TV3

Fund IV acquired TV3, a digital media group, from CanWest, ITV and a consortium of private investors in August 2006.

The company operates TV3, the only privately owned terrestrial free-to-air national commercial television channel in the Republic of Ireland. Since the launch in September 1998, TV3 has become the second most viewed channel in the Republic of Ireland.

TV3 provides viewers with a wide range of programming across the entire schedule, including soaps, drama, news and premium sport and has a c. 15% peak time market share of its target 15 – 44 year old audience. Audience growth has also been driven by home programming, up to c. 35% of total output from 20% at acquisition. Revenues are derived from advertising during commercial breaks in programming, sponsorship and promotions, as well as certain programming and interactive applications.

In 2008, TV3 acquired Channel 6, which has seen its audience share increase by 60% since being rebranded as 3e.

Doughty Hanson has also helped the company’s management to successfully develop its online business TV3.ie into the fastest-growing website in Ireland currently receiving 3.5 million page views per month.