lingus launches a new €2m television advertising campaign that aims to modernise its image.Sorcha Corcoran http://www.businessandleadership.com/marketing/item/50722-aer-lingus-invests-2m-in Aer Lingus invests €2m in 'smart' TV ad campaign – Marketing – Marketing | Ireland's online business and management news service Distilled Media Business and Leadership 22 May 2015 23 May 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150526043657/http://businessandleadership.com/marketing/item/50722-aer-lingus-invests-2m-in/ 26 May 2015 23 May – Irish voters back a constitutional amendment allowing same-sex marriage.http://www.rte.ie/news/vote2015/2015/0523/703205-referendum-byelection/ Ireland says Yes to same-sex marriage RTÉ News RTÉ 23 May 2015 23 May 2015 Vincent Browne presents TV3's coverage of the results of the previous day's marriage referendum in a special programme, Vincent Browne Live from the George, broadcast from Dublin's popular gay nightclub, The George.Freya Drohan http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/vincent-browne-to-host-coverage-of-marriage-referendum-results-live-from-the-george-31241229.html Vincent Browne to host coverage of Marriage Referendum results live from The George Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 21 May 2015 22 May 2015http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/referendum/tv3s-vincent-browne-says-marref-result-is-fantastic-and-sings-ole-ole-ole-in-the-george-31248013.html TV3's Vincent Browne says #MarRef result 'is fantastic' and sings Ole Ole Ole in The George Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 23 May 2015 23 May 2015 UTV Ireland provides live updates throughout the day, with a special edition of Ireland Live at 5.30pm. During RTÉ's coverage of proceedings, Senator Katherine Zappone proposes to her partner, Ann Louise Gilligan live on air.Clare Cullen Kathryn Hayes http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/referendum/theres-nothing-like-an-irish-wedding-senator-katherine-zappone-proposes-live-on-television-31247440.html 'There's nothing like an Irish wedding' – Senator Katherine Zappone proposes live on television Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 23 May 2015 23 May 2015 President Michael D. Higgins signs the Marriage Equality Bill into law in August.http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0829/724398-marriage-equality-bill/ President signs marriage equality bill RTÉ News RTÉ 29 August 2015 7 September 2015 23 May – The Voice of Ireland presenter Eoghan McDermott backtracks from a tweet he sent out shortly after 10.00pm the previous evening protesting at RTÉ's marriage referendum gagging order. McDermott says that he posted the tweet, which included the words "Fuck you RTÉ" because he was in a "heightened emotional state".Valerie Loftus http://www.thejournal.ie/eoghan-mcdermott-backtracked-rant-rte-referendum-2120351-May2015/ Eoghan McDermott has backtracked on his rant about RTÉ's referendum gag order Distilled Media Thejournal.ie 23 May 2015 23 May 2015Daniel McDonald http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/referendum/rte-star-eoghan-mcdermott-deletes-f-you-rte-marriage-referendum-post-31247722.html RTE star Eoghan McDermott deletes 'F*** you RTE' Marriage Referendum post Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 23 May 2015 23 May 2015 23 May – Sweden's Måns Zelmerlöw wins the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest with "Heroes".http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0524/703347-sweden/ Sweden Wins Eurovision Song Contest RTÉ News RTÉ 24 May 2015 24 May 2015 24 May – Gaelic football pundit Joe Brolly is forced to make an on-air apology during RTÉ's The Sunday Game after describing the tactics of a team as being ugly, and comparable with the looks of RTÉ colleague Marty Morrissey.http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/gaa-pundit-joe-brolly-apologises-over-ugly-jibe-at-rte-colleague-31249789.html GAA pundit Joe Brolly apologises over 'ugly' jibe at RTE colleague Independent News and Media Belfast Telegraph 25 May 2015 25 May 2015 25 May – UTV airs Pat Kenny's interview with Mickey Harte.http://www.u.tv/Entertainment/2015/05/14/UTV-to-broadcast-Mickey-Harte-interview-37231 UTV to broadcast Mickey Harte interview UTV Ireland UTV 14 May 2015 20 May 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150528223733/http://www.u.tv/Entertainment/2015/05/14/UTV-to-broadcast-Mickey-Harte-interview-37231 28 May 2015 The third edition of Pat Kenny in the Round to air on UTV Ireland features an interview with singer Lulu, and draws an audience of 95,000. The programme is aired against RTÉ's Crimecall, which is watched by 365,000 viewers.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/pat-kenny-in-the-round-bounces-back-with-lulu-but-is-trounced-by-crimecall-in-ratings-31254417.html 'Pat Kenny In the Round' bounces back with Lulu but is trounced by 'Crimecall' in ratings Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 26 May 2015 28 May 2015 27 May – Ryle Nugent, RTÉ's Group Head of Sport, issues a statement saying that he has spoken to Joe Brolly about "his ill-conceived attempt at humour [which was] inappropriate and extremely hurtful and had no place" in The Sunday Game. Nugent says that the matter is now closed.http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2015/0527/704188-brolly/ Brolly apologises for Sunday Game comments RTÉ Sport RTÉ 27 May 2015 27 May 2015Declan Whooley http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/rte-tell-joe-brolly-similar-comments-wont-be-tolerated-after-marty-morrissey-ugly-jibe-31258445.html RTE tell Joe Brolly 'similar comments won't be tolerated' after Marty Morrissey 'ugly' jibe Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 27 May 2015 28 May 2015 28 May – A statement made to the Dáil by Independent TD Catherine Murphy concerning the relationship between media owner Denis O'Brien and IBRC cannot be broadcast by Irish media because of the present injunction against RTÉ. Murphy was allowed to speak on the matter because of the law of Parliamentary privilege that allows parliamentarians to speak on issues without threat of legal action, and the speech is broadcast by Oireachtas TV, which airs proceedings from the Oireachtas. In the wake of the incident, RTÉ announces that it will seek High Court permission to report the contents of Murphy's statement.Roy Greenslade https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/may/29/irelands-media-silenced-over-mps-speech-about-denis-obrien?CMP=ema_546 Ireland's media silenced over MP's speech about Denis O'Brien The Guardian 29 May 2015 31 May 2015Fiachra Ó Cionnaith http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/rte-to-seek-court-permission-to-report-dail-claims-333749.html RTE to seek court permission to report Dail claims Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 30 May 2015 31 May 2015 30 May – RTÉ announces plans for a €20,000 revamp of its daily Angelus slot, and will invite film makers to suggest new ideas for the 6.00pm broadcast.https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/rte-is-set-to-spend-20000-revamping-its-daily-angelus-broadcast/31265396.html RTE is set to spend €20,000 revamping its daily Angelus broadcast Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 30 May 2015 27 June 2015 June 1 June – Having taken over the broadcast rights from RTÉ, TV3 airs the 2015 Irish Film and Television Awards ceremony, which took place on 24 May. The ceremony is watched by an audience of 121,100, compared to 382,000 in 2014. TV3's coverage of the IFTAs is beaten in the ratings by an interview with Shane Filan on UTV's Pat Kenny in the Round, which draws a viewership of 143,000.Elaine McCahill http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/ifta-show-loses-a-quarter-of-million-viewers-on-tv3-31274754.html IFTA show loses a quarter of million viewers on TV3 Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 3 June 2015 3 June 2015 2 June – Following a legal challenge brought by RTÉ, the High Court rules that Ireland's media are free to report Catherine Murphy's Dáil statement about Denis O'Brien and IBRC, and any other comments made under the law of Parliamentary privilege.http://www.thejournal.ie/o-brien-rte-high-court-2137331-Jun2015/ Court ruling: Media free to report Dáil comments about Denis O'Brien's debts Distilled Media Thejournal.ie 2 June 2015 3 June 2015 On 16 June it is reported that O'Brien has launched legal proceedings against the Irish government and the Dáil over Murphy's statement, which O'Brien's lawyers feel was a "breach of parliamentary privilege".Lisa O'Carroll https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/16/denis-obrien-legal-action-irish-state-banking-remarks Denis O'Brien launches legal action against Irish state over banking remarks The Guardian 16 June 2015 16 June 2015 2 June – UTV Ireland announces Daniel and Majella's B&B Road Trip, a six-part series that will see singer Daniel O'Donnell and his wife, Majella, visiting bed and breakfast establishments around Ireland. Filming will begin in July.James Duffin http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2015/06/02/Daniel-ODonnell-to-embark-on-reality-TV-adventure-38306 https://web.archive.org/web/20150613112119/http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2015/06/02/Daniel-ODonnell-to-embark-on-reality-TV-adventure-38306 dead 13 June 2015 Daniel O'Donnell to embark on reality TV adventure UTV UTV Ireland 2 June 2015 3 June 2015 Evelyn Ring http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/daniel-and-majella-gear-up-for-bb-road-trip-334266.html Daniel and Majella gear up for B&B road trip Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 3 June 2015 3 June 2015 UTV Ireland's announcement of the show, scheduled to air in October, prompts a rush of applications from B&B owning fans eager to have the O'Donnells as their guests.