UTV sell TV business to ITV

Yeah, they got taken over by GMG a few months later. Had they been Granada-owned at the time, the chopsticks logo would have probably been on the ident (Granada brought it back on the purple endcap).

Can a mod seperate discussion about other regions into a new thread and can this thread only be used for the discussion of UTV.

I think it's quite relevant to discuss here how quickly the other regional identities were disposed of after they had been acquired by GMG/Carlton/UNM.


The same fate will fall upon UTV, it's just a matter of time.

With an explanation like that, yes it is strange how people get confused!

yes when did explanation start having questions in them? oh wait there don't, that mean there questions.

I don't see why, if they wanted to scrap the brand they would have done so now rather than create a new logo and film new idents.

I think ITV's attitude to its regions has quietly changed for the better over the last few years. The news studios have all (?) been upgraded with the new set, after four years of being owned by ITV tiny Channel still has more local news coverage than the BBC, the recently announced ITV Wales election coverage is incredibly comprehensive with many opt outs, they've got the separate Border Scotland programme and they're adding three more regions onto their HD service soon.

Unlike in the past when announcements of further region shrinkage were rife I can't remember when the last time they were keen to do that was. In fact the last announcement I can remember they wanted to increase the number of regional programmes again, albeit during a 20 minute programme. I know this is more about news than branding but I think it's fair to say UTV's got a better chance of remaining as a brand under the ITV of today than 10 years ago.

I think the attitude towards all "PSB" output has changed over the last few years. The hiring of Robert Peston, Allegra Stratton and the relaunching of News at Ten being one example, as well as The Agenda, On Assignment, Perspectives, Exposure and of course the upcoming Peston on Sunday. A few years ago these are things which ITV was scrapping from the schedule, and it is very pleasing to see they are returning.

It's about reputation. Now ITV have a bit more money, they are willing to spend more on programmes that aren't commercially lucrative, in order to enhance their reputation.

And this focus on political/current affairs programmes is something UTV have had a strong reputation with - so to see this diminished in the ITV-owned area, and to only have BBC NI providing these programmes - would be a real shame.

My sincere hope for this new era of independent broadcasting in Northern Ireland is that ITV bears in mind the demands - and sensitivities - of the audience in all regards: a respectable regional news service, the documentaries and features programmes, and Julian et al, whether we like them or not, are cherished, and to ignore this would be foolhardy.

Probably an error than a sign of things to come but on the Sky guide for tomorrow on UTV Ireland HD, the ITV Lunchtime News is listed for 1.25pm. However it's official listing suggests otherwise. Strange mix up either way though.

On Tuesday and the rest of the week, the News is back to 13:30. It's therefore very likely down to tomorrow being a Bank Holiday.

I thinks just a mistake - not the first time it's happened either, it happened before on a Saturday night.

I'm confused about this discussion about the news being scheduled... are we saying that ITV News shouldn't be scheduled full stop because UTV Ireland doesn't show ITV News?