UTV Ireland Signs Content Contract with BAI

27 February 2014 UTV IRELAND SIGNS CONTENT CONTRACT WITH BAI UTV Ireland Limited (UTV) a subsidiary of UTV Media plc has today signed a tenyear television content provision contract with the Broadcasting Authority ofIreland (BAI), under section 71 of the Irish Broadcasting Act. UTV Ireland plans to commence broadcasting in the Republic of Ireland inJanuary 2015. UTV has an agreement with ITV Studios Global Entertainment, which will give UTVthe exclusive broadcasting rights for ITV Studios programmes for the Republicof Ireland audience, including popular soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdalefrom early 2015. John McCann, Group Chief Executive, UTV Media plc said: "We are delighted to sign today's contract with the BAI and look forward tobringing Irish viewers a fantastic new TV channel in January 2015. UTV Irelandwill follow UTV's existing winning formula of combining high quality news,current affairs, entertainment and drama. Today's announcement represents astrong vote of confidence by UTV in Irish broadcasting and our investment inthe Irish economy." Bob Collins, Chairperson, BAI said: "Today's contract signing with UTV Ireland Limited is to be welcomedparticularly for the additional choice and increased diversity of content thatit will offer to Irish viewers. The company is well known to the BAI as acontractor for several radio services operating in the State. The Authoritywishes the company every success with its television venture in thisjurisdiction." Michael Wilson, Managing Director, UTV Television said: "Our plans for UTV Ireland are now well under way and we look forward toannouncing more exciting programming in the coming months. UTV Ireland willcreate more than 100 new jobs with its offices based in Dublin backed up byadditional newsgathering and reporting presence in Cork, Galway, Waterford andLimerick." For further information contact: UTV Media plc Orla McKibbin: + 44 (0) 2890 262188 Maitland James Devas: + 44 (0) 20 7379 5151