TV3’s “most ambitious schedule ever” includes original soap drama ‘Red Rock’

According to the station, for the first time programming spend on originated content exceeds its spend on acquisitions.

Director of content Jeff Ford announced a 2015 schedule built across six genres, including soap – TV3 will launch its first originated soap drama with the working title ‘Red Rock’.

Acquisitions from 2015 exclusive to the station are The X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, while it has secured Downton Abbey for life of series.

“2015 is TV3’s most ambitious schedule ever. Since 2007, TV3 has committed to developing a schedule based predominantly on home-produced programming,” said TV3 Group CEO David McRedmond.

“Last year we opened the TV3 Sony HD Studio. Now in 2015 originated content will account for the majority of TV3’s programming spend. This is a schedule which meets the vision of TV3 from its foundation: a unique broadcaster providing choice for Irish viewers and an engine for the sector in Ireland.”

Ford added: “2015 will be a landmark year for TV3 that will see the group invest the most it has ever done on home produced originated programming and a number of major entertainment co-productions. Our strategy benefits both the advertiser and viewers in a way that bought-in acquired programming cannot. Wholly owned programming gives advertisers greater control and flexibility and much deeper engagement with their audience than acquired content and a foreign schedule. The viewer also benefits as the content is relevant to them, engaging and compelling. As Ireland’s leading commercial broadcaster, these are exciting times for TV3 and I look forward to fulfilling our strategic goals across our six programming genres that will define us against our competitors in 2015 and beyond; soap, entertainment co-pros, key acquisitions, sport and events, originated factual and, last but not least, talent.”