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/utv-ireland-swamped-with-applications-from-bb-landladies-to-have-daniel-odonnell-to-stay-for-new-show-31294729.html UTV Ireland swamped with applications from B&B landladies to have Daniel O'Donnell to stay for new show Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 11 June 2015 11 June 2015 3 June – Justice Donald Binchy, the judge who granted an injunction against RTÉ over its Denis O'Brien story, publishes a redacted summary of his decision. He says the public is not entitled to know "every detail of the affairs and operation of IBRC", and because RTÉ had not proved the occurrence of any inappropriate activity by either party. Although the summary is redacted, it is less heavily so because of Catherine Murphy's statement in the Dáil, which put some of the information into the public domain.http://www.thejournal.ie/denis-o-brien-rte-2139278-Jun2015/ Here's why RTÉ's news story about Denis O'Brien was blocked by the courts Distilled Media Thejournal.ie 3 June 2015 3 June 2015 4 June – TV3's soap Red Rock airs for the final time before taking a summer break. It will return on 2 September.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/new-tv3-soap-red-rock-off-air-over-the-summer-before-september-return-31206460.html New TV3 soap Red Rock off air over the summer before September return Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 7 May 2015 8 May 2015 The season finale ends with a dramatic cliffhanger as Garda Adrijan Kosos (played by Boyko Krastanov) is hit by a car after stopping a motorist. The episode is watched by an average audience of 183,000.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/tv3s-red-rock-ends-season-on-a-traumatic-dramatic-high-31279789.html TV3's Red Rock ends season on a traumatic dramatic high Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 5 June 2015 5 June 2015 6 June – To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of W. B. Yeats on 13 June, RTÉ announce a series of programmes about the poet across radio and television, including Maurice Sweeney's documentary WB Yeats: No Country for Old Men on RTÉ One on 8 June, and a Nationwide special from Sligo on 10 June.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0606/706307-rte-mark-150th-anniversary-of-birth-of-wb-yeats/ RTÉ mark 150th anniversary of birth of WB Yeats RTÉ Ten RTÉ 6 June 2014 6 June 2015 8 June – Debut of Whiskey Business, a four-part TV3 series charting the Teeling family's attempt to revive the Teeling whiskey brand and establish Ireland's first new whiskey distillery in more than a century.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/tv-news/167676/TV3s-Whiskey-Business-documents-the-journey-of-Irelands-first-new-distillery-in-125-years TV3's 'Whiskey Business' documents the journey of Ireland's first new distillery in 125 years TV3 Xposé TV3 22 May 2015 22 May 2015http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/tv-news/168814/Whiskey-Business-premieres-on-TV3-this-Monday Whiskey Business' premieres on TV3 this Monday TV3 Xposé TV3 4 June 2015 4 June 2015http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/first-look-whiskey-business-on-tv3-follows-the-teeling-brothers-as-they-open-irelands-newest-distillery-31277708.html First Look: 'Whiskey Business' on TV3 follows the Teeling brothers as they open Ireland's newest distillery Independent News and Media 4 June 2015 4 June 2015 8 June – Daniel and Majella O'Donnell are guests on the final edition of Pat Kenny in the Round to air before the summer.http://www.meathchronicle.ie/entertainment/roundup/articles/2015/06/08/4038148-daniel-and-majella-in-the-round-tonight/ Meath Chronicle – Daniel and Majella 'In the Round' tonight Meath Chronicle 8 June 2015 11 June 2015 9 June – UTV Ireland announces that it has appointed Radio Kerry journalist Alison Nulty as its Southern Correspondent to be based at its Cork studios.Fiona Dillon https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/alison-nulty-joins-utv-ireland-as-southern-correspondent/31287584.html https://web.archive.org/web/20150610105712/http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/alison-nulty-joins-utv-ireland-as-southern-correspondent-31287584.html live 10 June 2015 Alison Nulty joins UTV Ireland as southern correspondent Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 9 June 2015 10 June 2015 9 June – Independent News and Media dismisses rumours that it could buy TV3, with a spokesman describing the scenario as "highly unlikely".http://www.thejournal.ie/denis-obrien-tv3-micheal-martin-2150941-Jun2015/ Talk of an INM move for TV3 dismissed as "highly unlikely" by the company Distilled Media Thejournal.ie 9 June 2015 10 June 2015 12 June – RTÉ fails in its bid to overturn the injunction granted to Denis O'Brien preventing the broadcaster from reporting his financial relationship with IBRC. However, the injunction is to be amended to take into account developments since it was originally imposed.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33112000 Ireland's richest man: RTÉ fails to get injunction lifted BBC News BBC 12 June 2015 12 June 2015 12 June – The Irish Times reports that UPC owner Liberty Global are in talks to buy TV3 from Doughty Hanson.http://www.independent.ie/business/tv3-sale-upc-ireland-owners-liberty-global-conducting-due-diligence-31296965.html TV3 sale: UPC Ireland owners Liberty Global conducting due diligence Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 12 June 2015 12 June 2015 12 June – Figures obtained by the Evening Herald indicate that UTV Ireland's news programme Ireland Live has had an average audience of 17,500 since moving to the 5.30pm slot, with the 10 June edition attracting a viewership as low as 7,000.Robin Schiller http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/disastrous-7000-watch-utv-irelands-530-news-31296897.html 'Disastrous' 7,000 watch UTV Ireland's 5.30 news Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 12 June 2015 12 June 2015 13 June – TV3 have scrapped plans to revive the dating game show Blind Date after previously buying the format from ITV, the Evening Herald reports. The decision comes shortly after Lucy Kennedy, who was to have hosted the show, gave an interview to Irish Tatler in which she spoke of her delight at being picked as the show's presenter and said filming would begin later in the year.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0613/707888-lucy-kennedy-loses-out-as-tv3-drop-blind-date/ Lucy Kennedy loses out as TV3 drop Blind Date RTÉ Ten RTÉ 13 June 2015 13 June 2015Elaine McCahill http://www.herald.ie/news/no-blind-date-for-lucy-as-tv3-want-a-fresher-format-31298677.html https://web.archive.org/web/20150614115352/http://www.herald.ie/news/no-blind-date-for-lucy-as-tv3-want-a-fresher-format-31298677.html dead 14 June 2015 No Blind Date for Lucy as TV3 want a 'fresher format' Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 13 June 2015 13 June 2015 14 June – The Sunday Independent reports that Davy Stockbrokers have cut their profit forecasts for UTV Media as a result of the losses made by UTV Ireland, with predictions that the channel will not return a profit until 2018.Gavin McLoughlin http://www.independent.ie/business/media/utv-ireland-wont-turn-a-profit-until-2018-as-liberty-eyes-tv3-tv-31300595.html UTV Ireland won't turn a profit until 2018 as Liberty eyes TV3 TV Independent News and Media The Sunday Independent 14 June 2015 16 June 2015 15 June – TV3 reaches an out-of-court settlement with RTÉ over €1m of unpaid fees for digital transmission services.Tim Healy https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/tv-stations-settle-over-fees-action/31304581.html https://web.archive.org/web/20150617215722/http://www.herald.ie/news/tv-stations-settle-over-fees-action-31304581.html live 17 June 2015 TV stations settle over fees action Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 16 June 2015 17 June 2015 17 June – The High Court grants RTÉ permission to broadcast all but two paragraphs of its report about Denis O'Brien's banking relationship with IBRC.http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/court-grants-rte-permission-to-broadcast-all-but-two-paragraphs-of-report-on-denis-obrien-682434.html