Jobs fears as TV3 owner to purchase UTV Ireland

US billionaire John Malone’s Virgin Media — which owns TV3 and the cable operator — has confirmed plans to acquire UTV Ireland from ITV, in a €10m deal which will raise fears for jobs at both broadcasters.

The deal also means that RTÉ will face tougher competition during peak times.

Its new director general, Dee Forbes, started work at Donnybrook yesterday.