A new TV channel for Dublin's digital viewers was launched last night by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. The City Channel will broadcast 24 hours a day to 110,000 homes in Dublin through NTL's digital service and will operate seven days a week.
The channel is backed by a number of private investors including its chief executive, businessman David Harvey, and aims to provide niche programming for Dublin.
Presenters include Ray Shah formerly of Big Brother, Orlaith Rafter from RTÉ's Fair City and broadcaster Jimmy Greally, who will present a restaurant review programme.
Orla Rapple, formerly of AA Roadwatch, will host a news and features programme.
The station also boasts Ireland's first gay television programme, Free to Express, presented by Eddie McGuinness.
The station was officially launched last night with a party at George's Restaurant in Lower Baggot Street. Invited guests included former taoiseach Albert Reynolds and Lord Henry Mount Charles.
Mr Ahern said there was a need to ensure that choice and diversity is available in television and radio.
"I am pleased to note that City Channel also addresses the needs of the whole community and will also air Ireland's first programme for the gay community, as well as the first ever dedicated programme for the Polish community," he said.
Mr Harvey said the channel has made 50 per cent of its own programmes and would cover a variety of Dublin-related issues as well as delivering a daily soap imported from New Zealand.
