Irish TV targets 40 million US viewers in multi-platform deal

Deal struck with Tata Communications expands channel’s global reach

Irish TV chief executive Pierce O’Reilly, Brian Morris, general manager of Global Media & Entertainment Services Tata Communications, John Griffin Irish TV chairman, Alex Sharp, strategic manager partner Tata Communications, Mairead Mulhern managing director Irish TV at the announcement of the partnership between Irish TV and Tata Communications.

Ireland's first international television station is to extend its reach to audiences following a multi-platform access deal announced with Tata Communications.

Irish TV's content will now be available to viewers with Smart TVs as well as across multiple formats including iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV.

The deal was announced at the National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas.

From July, the channel will provide on-the-go high definition access to 40 million Irish Americans in the US as well as the UK and Ireland, via Tata's industry-leading intuitive app.

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“Irish TV will now be able to offer an industry-leading suite of services to our viewers such as on-demand, rewind and catch-up,” said chief executive Pierce O’Reilly.

“We believe that OTT (Over The Top), or internet-based delivery, is the future of television, and we are delighted to be the first fully-fledged TV channel to partner and develop this new bespoke technology with Tata Communications.

“We needed a global network that was flexible, reliable and would deliver a seamless, high-quality experience to our audiences.”

Mayo based Irish TV, whose motto is to "broadcast local stories to a global audience", will celebrate its second anniversary in May and has built a growing national and international audience for its 24-hour daily programming.

Mark Hilliard

Mark Hilliard

Mark Hilliard is a reporter with The Irish Times