New channel to keep Dublin up-to-speed

Couch potatoes are set for a new way to keep up with the Dublin jet-set with a new city based television channel, it emerged today.

City Channel, a lifestyle station on the ntl digital network, has been granted a licence by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.

The channel will broadcast in Dublin 24 hours, seven days a week, with entertainment shows keeping city dwellers up-to-date with life in the capital.

A spokeswoman for the BCI said it would be a dedicated niche service with information and entertainment aimed solely at people within the city limits.

Programming will include features on the capital’s culture, what’s-on guides, motoring and property shows, and shows of topical interest such as local government, shopping and travel. Regular transport and weather updates will also be broadcast.

The service will be carried on the ntl digital platform in Dublin and will form part of ntl’s digital standard television subscription package.

The BCI spokeswoman added a 10-year contract would be drawn up subject to talks. No date for the beginning of broadcast has been set.

It is hoped the station could be moved on to the ntl analogue service in the future.

The Commission also awarded a special interest radio broadcasting licence to Dublin City Anna Livia FM. The award is subject to clarification on several matters within the application and the successful conclusion of contract negotiations.

Conor J Maguire, BCI Chairman, said the new TV channel would appeal to viewers right across the board.

“We are delighted to enter into contract negotiations with City Channel for the provision of a niche service for Dublin city and county,” he said.

“We believe the proposed service is innovative and diverse and will appeal to various sections of the Dublin television audience which are not currently catered for.

“With regard to Dublin City Anna Livia FM, the commission is delighted to offer a 10-year licence to the station and is confident that it will continue with its wide-ranging programme service over the coming years.”