BCI gives green light to new Setanta
Tuesday, 28 July 2009The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland says its board meeting yesterday backed changes in the ownership structure of two Setanta sports channels.
The changes involve the purchase of interests previously held by Setanta Sports Holdings Limited, which went into administration last month.
Denis Desmond's Gaiety Investments has increased its stake in Setanta Sports Channel Ireland Limited from 20% to 60%, with the remaining 40% owned by Sabloss, a new company whose shareholders include Setanta founders Michael O'Rourke and Leonard Ryan, as well as Mark O'Meara.
Sabloss has also bought 100% of the shares in Setanta Sports North America Limited. Both companies hold satellite and cable content contracts with the BCI.
The BCI also backed applications from Setanta Sports Channel Ireland Limited and Setanta Radio for two new satellite television services, Setanta Sports 1 and Setanta Sports respectively.
Setanta Sports 1 will be a subscription service that will broadcast live and delayed sports programmes, sports news and highlights programmes to Irish audiences. Setanta Sports will broadcast live and delayed sporting events, mainly at weekends, and will target audiences in Ireland and the UK.
The BCI's meeting also approved the sale of radio station Dublin's Country Mix to East Coast Radio.
