UTV sell TV business to ITV

Looking at paragraph 2 here, I'd say none (Perhaps?)

https://www.wirelessgroupplc.com/getmedia/aba06ba9-5aac-4a61-957b-12da4373a3ec/Completion-and-name-change-RNS-29-February-2016.pdf?ext=.pdf

The "Company" referred to there is UTV Media Plc (the continuing radio business, now renamed Wireless Group Plc) not UTV Limited.

I've no doubt the name will change, at least in NI. Just don't expect to it happen to happen tomorrow or the next day, but it will come eventually. As I say UTV Ireland is a slightly different kettle of fish because it requires separate continuity.

I wonder what U105 is changing its name to?

I am pretty sure UTV will disappear soon and we will have ITV NI and ITV Ireland. ITV don't want the hassle of running two sets of identities for the same channel in different areas. The whole operation would be easier if they could use the same trailers, CA's, website etc. for all. UTV will disappear soon. Mark my words.

Does the Republic have its own bulletins within GMB (and, if so, are they "Good Morning Ireland" branded?), or does the Republic see the NI bulletins? Or what?



Indeed, I've no doubt that it'll be a case of "when" rather than "if".

ITV may deliberately wait... say... perhaps as much as a year or two? (whatever), to avoid the negative perceptions that may surround any rebrand coming too soon after completion of the purchase. It's not like they're gonna rebrand by the middle of next week or anything.

It's not totally inconceivable (albeit unlikely) that they might introduce an adapted version of the current ITV idents and/or supporting pres elements, but with the UTV logo on them (either in its correct colours, or in the "colour-picker" style) in NI/Ireland for an interim period. Kind of the equivalent of the Carlton-ised HTV idents, if you will.

This would help ease the transition towards a full rebrand, in much the same way that the "dual-branding"/"hearts" era did in most other regions. Although, a key difference now is that the current "itv" logo etc isn't totally unfamiliar in NI/Ireland, due to things like GMB and the national news.

I think you're not wrong there. Dare I say it I see a hybrid coming along as per ITV circa. 2002. Where the channel will become known as ITV but the news and local output may well stay as 'UTV'.

Either way I would say it's pretty impossible for ITV to not use their own brand in Ireland within the next few years now they have full ownership of the channels.

It does, but they are branded "Ireland Live" rather than "Good Morning Ireland", and paradoxically appear to be pre-recorded.

Incidentally, ITV has surrendered most of its regional trademarks so no longer owns them. I believe the Carlton brand was sold along with Carlton Screen Advertising.

Must say, I find that surprising if true. I doubt they'd much like a local TV station reviving an old ITV regional brand identity.

Does it matter too much with U105? The logo will have to be redesigned but would it be that much of a problem they'd have to change the name? Maybe if it was 'UTV105'.

Yeah, I can't see it being the biggest of sticking points.

I'm sure when U105 eventually move out of Havelock House, that'll be the time when they do a subtle rebranding.

For the average viewer to UTV and listener to U105, it's business as usual today.

I think this should happen, whether it will is questionable. But I think the fact ITV have bought the UTV name means I don't think it's going to be a straight change and hopefully a transition. Without going into mock mode too much I'd like to see the current idents remain but with some reference such as 'ITV in Northern Ireland' at the bottom of the screen.

But who knows, I'm sure the next few weeks will be interesting. UTVNI has more to lose and UTV Ireland will have more to gain as a result of this, but as I said, who knows.