Court grants RTÉ permission to broadcast all but two paragraphs of report on Denis O'Brien Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 17 June 2015 17 June 2015 19 June – UTV airs the annual Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards, an event celebrating ordinary people in Northern Ireland who have achieved extraordinary things.Victoria Steveley @vsteveley_utv http://www.u.tv/Entertainment/2015/06/19/UTV-celebrates-Spirit-of-NI-winners-39398 UTV celebrates Spirit of NI winners UTV UTV 19 June 2015 20 June 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150620203755/http://www.u.tv/Entertainment/2015/06/19/UTV-celebrates-Spirit-of-NI-winners-39398 20 June 2015 21 June – Black Work, a three-part crime thriller starring Sheridan Smith, makes its Irish television debut on UTV Ireland.http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2015/06/12/Murder-mystery-Black-Work-to-debut-on-UTV-Ireland-38956 https://web.archive.org/web/20150614091100/http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2015/06/12/Murder-mystery-Black-Work-to-debut-on-UTV-Ireland-38956 dead 14 June 2015 Murder mystery Black Work to debut on UTV Ireland UTV UTV Ireland 12 June 2015 12 June 2015 22 June – UTV Ireland's flagship news programme, Ireland Live, hits a new low in terms of viewership with an audience of 4,700 for its 5.30pm broadcast. The channel comes in for criticism two days later from TV3's Director of Content, Lynda McQuaid, who accuses UTV of failing to hold on to viewers outside its broadcast of Coronation Street and Emmerdale, comments she makes at the launch of TV3's autumn schedule.Elaine McCahill Kirsty Blake Knox http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/utv-irelands-viewers-fall-staggeringly-after-corrie-and-emmerdale-says-tv3s-new-content-boss-lynda-31328766.html UTV Ireland's viewers fall 'staggeringly' after Corrie and Emmerdale, says TV3's new content boss Lynda Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 25 June 2015 26 June 2015 23 June – UTV's lenders agree to ease their borrowing terms after earnings for UTV Ireland were recently downgraded.Donal O'Donovan http://www.independent.ie/business/media/utv-ireland-losses-mount-weaker-viewership-figures-31324009.html UTV Ireland losses mount, weaker viewership figures Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 23 June 2015 23 June 2015 23 June – The Financial Times reports that Liberty Global are in talks to buy TV3.Henry Mance Joseph Cotterill https://www.ft.com/content/3a0534e4-19b1-11e5-8201-cbdb03d71480 Liberty Global in talks to buy Ireland's TV3 Pearson PLC The Financial Times 23 June 2015 23 June 2015 subscription 28 June – UTV Ireland's Managing Director, Michael Wilson tells the Sunday Business Post that the channel is planning to rebrand in the coming months in an attempt to increase its audience share. Changes will include a new onscreen identity and a review of programme scheduling.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0628/711174-utv-ireland/ UTV Ireland plans channel revamp RTÉ Ten RTÉ 28 June 2015 28 June 2015 30 June – Big Brother contestant Jade Lynch guest presents TV3's Xposé.Elaine McCahill http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/from-big-brother-to-xpose-for-reality-tv-star-jade-31336915.html From Big Brother to Xpose for reality TV star Jade Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 29 June 2015 30 June 2015 July 2 July – Richard Burke, the former Roman Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Nigeria, reaches an out of court settlement with RTÉ over its Mission to Prey documentary that he claimed had alleged him to be a paedophile.http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/former-archbishop-settles-rte-defamation-case-684785.html Former archbishop settles RTÉ defamation case Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 2 July 2015 5 July 2015 3 July – US telecommunications giant Liberty Global, owners of UPC Ireland, secures a deal to buy TV3 from Doughty Hanson for €87m.Geoff Percival Eamon Quinn http://www.irishexaminer.com/business/upcs-87m-buy-of-tv3-to-test-rivals-340755.html UPC's €87m buy of TV3 to test rivals Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 3 July 2015 5 July 2015 3 July – Debut of The Pulse, a three-minute weekly entertainment bulletin presented by Jenny Buckley for UTV Ireland.http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2015/07/02/Jenny-Buckley-to-present-new-UTV-Ireland-entertainment-bulletin-40227 Jenny Buckley to present new UTV Ireland entertainment bulletin UTV UTV Ireland 2 July 2015 5 July 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150705160611/http://utv.ie/Entertainment/2015/07/02/Jenny-Buckley-to-present-new-UTV-Ireland-entertainment-bulletin-40227 5 July 2015 Within days UTV are forced to reject claims that the show was inspired by TV3's Xposé after critics note the similar colour schemes used on the sets of both programmes.Elaine McCahill http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/utv-denies-the-pulse-set-was-inspired-by-xpose-31357142.html UTV denies The Pulse set was inspired by Xpose Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 7 July 2015 7 July 2015 3 July – UTV Ireland airs Clerys: The Rise and Fall of an Irish Icon, a documentary about the sudden closure of the Clerys department store in Dublin's O'Connell Street, which closed on 12 June 2015 after trading since 1853.http://utv.ie/News/2015/07/02/Clerys-special-on-UTV-Ireland-this-Friday-40242 https://web.archive.org/web/20150805222911/http://utv.ie/News/2015/07/02/Clerys-special-on-UTV-Ireland-this-Friday-40242 dead 5 August 2015 Clerys special on UTV Ireland this Friday UTV UTV Ireland 2 July 2015 5 July 2015 4 July – Amid mounting speculation that Prime Time presenter Miriam O'Callaghan could run for the Irish Presidency in 2018, the Irish Independent reports that bosses at RTÉ are under pressure to reveal whether they have held discussions with the broadcaster about the "potential conflict of interest" such a move would create.John Downing http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/rt-in-firing-line-over-miriam-ocallaghans-ambitions-for-presidency-31351224.html RTÉ in firing line over Miriam O'Callaghan's 'ambitions for Presidency' Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 4 July 2015 5 July 2015 RTÉ subsequently says that it has procedures in place to avoid a conflict of interest if such an instance were to arise.http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/rte-to-ensure-no-conflict-of-interest-if-miriam-ocallaghan-runs-for-aras-31363592.html https://web.archive.org/web/20150710064840/http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/rte-to-ensure-no-conflict-of-interest-if-miriam-ocallaghan-runs-for-aras-31363592.html dead 10 July 2015 RTE to ensure 'no conflict of interest' if Miriam O'Callaghan runs for Aras Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 9 July 2015 9 July 2015 9 July – Emma Murphy, a 26-year-old mother from Dublin whose online video in which she spoke about suffering domestic abuse at the hands of her partner went viral within hours of being posted, gives her first television interview to Elaine Crowley on TV3's Midday.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/172012/Emma-Murphy-opens-up-to-TV3s-Elaine-Crowley-on-Midday Emma Murphy opens up to TV3's Elaine Crowley on Midday TV3 Xposé TV3 9 July 2015 9 July 2015 12 July – The Sunday Independent reports a forecast from UK investment firm Peel Hunt that UTV Ireland's continuing losses could force it into a merger with TV3 within a year.Harry Leech http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/utv-ireland-may-merge-with-tv3-after-mounting-losses-31369068.html UTV Ireland may merge with TV3 after mounting losses Independent News and Media 12 July 2015 12 July 2015 16 July – TV3's coverage of the Big Brother final, won by Chloe Wilburn, is watched by 458,800 viewers, giving it an audience share of 15.96%.