They certainly are and I still don't think we can rule out a merger with TV3.
I don't see why that would be in ITV's interests.
Why wouldn't it? It's a better result than keeping the ailing UTV Ireland running on its own. You also need to consider the fact that ITV's largest shareholder also happens to be the owner of TV3, so it seems to me to be a natural conclusion in the long run.
I think they're probably still running the numbers on what way to go to be honest. They have a number of options - full incorporation into the ITV network (in so far as rights will allow), a sale, or closure being the main ones.
A sale to TV3 would likely be tantamount to closure, except they'd get a bit of money out of it, so probably preferable. I think it'd be the worst option for the viewer mind you, since it would mean losing UTV Ireland and likely no return of ITV for Virgin viewers, ever. I couldn't see TV3 running three general entertainment channels and what would happen would be a selection of ITV output, similar to before, on TV3 and 3e with the rest of the schedule gone.
But ultimately the road taken will be whatever makes (or saves, if it comes down to it) the most money for ITV.
Lovely to see the NI news looking so nice compared to how UTV had it on their site and it being incorporated into the ITV brand/theme. It has only seemingly started today so not much content on it but I'm sure historical articles and newer items will be added every day. It seems strange they would have the online news up and running now and not the actual TV version that accompanies it. I suppose it won't officially fully transfer to the 6th, which is possibly when the new look UTV and new look news might start?
I imagine for the news they just need the desk and floor in place, the entire background is green screen so it mightn't be that huge an effort to get a new look UTV News set ready for 6th June? They could even have it in a temporary place until they have a main set built in whatever new offices they decide to buy in Belfast.
Lovely to see the NI news looking so nice compared to how UTV had it on their site and it being incorporated into the ITV brand/theme. It has only seemingly started today so not much content on it but I'm sure historical articles and newer items will be added every day. It seems strange they would have the online news up and running now and not the actual TV version that accompanies it. I suppose it won't officially fully transfer to the 6th, which is possibly when the new look UTV and new look news might start?
I imagine for the news they just need the desk and floor in place, the entire background is green screen so it mightn't be that huge an effort to get a new look UTV News set ready for 6th June? They could even have it in a temporary place until they have a main set built in whatever new offices they decide to buy in Belfast.
The UTV News section on itv.com has been up since at least yesterday.
Also, UTV's main news set isn't green screen. They only use their green screen studio for short bulletins (as well as in-vision continuity).
FAQ states no changes to the on air channel of UTV. So I doubt any changes
I think that's meant more in an availability kind-of context, seeing as it then continues to confirm that channel numbers are staying the same. Any on-air changes would probably only be aesthetic for now. But I guess we'll find out soon enough.
The latest in an occasional series, which sees UTV presenters getting their eyes lasered. First it was Frank (the weather) Mitchell... Next Pamela (breathing Life into an aged format) Ballantine... And now Julian. Though his ad looks a bit cheap in comparison.
