AFTER ALMOST A year of drip-drip announcements, UTV Ireland finally took the the air on 1 January — causing almost instant consternation among some viewers, who had been hoping to watch a Batman film on the ‘old’ Julian Simmons-fronted channel, rather than a Pat Kenny-presented New Year documentary.

The latest addition to our broadcasting landscape has been steadily winning viewers since then, however.

Over its first week, it had an average audience share of 4.6 per cent — well above the 2.9 per cent UTV had south of the border in the same week last year (station bosses, of course, have their sights set much higher than that).

So. Have you been watching?

Poll Results:

No. (6548)

I miss the old station. Bring back Julian. (1917)

Just to catch the soaps. (1799)

Yes. Great channel. (952)

I've tuned into some home-produced shows. (873)

Yes. Great channel.
Just to catch the soaps.
I've tuned into some home-produced shows.
No.
I miss the old station. Bring back Julian.

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Poll: Have you been tuning into UTV Ireland?

Poll Results:

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.