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/tv-news/172757/Massive-numbers-tune-in-to-Big-Brother-Final-on-TV3 Massive numbers tune in to Big Brother Final on TV3 TV3 Xposé TV3 17 July 2015 19 July 2015 16 July – RTÉ One airs an edition of Prime Time investigating a medical supplies company and its dealings with Dublin's St. Vincent's and Beacon Hospitals. On 21 July, Beacon Hospital confirms the resignation of an employee featured in the programme.http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0721/716248-beacon-hospital/ Beacon employee featured in RTÉ report resigns RTÉ News RTÉ 21 July 2015 21 July 2015 17 July – UTV Ireland debuts Friday Night Sport, a weekly 30 minute round-up of sporting news presented by Ger Gilroy, which airs after the 10.00pm edition of Ireland Live.http://utv.ie/Sport/2015/07/16/UTV-Ireland-launches-Friday-Night-Sport-with-Ger-Gilroy-41129 https://web.archive.org/web/20150717033818/http://utv.ie/Sport/2015/07/16/UTV-Ireland-launches-Friday-Night-Sport-with-Ger-Gilroy-41129 dead 17 July 2015 UTV Ireland launches 'Friday Night Sport' with Ger Gilroy UTV UTV Ireland 16 July 2015 19 July 2015 18 July – UTV Ireland airs Carl Frampton's IBF World Super Bantomweight title defence against Alejandro González Jr.http://utv.ie/Sport/2015/06/30/Frampton-title-defence-fight-to-air-live-on-UTV-Ireland-40084 Frampton title defence fight to air live on UTV Ireland UTV UTV Ireland 30 June 2015 30 June 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150703000211/http://utv.ie/Sport/2015/06/30/Frampton-title-defence-fight-to-air-live-on-UTV-Ireland-40084 3 July 2015 18 July – The Irish Independent reports that former model and Total Xposure contestant Ruth O'Neill, who left Ireland in 2010 to pursue a television presenting career in the United States, will return to present RTÉ's new entertainment series, Bounce.Freya Drohan http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/ruth-oneill-returns-to-ireland-for-new-presenting-role-on-rte-31386276.html Ruth O'Neill returns to Ireland for new presenting role on RTE Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 18 July 2015 19 July 2015 19 July – Land Rover Ireland have paid TV3 €450,000 to be the channel's official sponsorship partner of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the Sunday Independent reports.Sarah McCabe http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/world-cup/land-rover-pays-450000-to-sponsor-tv3s-coverage-of-rugby-world-cup-31386861.html Land Rover pays €450,000 to sponsor TV3's coverage of Rugby World Cup Independent News and Media The Sunday Independent 19 July 2015 19 July 2015 21 July – UTV Ireland announces it will broadcast the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, beginning in September.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/utv-ireland-to-broadcast-entrepreneur-of-the-year-tv-series-31392262.html UTV Ireland to broadcast Entrepreneur of the Year TV series Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 21 July 2015 21 July 2015 23 July – TV3 begins rerunning the first season of Red Rock under the title Red Rock Rewind, airing it daily in hour-long episodes.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/tv-news/172758/Red-Rock-Rewind-starts-next-week-on-TV3 Red Rock Rewind starts next week on TV3 TV3 Xposé TV3 17 July 2015 19 July 2015 29 July – Sky reports an annual profit of £11.3bn for 2014–15, and have also reached 12 million customers in the UK and Ireland for the first time in the company's history.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/29/sky-profits-rise-customers-germany-italy?CMP=ema_546 Sky profits rise as it passes 12 million UK and Ireland customers The Guardian 29 July 2015 17 August 2015 August 4 August – Following the announcement of Eurosport's six-year deal with the International Olympic Committee allowing them to air the European broadcasting rights for the Olympic Games, TV3 are reported to be considering a bid for the free-to-air sub-licensing aspect of the deal. The IOC stipulates in the agreement, which runs from 2018 to 2024, that at least 200 hours of Olympics content should be made available free-to-air in each country.Cummins Mark http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/other-sports/tv3-ponder-challenging-rteacute-for-rights-to-broadcast-olympic-games-346147.html TV3 ponder challenging RTE for rights to broadcast Olympic Games Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 4 August 2015 8 September 2015 6 August – TV3's Midday wins praise from its viewers after broadcaster Dil Wickremasinghe is seen breastfeeding her son live on air.Ciara Flaherty http://www.irishexaminer.com/examviral/real-life/broadcaster-praised-after-breastfeeding-live-on-tv3s-midday-346713.html Broadcaster praised after breastfeeding live on TV3's Midday Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 6 August 2015 8 September 2015 13 August – RTÉ One unveils its autumn schedule, which includes 53 new programmes covering documentaries, drama and entertainment. The line-up will see eleven hours of new drama for Sunday nights, including Clean Break, a four-part series written by Billy Roche, and Rebellion, a drama set against the backdrop of the Easter Uprising.Seán Brosnan http://iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288524&tpl=archnews&force=1 RTÉ One announces over 50 new titles for new season The Irish Film and Television Network 13 August 2015 7 September 2015 17 August – RTÉ's Comedy, Talent Development and Music department invite proposals for new material to air in peak-time slots on RTÉ One and RTÉ2 for late autumn and Christmas 2015. Applications must be received by 26 August.Seán Brosnan http://iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288529&tpl=archnews&force=1 RTÉ call for ideas for Comedy and Music programming on RTÉ One and RTÉ2 The Irish Film and Television Network 17 August 2015 7 September 2015 17 August – Entertainer Adele King, better known as Twink, guest presents TV3's The 7 O'Clock Show alongside Lucy Kennedy while Kennedy's co-presenter, Martin King, is on holiday.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0814/721271-twink-takes-up-new-presenting-role-on-tv3/ Twink to take up guest presenting role on TV3 RTÉ Ten RTÉ 14 August 2015 8 September 2015 19 August – The Royal Television Society (RTS) announces the launch of an Awards for Northern Ireland, with the first ceremony due to be held to coincide with the Belfast Media Festival, which takes place annually in November.http://www.u.tv/Entertainment/2015/08/19/RTS-launches-Programme-Awards-for-Northern-Ireland-43283 RTS launches Programme Awards for Northern Ireland UTV UTV 19 August 2015 7 September 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151014081620/http://www.u.tv/Entertainment/2015/08/19/RTS-launches-Programme-Awards-for-Northern-Ireland-43283 14 October 2015 23 August – Reports in the Belfast Telegraph and other Irish newspapers suggest that the UK-based ITV plc will make a takeover bid for Northern Ireland-based UTV Media.Roy Greenslade https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/aug/23/itv-to-acquire-northern-irelands-channel-utv-say-reports ITV to acquire Northern Ireland's channel, UTV, say reports The Guardian 23 August 2015 7 September 2015 UTV confirms the following day that it is in "ongoing" talks with ITV to sell the television arm of its business.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/24/utv-shares-itv-talksport UTV shares rise as it confirms ITV talks The Guardian 24 August 2015 7 September 2015 24 August – Today FM presenters Ian Dempsey and Louise Duffy begin a week as guest presenters of TV3's The 7 O'Clock Show; it is the first time Dempsey, the one time presenter of Dempsey's Den has appeared on television for twenty years.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/ian-dempsey-returning-to-tv-after-20-years-with-stint-on-tv3-31471410.html Ian Dempsey returning to TV after 20 years with stint on TV3 Independent News and Media The Sunday Independent 23 August 2015 7 September 2015 25 August – Figures obtained under Freedom of Information rules reveal that RTÉ spent €2 million on travel expenses for its staff in 2014, as well as €425,000 on wardrobe expenses over the same period.Sharon McGowan Emma Jane Hade http://www.independent.ie/business/media/behind-the-news-rte-spends-425k-on-wardrobe-for-stars-31475529.html Behind the news: RTE spends €425k on wardrobe for stars Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 25 August 2015 7 September 2015 28 August – UTV Media, the parent company of UTV Ireland, reports a 90% fall in pre-tax profits as costs at the new channel reach £12m.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/28/utvs-profits-fall-90-as-new-tv-channel-costs-mount UTV's profits fall 90% as new TV channel costs mount The Guardian 28 August 2015 7 September 2015 28 August – Launch of the weekend version of TV3's Ireland AM. Saturday AM is presented by Anna Daly and Simon Delaney, while Sunday AM sees Daly co-presenting alongside Ivan Yates.John Meagher http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsfilmtv/filmandtv/anna-daly-fronts-tv3s-new-weekend-morning-showsaturday-am-and-sunday-am-350839.html Anna Daly fronts TV3's new weekend morning show Saturday AM and Sunday AM Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 29 August 2015 7 September 2015http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0804/719086-tv3s-anna-daly-not-under-pressure-to-glam/ No pressure on Anna Daly to look glamorous RTÉ Ten RTÉ 4 August 2015 8 September 2015 28 August – RTÉ confirms that Una Foden, Rachel Stevens, Bressie and Kian Egan will all return as coaches on the fifth series of The Voice of Ireland in January 2016.