A trading update from UTV today confirms the company is gearing up towards a future with radio at its core.
Once the sale of UTV Television has been completed, which could happen as early as next month, the company says it will be a focussed radio group with highly attractive, market-leading assets.
One of the new company’s main objectives will be to “leverage UTV Radio Ireland’s position as the leading local commercial radio operator in key urban areas throughout Ireland by further focus on broadcast and online content. Strong audience delivery will be at the heart of UTV Radio Ireland’s ability to optimise its revenue and profit performance in the fast growing Irish economy”.
In the UK, UTV is launching three new national radio stations in March, and the strategic review of the Company’s GB local radio stations now concluded with youth station, Juice FM, sold for £10 million. It will launch as Capital on Monday.
Once the sale has been completed, UTV Media will use a new name to continue trading.