New television station will go head-to-head with TV3 and RTÉ

A CONSORTIUM of investors has pumped e14 million into a television station due to launch this year.

Channel 6, an entertainment station aimed at 15 to 35-year-olds, is to due to begin broadcasting later in the spring.

The station is backed by former TV3 executive Michael Murphy and Aegis media group chief executive in Ireland Pat Donnelly.

It is understood that ACT Venture Capital have taken a 25% stake in the station, while Delta Partners and Claret Capital have taken stakes of between 15-20%.

The family of former Fine Gael foreign affairs minister Peter Barry and the Gowan Group (one of the country’s biggest car dealerships) have bought just under 10% each.

Mr Donnelly, who is the station’s executive chairman, and Mr Murphy are the remaining shareholders.

The station is currently recruiting staff and will launch its schedule in the next few weeks.

Mr Murphy said the station will provide movies, music, drama, comedy and Irish content. It will not cover news or sport.

“Channel 6 is committed to offering viewers and advertisers a home grown, exciting, new national alternative by opening up the Irish television market,” he said.

“We look forward to offering viewers a vibrant programming schedule that showcases the best of international and local talent and critically, offers viewers an attractive, Irish choice.”

Channel 6 will be going head-to-head with TV3 and RTÉ 2, both of which attract a younger audience than RTÉ 1.

However, TV3 and RTÉ own the terrestrial broadcasting rights to almost all hit British and American shows.