TV3's HOME-PRODUCED programming will rise to more than 30 per cent of its total output under the terms of a new service contract agreed by the channel and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI).
The agreement extends TV3's licence by 10 years and commits the channel to bring indigenous programming from the 26 per cent it attained last year to more than 30 per cent. The original deal, signed on its launch in 1998, included a 25 per cent requirement.
David McRedmond, TV3's chief executive, said the renewal negotiations were relatively straightforward because the channel had exceeded its obligations under the previous agreement. Two years ago there were only four Irish programmes in production, whereas now there were between 16 and 20 being made, Mr McRedmond said.
The new contract will run until September 2018 with a further five-year renewal option, subject to certain conditions, at that point.
Conor Maguire, chairman of the BCI, said at the contract signing: "TV3 has made an important mark on the Irish broadcasting landscape, offering an alternative to the Irish public service broadcasting television channels and contributing to programme diversity."
He added: "The contract ensures that this contribution will continue to be made into the future."