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0828/724245-judges-set-to-return-for-voice-of-ireland/ All four judges to return for Voice of Ireland RTÉ Ten RTÉ 28 August 2015 7 September 2015 28 August – UPC Ireland announces plans to rebrand as Virgin Media Ireland.Adrian Weckler http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/news/upc-to-be-rebranded-as-virgin-media-in-ireland-31485095.html UPC to be rebranded as Virgin Media in Ireland Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 28 August 2015 18 March 2016 September 2 September – TV3 unveils its autumn schedule, which includes coverage of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. In a subsequent interview with the Evening Herald, Lynda McQuaid, the channel's director of content, reveals that TV3 have been working with US broadcaster NBC to produce shows for the international market.Sharon McGowan http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/tv3-to-go-global-as-they-work-with-us-network-nbc-on-creating-new-content-31498843.html TV3 to go global as they work with US network NBC on creating new content Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 3 September 2015 7 September 2015 2 September – Unveiling their autumn schedule, TV3 announce that it has signed Brian and Pippa Ormond as presenters. The announcement comes a day after Ormonde inadvertently revealed to RTÉ that he will present a new game show for TV3.De Burca Demelza http://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/irish-showbiz/tv3-sign-brian-ormond-wife-6371646 TV3 sign Brian Ormond and wife Pippa in surprise double deal in move that will shock RTE Irish Mirror Trinity Mirror 3 September 2015 4 November 2015 Among the programming in the broadcaster's forthcoming schedule are two documentary series about the murders of Sophie Toscan du Plantier and Karen Buckley.Evelyn Ring http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/tv3-to-air-documentaries-on-du-plantier-and-karen-buckley-murders-351671.html TV3 to air documentaries on du Plantier and Karen Buckley murders Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 3 September 2015 4 November 2015 2 September – TV3 airs Marilyn Monroe: The Missing Evidence, a one-off documentary looking at some of the conspiracy theories surrounding the death of Marilyn Monroe.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/176978/TV3-airs-special-uncovering-new-information--about-Marilyn-Monroes-death TV3 airs special uncovering new information about Marilyn Monroe's death TV3 Xposé TV3 31 August 2015 7 September 2015 2 September – TV3 reveals that it has signed former Liverpool and Scotland footballer Graeme Souness to join their Champions League analysis team.Larry Ryan http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/tv3-snap-up-one-of-rtes-most-popular-pundits-for-champions-league-campaign-351613.html TV3 snap up one of RTE's most popular pundits for Champions League campaign Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 2 September 2015 4 November 2015 4 September – Sky and RTÉ announce the signing of an agreement that will make more of RTÉ's content available on Sky's platform. It will also enable the addition of RTÉ One + 1 and RTÉ News Now to the Sky lineup.http://www.independent.ie/business/world/sky-and-rte-sign-channelcontent-partnership-31502572.html Sky and RTE sign channel/content partnership Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 3 September 2015 7 September 2015 6 September – UTV Ireland confirms that it has axed Pat Kenny's chat show In the Round, which was due to return for a second run in Autumn 2015, because of poor ratings. That series will no longer go ahead.Niamh Horan http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/utv-ireland-axe-pat-kenny-chat-show-31505719.html https://web.archive.org/web/20151003055748/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/utv-ireland-axe-pat-kenny-chat-show-31505719.html dead 3 October 2015 UTV Ireland axe Pat Kenny chat show Independent News and Media Belfast Telegraph 6 September 2015 7 September 2015 7 September – Recording of a debate for TV3's Tonight with Vincent Browne is halted when Gardaí are called to the venue to deal with jeering audience members and anti-water charge protestors. It is also alleged that a male member of the audience threatened a woman during the event, being held Clontarf Castle in Dublin Bay North because she applauded equality minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. TV3 subsequently announces that the chaotic scenes will be edited out of the debate, which is broadcast two days later.http://www.thejournal.ie/vincent-browne-peoples-debate-clontarf-castle-2317802-Sep2015/ Gardaí called after Vincent Browne debate descends into mayhem Thejournal.ie 8 December 2015 6 November 2015David Kearns http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/tv3-to-edit-out-chaotic-scenes-after-vincent-browne-debate-ends-in-threats-31514827.html TV3 to edit out 'chaotic scenes' after Vincent Browne debate ends in threats Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 9 September 2015 6 November 2015 10 September – IFTA confirms a three-year deal with Irish retailer Gala to sponsor the Irish Film and Television Awards.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288599&tpl=archnews&force=1 IFTA announce Gala as the Headline Sponsor for the annual Television Awards The Irish Film & Television Network 10 September 2015 4 November 2015 11 September – Official launch of the IFTA Gala Television Awards, which will take place on 22 October at Dublin's Double Tree Hotel.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/rep_bodies/repbodiesnews/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288606&tpl=archnews&force=1 IFTA Gala Television Awards is launched The Irish Film & Television Network 11 September 2015 4 November 2015 14 September – UTV Ireland launches a new on-screen branding featuring people such as farmers, tattoo artists and designers with the strapline "YOU TV". UTV hopes the new look will "reinvigorate" the brand.http://www.thejournal.ie/utv-new-look-rebrand-2328469-Sep2015/ Nine months in, UTV Ireland launches 'new look' to connect with their audience Thejournal.ie 13 September 2015 4 November 2015 18 September – UTV launches a new version of its UTV Player, allowing viewers to stream live content for the first time.http://www.u.tv/Press/2015/09/18/UTV-launches-free-live-streaming-ahead-of-the-Rugby-World-Cup-45238 UTV launches free live streaming ahead of the Rugby World Cup UTV UTV 18 September 2015 4 November 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081600/http://www.u.tv/Press/2015/09/18/UTV-launches-free-live-streaming-ahead-of-the-Rugby-World-Cup-45238 4 March 2016 20 September – The final series of Downton Abbey debuts on ITV, but is absent from the schedules of UTV Ireland. Instead the series makes its Irish television debut two days later on TV3.http://entertainment.ie/tv/news/Yes-Downton-will-NOT-be-on-UTV-Ireland-No-weve-no-idea-why-that-is/370475.htm TV News | Yes, Downton will NOT be on UTV Ireland. No, we've no idea why that is. Entertainment.ie 20 September 2015 4 November 2015 26 September – UTV Ireland presenter Jenny Buckley tells the Irish Daily Mirror that the channel plans to expand her entertainment show The Pulse to a 30-minute slot by the end of the year.De-Burca Demelza http://www.irishmirror.ie/whats-on/film-and-tv/jenny-buckley-set-go-head-6517292 Jenny Buckley set to go head-to-head with Xpose as The Pulse is extended to 30 minutes Irish Daily Mirror Trinity Mirror 26 September 2015 6 October 2015Caitlin McBride http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/let-the-ratings-battle-begin-utvs-the-pulse-to-go-head-to-head-with-tv3s-xpose-31559900.html Let the ratings battle begin: UTV's The Pulse to go head to head with TV3's Xpose Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 26 September 2015 6 October 2015 30 September – The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, the body representing 34 of Ireland's independent radio stations calls for all public service broadcasting to be funded through the television licence fee.http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/independent-broadcasters-of-ireland-calls-for-television-licence-fee-overhaul-698363.html Independent Broadcasters of Ireland calls for television licence fee overhaul BreakingNews.ie 30 September 2015 4 November 2015 October 4 October – Ireland's final group stage Rugby World Cup match against Italy draws an audience of 1.38 million. Of those watching the game, an average 956,600 do so on TV3, with figures peaking at 1.18 million, giving the channel its highest ever ratings.http://www.breakingnews.ie/business/tv3-celebrates-highest-ever-ratings-as-138-million-tune-in-to-see-ireland-beat-italy-699252.html TV3 celebrates highest-ever ratings as 1.38 million tune in to see Ireland beat Italy BreakingNews.ie 5 October 2015 7 November 2015http://www.irishexaminer.com/rwc15/rwc15-news/tv3-celebrates-highest-ever-ratings-as-138-million-tune-in-to-see-ireland-beat-italy-699252.html TV3 celebrates highest-ever ratings as 1.38 million tune in to see Ireland beat Italy Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 5 October 2015 7 November 2015 5 October – Independent.ie reveals that broadcaster Chris Donoghue is to leave his job as co-anchor of UTV Ireland's nightly news programme, Ireland Live in December, less than a year after the channel's launch.Kevin Doyle http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/exclusive-chris-donoghue-quits-as-utv-ireland-live-anchor-31584166.html Exclusive: Chris Donoghue quits as UTV Ireland Live anchor Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 5 October 2015 4 November 2015 5 October – UTV Ireland hire broadcaster Alan Cantwell as a news editor.Kevin Doyle http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/chris-donoghue-packs-in-the-utv-nightshift-to-focus-on-breakfast-31585746.html https://web.archive.org/web/20151008124053/http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/chris-donoghue-packs-in-the-utv-nightshift-to-focus-on-breakfast-31585746.html dead 8 October 2015 Chris Donoghue packs in the UTV nightshift to focus on Breakfast Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 6 October 2015 4 November 2015 8 October – Broadcaster Pat Kenny tells the Irish Sun of his shock the UTV Ireland cancelled his chat show, In the Round, claiming that he heard the news from its producers, Coco Television, rather than UTV itself.