Setanta news channel

SETANTA is stepping up its attack on Sky Sports with the launch of its own dedicated sports news channel.

Setanta, which will end Sky’s monopoly coverage of the English Premier League next month, said the channel will be available to Irish viewers on satellite and broadband.

The Setanta Sports News channel is a joint venture with Virgin Media, the British cable company.

Virgin last week agreed a deal with Setanta that will see the Irish broadcaster’s range of channels made available to Virgin customers either free or for under £10 (€14.92) a month, depending on the subscription package customers have.

The sports channel is the latest addition to the Setanta Sports pack, which includes a dedicated golf channel, two horse racing channels, American sports broadcaster NASN, and Rangers and Celtic TV.

Setanta said its service will offer fans a dedicated, around-the-clock feast of the best news and views from across the sporting world.