Street smart TV3 keeps Corrie on schedule

CORRIE fans throughout the country can relax — their favourite soap is set to be part of TV3’s schedules for the foreseeable future.

The commercial station announced yesterday that it has concluded a long-term content agreement with Granada International, part of Britain’s ITV network, which will guarantee the continued presence of Norris, Les, Gail, Jack and Vera on Irish TV screens.

Other favourites such as Emmerdale and I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, are also included in the deal.

Coronation Street remains Ireland’s most popular soap opera, commanding over half a million viewers per episode, while Emmerdale picks up about 350,000 per show. Meanwhile, I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! has averaged 295,000 viewers per episode since it began on November 13 last.

“TV3 is all about providing the programming that our viewers want,” said TV3 chief executive David McRedmond yesterday. “We have been progressing discussions with Granada International for some time and are delighted now to have secured this programming for the future. It will strengthen TV3’s position as Ireland’s leading commercial broadcaster and the country’s second most viewed station while ensuring that we continue to provide a first class news service.”

Mr McRedmond also highlighted TV3’s focus on “quality, indigenous programmes” such as the recent hit Diary of a Debutante and investment in films like the award-winning The Wind That Shakes the Barley and A Gangster’s Funeral, recently selected for the Sundance Festival in January.

Granada International managing director Nadine Nohr, said that the company was delighted to renew the output deal with TV3.