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/1008/733252-pat-kenny-says/ Pat Kenny shocked over axing of UTV Ireland show RTÉ Ten RTÉ 8 October 2015 4 November 2015 11 October – TV3's coverage of the 2015 Rugby World Cup continues to break ratings records, with Ireland's match against France seen by an average 1.15 million viewers, peaking at 1.42 million. Figures suggest a total of 1.69 million tuned in to the game's coverage on TV3, which includes the game itself, as well as pre and post match analysis.http://www.thejournal.ie/ireland-france-tv3-rugby-2383715-Oct2015/ Ireland's victory over France pulled in record-breaking numbers for TV3 Thejournal.ie 12 October 2015 7 November 2015 19 October – RTÉ announces that it will revamp its daily Angelus slot, introducing a new set of short films featuring ordinary Irish people pausing to reflect during the Angelus. There will also be a People's Angelus on Fridays where viewers will be invited to submit their own footage. RTÉ says the new look Angelus will give people "of all faiths and none some quiet space in a hectic day-to-day world".Ciara Flaherty http://www.irishexaminer.com/examviral/real-life/the-angelus-has-been-revamped-and-people-arent-sure-what-to-make-of-it-360363.html The Angelus has been revamped and people aren't sure what to make of it Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 20 October 2015 6 November 2015 19 October – ITV agrees a £100m deal with UTV Media plc to buy its television assets. UTV Media plans to rebrand its remaining assets, but ITV says it has no plans to rebrand UTV as ITV Northern Ireland.John Campbell https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34508529 UTV Media agrees sale of TV stations to ITV for £100m BBC News BBC 19 October 2015 19 October 2015 22 October – Three weeks after being employed on a six-month maternity cover contract, broadcaster Alan Cantwell announces his intention to leave the position of late news editor at UTV Ireland to return to TV3, describing the latter as his "alma mater" which will provide him with more "security and certainty".Kirsty Blake Knox http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/cantwell-quits-sixmonth-utv-ireland-deal-for-the-security-of-tv3-34133918.html Cantwell quits six-month UTV Ireland deal for the 'security' of TV3 Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 23 October 2015 4 November 2015 22 October – BBC Newslines coverage of the death of the former First Minister of Northern Ireland, Ian Paisley is named Best News Programme at the Irish Film and Television Awards.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34596868 BBC Newsline named 'Best News Programme' at Irish Film and Television Awards BBC News BBC 23 October 2015 4 November 2015 26 October – Following reports that the UTV Ireland flagship news bulletin, Ireland Live at 10, has an average audience of around 50,000, the Belfast Telegraph reports that the programme's anchor, Alison Comyn, has defended the broadcaster, telling the Irish Film and Television Awards, "viewing figures aren't what makes us".Horan Niamh http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/utv-ireland-anchor-alison-puts-brave-face-on-poor-viewing-figures-34140103.html UTV Ireland anchor Alison puts brave face on poor viewing figures Independent News and Media The Belfast Telegraph 26 October 2015 4 November 2015 26 October – Daniel and Majella's B&B Road Trip debuts on UTV Ireland, giving the channel their best viewing figures to date. The first episode of the programme is watched by an average of 322,000 on UTV Ireland, while it is seen by a further 192,000 on UTV.http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/daniel-and-majella-odonnells-new-show-boosts-utv-ratings-attracting-more-viewers-than-eastenders-34149162.html https://web.archive.org/web/20151029151506/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/daniel-and-majella-odonnells-new-show-boosts-utv-ratings-attracting-more-viewers-than-eastenders-34149162.html dead 29 October 2015 Daniel and Majella O'Donnell's new show boosts UTV ratings, attracting more viewers than EastEnders Independent News and Media The Belfast Telegraph 28 October 2015 4 November 2015 Kirsty Blake Knox http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-reviews/daniels-bb-tour-presents-utv-ireland-with-a-first-hit-34147959.html Daniel's B&B tour presents UTV Ireland with a first hit Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 28 October 2015 4 November 2015 The series moves to RTÉ in 2016.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2016/0512/788000-daniel-and-majellas-bb-road-trip-comes-to-rte-one/ Daniel and Majella's B&B Road Trip travels to RTÉ RTÉ News RTÉ 12 May 2016 12 May 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160513112040/http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2016/0512/788000-daniel-and-majellas-bb-road-trip-comes-to-rte-one/ 13 May 2016 dmy 28 October – The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) have rejected a complaint from a female viewer about an item on TV3's Ireland AM from February 2015 that featured a fake penis. The item, concerning contraception, included a demonstration of how to properly put on a condom, winning the show praise from viewers, and a single complaint that appropriate warnings had not been given before the segment. BAI found that at least three warnings were given before the piece was shown, making viewers fully aware of the nature of the content.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/broadcasting-body-dismisses-complaint-about-fake-penis-used-on-tv3s-ireland-am-34149019.html Broadcasting body dismisses complaint about fake penis used on TV3's Ireland AM Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 28 October 2015 7 November 2015 November 2 November – Daniel and Majella's B&B Road Trip, which is simulcast across Ireland on UTV Ireland and UTV respectively, draws an audience of almost half a million. In Northern Ireland, the programme achieves higher ratings than EastEnders, aired in the same timeslot on BBC One Northern Ireland. Daniel and Majella's B&B Road Trip attracts a peak audience of 197,000, while EastEnders picks up 191,000, and average viewership for the entire programmes also shoes Road Trip to be ahead in the ratings.Brendan Hughes http://www.irishnews.com/news/2015/11/04/news/daniel-and-majella-s-road-trip-beats-eastenders-in-ratings-313870/ Daniel and Majella's road trip beats EastEnders in ratings The Irish News 4 November 2015 7 November 2015 3 November – As part of the RTÉ Six One News presenter Sharon Ní Bheoláin interviews Web Summit co-founder Daire Hickey, but Ní Bheoláin's confrontational nature during the item attracts much criticism on social media.Clare Cullen http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/web-summit/rte-should-be-ashamed-twitter-reacts-to-sharon-n-bheolins-interview-with-web-summit-cofounder-daire-hickey-34169123.html 'RTE should be ashamed' – Twitter reacts to Sharon Ní Bheoláin's interview with Web Summit co-founder Daire Hickey Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 4 November 2015 4 November 2015 3 November – TV3 presenter Alan Hughes propose to his long-term partner, Karl Broderick on the day's edition of Ireland AM.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/weddings/183160/Alan-Hughes-pops-the-question-to-partner-Karl-on-Ireland-AM Alan Hughes pops the question to partner Karl on 'Ireland AM' TV3 Xposé TV3 3 November 2015 4 November 2015 4 November – TV3 announces that Brian Ormond and former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh will presenter the 2015 TV3 Toy Show. The programme will be pre-recorded at the broadcaster's Sony HD studios, and air at 9.00pm on 20 November.