Broadcaster Sky News is to launch a new Irish service in 2004, it said today.
The company will broadcast a half-hour evening bulletin from new studio facilities in Dublin and London, with two Irish presenters.
The 30-minute slot at 9pm every weekday evening will feature Irish news, weather and sport.
A review of the week’s major events will also be produced on Saturday and Sunday.
Sky’s Dublin correspondent will present news from a purpose-built studio in Sky Ireland’s new offices, five minutes from the Dáil.
Another presenter will be based in the firm’s London studios.
The team will be backed up by Sky News’ Belfast journalists, who will produce daily stories from across Northern Ireland.
Nick Pollard, head of Sky News, said: “Since it began broadcasting in 1989, Sky News has always played an important role with Irish viewers.
“The launch of the service is a natural progression which we hope will enhance this relationship and increase Sky News’ relevance to the viewer.”
In Ireland Sky News is currently available to more than 870,000 households via cable and Sky digital.