UTV considered Channel 6 bid

UTV MEDIA, which yesterday reported that group revenues rose by 7% year-on-year over the first four months of 2008, is understood to have considered purchasing Irish television station, Channel 6, before deciding against making a bid.

According to media industry sources, the Belfast-based broadcast and new media group’s plc status would have made it difficult to convince shareholders of the idea of buying such a loss-making business.

According to reports, the private equity-owned TV3 is close to buying Channel 6 for about €10 million; although neither party were available for comment yesterday.