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/brian-ormond-and-former-rose-of-tralee-maria-walsh-to-host-the-tv3-toy-show-34170269.html Brian Ormond and former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh to host The TV3 Toy Show Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 4 November 2015 4 November 2015 TV3 decided to replace the 2014 presenters, Brian McFadden and Karen Koster, because Koster has limited her television work after returning to TV3 on a part-time basis following maternity leave, but the broadcaster is forced to reject claims that McFadden was deliberately axed: "We just wanted to go with someone new. He wasn't axed, we hadn't considered him for the role this year."Caroline Crawford http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/tv3-denies-axing-brian-mcfadden-as-maria-walsh-gets-toy-show-role-34172490.html TV3 denies axing Brian McFadden as Maria Walsh gets Toy Show role Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 5 November 2015 6 November 2015 5 November – RTÉ announces RTÉ 1916, a series of programmes and events to mark the centenary of the Easter Uprising, which will feature drama, documentaries and street events about the events of 1916.http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288726&tpl=archnews&force=1 RTÉ unveil programme to commemorate 1916 Centenary The Irish Film & Television Network 5 November 2015 6 November 2015 5 November – The inaugural Royal Television Society Northern Ireland Programme Awards are presented at The Mac in Belfast, with BBC Northern Ireland scooping five of the awards for Spotlight, Road, On The Air, Brave New World – New Zealand and Line of Duty.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34742001 BBC Northern Ireland claims five Royal Television Society NI awards BBC News BBC 5 November 2015 6 November 2015 6 November – UTV Media says that it expects to make £13m of losses for 2015, and blames speculation over the sale of its television assets as the reason. UTV had previously forecast an £11.5m loss for the year.http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2015/1106/739992-utv-media/ Sale speculation has hurt UTV's Irish TV business RTÉ News RTÉ 6 November 2015 6 November 2015Paul O'Donoghue http://www.independent.ie/business/utv-ireland-losses-set-to-mount-to-more-than-18m-34175667.html UTV Ireland losses set to mount to more than €18m Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 6 November 2015 6 November 2015 9 November – The Evening Herald reports that UTV Ireland have signed Lorraine Keane to present an entertainment show designed to replace Pat Kenny's In the Round, which was axed earlier in the year due to poor viewing figures.Melanie Finn http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/lorraine-keane-set-to-replace-pat-kenny-in-utv-ireland-show-34180579.html https://web.archive.org/web/20160326021901/http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/lorraine-keane-set-to-replace-pat-kenny-in-utv-ireland-show-34180579.html dead 26 March 2016 Lorraine Keane set to replace Pat Kenny in UTV Ireland show Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 9 November 2015 18 March 2016 11 November – TV3 announces that it has secured the broadcasting rights to the Six Nations Championship from 2018 to 2021.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/tv-news/183998/TV3-wins-Six-Nations-Championship-rights-from-2018 TV3 wins Six Nations Championship rights from 2018 TV3 Xposé TV3 11 November 2015 18 March 2016http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2015/1111/741148-tv3-secures-rights-to-six-nations-from-2018/ TV3 secures rights to Six Nations from 2018 RTÉ Sport RTÉ 11 November 2015 18 March 2016 The news comes as the channel's chief executive, David McRedmond defends the length of commercial breaks aired by TV3 during the Rugby World Cup while appearing as a guest on RTÉ Radio 1.http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/tv3-chief-defends-lengthy-ad-breaks-in-lively-radio-exchange-as-rt-bemoans-six-nations-loss-34191048.html TV3 chief defends lengthy ad breaks in lively radio exchange as RTÉ bemoans Six Nations loss Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 11 November 2015 18 March 2016 19 November – TV3 staff hold a fundraiser at The Green Isle Hotel in Dublin to raise money for the ongoing medical care of student Clodagh Cogley, who was badly injured in the Berkeley balcony collapse earlier this year. Clodagh, the daughter of Niall Cogley, group director of broadcasting at TV3, suffered a spinal cord injury during the incident.Alan O'Keeffe https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/tv3-boss-thanks-wonderful-colleagues-for-berkeley-fundraiser/34217952.html https://web.archive.org/web/20151121164124/http://www.herald.ie/news/tv3-boss-thanks-wonderful-colleagues-for-berkeley-fundraiser-34217952.html live 21 November 2015 TV3 boss thanks 'wonderful' colleagues for Berkeley fundraiser Independent News and Media The Evening Herald 20 November 2015 18 March 2016 20 November – Irish television premier of Adele Live in London, which airs at 8.30pm on RTÉ2. The show, which sees singer Adele speaking to Graham Norton about her new album, 25 and other aspects of her career, is simulcast with BBC One, where it has a different title.http://www.rte.ie/ten/blogs/television/2015/1111/741117-on-the-box-weekly-tv-preview/ On the Box – Weekly TV Preview RTÉ Ten RTÉ 11 November 2015 18 March 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160329102717/http://www.rte.ie/ten/blogs/television/2015/1111/741117-on-the-box-weekly-tv-preview/ 29 March 2016 27 November – The website businesspost.ie reports that David McRedmond is to leave his job as chief executive of TV3 by the end of the year. McRedmand confirms his intention to step down from the role during a meeting with TV3 staff on 7 December.Sexton Colette http://www.businesspost.ie/speculation-grows-that-tv3-boss-mcredmond-set-to-leave/ Speculation grows that TV3 boss McRedmond set to leave The Sunday Business Post 27 November 2015 18 March 2016Sexton Colette http://www.businesspost.ie/david-mcredmond-tells-staff-he-is-leaving-tv3/ Chief executive David McRedmond to leave TV3 The Sunday Business Post 7 December 2015 18 March 2016 December 1 December – Shareholders approve the £100 million sale of UTV Media's television business to ITV.http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2015/1201/750473-utv/ UTV shareholders approve sale of television assets RTÉ News RTÉ 1 December 2015 18 March 2016 2 December – RTÉ's Christmas lineup will include two special episodes of Mrs. Brown's Boys, as well as in-depth portraits of singer Ed Sheeran, and Niall Horan of One Direction.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/ed-sheeran-special-and-double-bills-of-mrs-browns-boys-and-fair-city-make-rtes-christmas-schedule-30793195.html Ed Sheeran special and double bills of Mrs Brown's Boys and Fair City make RTE's Christmas schedule Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 2 December 2015 18 March 2016 3 December – TV3 unveils its Christmas schedule, with highlights including a Christmas special of The Great Irish Bake-Off, the concluding episode of Downton Abbey, and The Queen of Ireland's Christmas Message featuring Panti giving her take on the year's events, while Red Rock will feature a storyline about the death of a prominent character. Highlights for the 2016 winter season include the return of Celebrity Big Brother and Doctor in the House.Seán Brosnan http://iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288804&tpl=archnews&force=1 TV3 unveils Christmas schedule and what's in store for 2016 The Irish Film and Television Network 3 December 2015 18 March 2016 4 December – RTÉ journalist Teresa Mannion makes a live broadcast reporting on the progress of Storm Desmond, during which she is seen being buffeted by gale-force winds and heavy rain. The footage quickly becomes popular viewing among internet users.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/rtes-teresa-mannion-breaks-the-internet-following-dramatic-storm-desmond-weather-report-34262038.html RTE's Teresa Mannion breaks the internet following dramatic Storm Desmond weather report Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 5 December 2015 18 March 2016 7 December – Virgin Media Ireland completes its acquisition of TV3.http://www.tv3.ie/news_sub_page.php?article_id=186502&locID=1.2.883 Virgin Media closes deal to acquire TV3 TV3 News TV3 7 December 2015 18 March 2016http://www.rte.ie/news/business/2015/1207/751915-virgin-completes-acquisition-of-tv3/ Virgin completes acquisition of TV3 as CEO departs RTÉ News RTÉ 7 December 2015 18 March 2016 10 December – Viewing figures for November indicate that UTV Ireland achieved its most successful month to date, capturing a 10.3% share of the audience between 6.30 pm and 11.30 pm, making it the second-most-watched channel in that timeslot during the month.Seán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/broadcast/BroadcastNews/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288824&tpl=archnews&force=1 November marks record month for UTV Ireland The Irish Film and Television 10 December 2015 18 March 2016 10 December – UTV Ireland confirms that it will not be working on any future projects with broadcaster Pat Kenny.http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/exclusive-pat-kenny-and-utv-ireland-part-company-34276795.html