Ireland’s TV3 acquires Channel 6

Irish commercial broadcaster Channel 6 is to expand its schedule of locally produced drama, news and sports after it was acquired by leading free-to-air rival TV3.

TV3, which is owned by private equity outfit Doughty Hanson, bought Channel 6 for around Euro10m from a group of local investors.

Channel 6, which is currently available via cable and satellite, is known for acquiring hit US acquisitions such as Heroes, Sopranos, Family Guy and Sex and the City. However, following its acquisition, TV3 management is keen to extend its local dramas and other programming to the multichannel.

TV3, which currently has output deals with Granada and Warner Bros., has been keen to grow its multichannel portfolio and this is seen as the first step.