BCI green light for changes at Setanta
4 August 09

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has approved ownership changes at Setanta Ireland and signed two new satellite content contracts with the troubled broadcaster.

It approved proposed changes to the ownership structures for Setanta Sports Channel Ireland Limited and Setanta Sports North America Limited. In both cases the changes involve the purchase of the interests previously held by Setanta Sports Holdings Limited. In relation to Setanta Sports Channel Ireland Limited, Gaiety Investments is increasing its shareholding from 20pc to 60pc. The remaining 40pc will be owned by a new company, Sabloss Limited. The main shareholders in Sabloss are Michael O'Rourke, Leonard Ryan and Mark O'Meara. Sabloss has also purchased 100pc of the shares in Setanta Sports North America Limited. Both companies hold satellite and cable content contracts with the Commission.

The BCI also approved applications from Setanta Sports Channel Ireland Limited and Setanta Radio Limited for the provision of two new satellite television services, Setanta Sports 1 and Setanta Sports respectively. Contracts for these services were signed on 27th July. 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.