RTE signs digital TV deal

The television programmes of national broadcaster RTE will be available in Northern Ireland for the first time, following a deal with BSkyB.

Sky Digital subscribers in the North will be able to watch RTE 1, Network 2 and TG4 from April next year after the contracts were signed today.

The deal will also allow the station’s four radio channels to be transmitted across mainland Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Output will continue to be available on the existing terrestrial services, including cable.

Bosses at the two companies would not reveal the conditions of the deal or if any payments were made.

Sky’s chief operating officer Richard Freudenstein said: ‘‘I am delighted to welcome the RTE channels to Sky Digital and to the top positions on our Electronic Programme Guide in Ireland.

‘‘We look forward to working with RTE and to the launch early next year."

RTE said in a statement: ‘‘The contract to join the Sky Digital platform is the latest step in ensuring universal availability for RTE viewers and listeners in the digital age.’’