Channel 6, the Irish-owned television broadcaster, has agreed a deal to be carried on BSkyB's satellite service here.

As a result, the channel will reach an extra 465,020 homes, almost doubling its potential audience. This will give it access to about 70 per cent of Irish households, boosting its advertising-generating potential.

Channel 6 is currently available to digital subscribers of NTL and Chorus, the cable operators owned by UPC Ireland.

Launched on March 30th, the station originally negotiated a deal with UPC to be carried as part of its basic pack of channels, which is available to about 490,000 homes in cities across the country.

NTL is believed to have paid a substantial sum for this exclusivity. Channel 6 has negotiated its way out of that deal and will appear on Sky from next Monday. It will occupy either channel 221 or 223 on Sky's electronic programming guide.

Michael Murphy, Channel 6's chief executive, said the move was "a major step forward" for the channel.

Mr Murphy said it would allow the station achieve its stated target of a 3 per cent share of 15-34 audiences this year.

The station will spend €1 million on an advertising campaign across the State and has revamped its schedule.