Pat Kenny and UTV Ireland 'part company' Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 10 December 2015 18 March 2016 12 December – Tony Hanway, CEO of Virgin Media Ireland, hints that TV3 may expand its coverage area to broadcast in Northern Ireland.http://www.irishnews.com/business/2015/12/12/news/irish-station-tv3-eyes-expansion-north-of-the-border-351505/ Irish station TV3 eyes expansion north of the border The Irish News 12 December 2015 18 March 2016 13 December – The O'Brien Devine family from County Waterford, coached by Davy Fitzgerald, win season three of Ireland's Fittest Family.http://www.the42.ie/tom-devine-irelands-fittest-family-2500711-Dec2015/ 'It was a bit weird being scrutinised by the cameras' – Waterford star on big TV win Cahill Jackie The42 2018-06-02 en 19 December – Boxer Michael Conlan is named the 2015 RTÉ Sports Person of the Year.http://www.rte.ie/sport/other-sport/2015/1219/755196-sports-awards/ Michael Conlan named RTÉ Sport Person of the Year RTÉ Sport RTÉ 20 December 2015 18 March 2016 22 December – The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland approves ITV's £100 million takeover of UTV plc, meaning the deal has cleared one of the first regulatory hurdles in the Republic.Mulgrew John http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/utv-ireland-clears-first-hurdle-in-takeover-deal-34306440.html https://web.archive.org/web/20160326182957/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/utv-ireland-clears-first-hurdle-in-takeover-deal-34306440.html dead 26 March 2016 UTV Ireland clears first hurdle in takeover deal Independent News and Media Belfast Telegraph 22 December 2015 18 March 2016 29 December – Broadcaster Gay Byrne is taken to hospital after suffering a heart attack.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-35198373 Irish broadcaster Gay Byrne suffers heart attack BBC News BBC 30 December 2015 30 December 2015 29 December – Viewing figures reveal that Mrs. Brown's Boys was once again the most watched programme over the festive period. Mammy's Christmas Punch, aired on Christmas Eve, was seen by 668,400 viewers (a 42% audience share), while Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie was the most watched programme on Christmas Day, attracting 591,300 viewers (a 38% share).McKenna Paddy http://www.joe.ie/movies-tv/irelands-most-watched-christmas-tv-shows-revealed-and-theres-a-famous-granny-on-top/525191 Ireland's most-watched Christmas TV shows revealed and there's a famous granny on top JOE.ie 29 December 2016 18 March 2016 Debuts RTÉ 4 January – Charlie on RTÉ One (2015) 5 January – We Need to Talk About Porn on RTÉ One 10 January – The Million Euro Challenge on RTÉ One (cancelled after just one series) 26 January – Claire Byrne Live on RTÉ OneEmma Jane Hade http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/rte-still-holds-the-upper-hand-in-tv-news-battle-30971796.html RTE still holds the upper hand in TV news battle Independent news and Media The Irish Independent 7 February 2015 14 February 2015 2 February – OCD and Me on RTÉ2Jenny McCudden http://www.independent.ie/regionals/sligochampion/news/sligo-selfhelp-group-is-to-feature-on-rte-film-30938294.html Sligo self-help group is to feature on RTE film Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 31 January 2015 8 April 2015 8 March – American Crime on RTÉ2 (2015–2017) 26 March – Home of the Year on RTÉ One 9 April – The Unemployables on RTÉ2 30 August – Ireland's Spelling Bee on RTÉ OneSeán Brosnan http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4288548&tpl=archnews&force=1 'Ireland's Spelling Bee' to air on RTÉ One on August 30 The Irish Film and Television Network 25 August 2015 7 September 2015 26 September – The Ray D'Arcy Show on RTÉ Onehttp://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/ray-darcy-my-names-up-there-in-lights-i-just-want-to-get-started-now-31556885.html Ray D'Arcy: 'My name's up there in lights, I just want to get started now' 25 September 2015 The Irish Independent Independent News and Media 25 September 2015 (2015–present) TV3 7 January – The Restaurant (was previously shown by RTÉ) 7 January – Red Rock (2015–2020) 16 February – The 7 O'Clock Show (2015–2016) 30 March – TV3 News at 8 (2015–2016) 30 March – Get the Numbers, Write 15 April – Islanders 16 April – Paramedics 20 April – Dáil on the Dole 8 June – Whiskey Business (2015) TG4 8 January – GLEO 18 February – GAA USA 1 March – Busker Abú (2015) 23 April – Gairdíní na Lus 25 September – Breadwinners (2014–2016) Scaredy Squirrel (2011–2013) UTV Ireland 5 January – Ireland Live 5 April – A Nightingale Falling 15 April – Wild Ireland 11 May – Pat Kenny in the Round 3 July – The Pulse 3 July – Clerys: The Rise and Fall of an Irish Icon 17 July – Friday Night Sport 26 October – Daniel and Majella's B&B Road Trip Ongoing television programmes 1960s RTÉ News: Nine O'Clock (1961–present) RTÉ News: Six One (1962–present) The Late Late Show (1962–present) 1970s The Late Late Toy Show (1975–present) The Sunday Game (1979–present) 1980s Fair City (1989–present) RTÉ News: One O'Clock (1989–present) 1990s Would You Believe (1990s–present) Winning Streak (1990–present) Prime Time (1992–present) Nuacht RTÉ (1995–present) Nuacht TG4 (1996–present) Ros na Rún (1996–present) TV3 News (1998–present) Ireland AM (1999–present) Telly Bingo (1999–present) 2000s Nationwide (2000–present) TV3 News at 5.30 (2001–present) – now known as the 5.30 Against the Head (2003–present) news2day (2003–present) Other Voices (2003–present) Saturday Night with Miriam (2005–present) The Week in Politics (2006–present) Tonight with Vincent Browne (2007–2017) Xposé (2007–2019) At Your Service (2008–present) Championship Live (2008–present) – Now rebranded as GAA on 3 Midday (2008–2016) Operation Transformation (2008–present) 3e News (2009–present) Dragons' Den (2009–present) Republic of Telly (2009–2016) Two Tube (2009–present) 2010s Jack Taylor (2010–present) Love/Hate (2010–present) Mrs. Brown's Boys (2011–present) The GAA Show (2011–present) MasterChef Ireland (2011–present) Irish Pictorial Weekly (2012–present) Today (2012–present) The Mario Rosenstock Show (2012–2016) The Voice of Ireland (2012–2016) The Works (2012–present) Deception (2013–present) The Fall (2013–2016) Celebrity MasterChef Ireland (2013–present) Second Captains Live (2013–present) Ending this year 6 February – Late Lunch Live (2013–2015) 30 May – The Saturday Night Show (2010–2015) Unknown date – Paul Connolly Investigates (2011–2015) and The Great Irish Bake Off (2013–2015) Deaths 9 February – Daphne Carroll, 91, actresshttp://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/obituaries-daphne-carroll-30993008.html Obituaries: Daphne Carroll Independent News and media The Irish Independent 15 February 2015 3 March 2015 13 May – Derek Davis, 67, broadcasterhttp://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/rte-broadcaster-derek-davis-dies-after-short-illness-31218934.html RTE broadcaster Derek Davis dies after short illness Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 13 May 2015 13 May 2015https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-32723613 Derek Davis: Former BBC and RTÉ broadcaster dies aged 67 BBC News BBC 13 May 2015 13 May 2015 25 May – Bill O'Herlihy, 76, sports and current affairs broadcaster and public relations consultant.http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/broadcasting-legend-bill-oherlihy-dies-aged-76-31251375.html Broadcasting legend Bill O'Herlihy dies aged 76 Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 25 May 2015 25 May 2015http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0525/703580-bill-oherlihy/ Broadcaster Bill O'Herlihy dies aged 76 RTÉ News RTÉ 25 May 2015 25 May 2015 5 June – Paolo Tullio, 65, Michelin Star-winning chef and resident food critic on The Restauranthttp://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0605/706238-paolo-tullio-death/ Well-known chef and food critic Paolo Tullio has died RTÉ News RTÉ 5 June 2015 5 June 2015 28 June – Liam Ó Murchú, 86, writer and broadcasterAoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/former-rte-broadcaster-liam-murch-has-died-aged-86-31338261.html Former RTE broadcaster Liam Ó Murchú has died aged 86 Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 29 June 2015 30 June 2015 9 July – Diarmuid Mac An Adhastair, 71, actorhttp://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/ros-na-runs-diarmuid-mac-an-adhastair-dies-686033.html Ros na Run's Diarmuid Mac An Adhastair dies Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 11 July 2015 7 September 2015 31 December – Wesley Burrowes, 85, playwright, screenwriter and creator of Glenroehttp://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/writer-of-glenroe-wesley-burrowes-passes-away-34327188.html Writer of Glenroe Wesley Burrowes passes away Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 31 December 2015 18 March 2016 See also 2015 in Ireland References 30em External links List of 2015 Irish television series at IMDb 2015