Five new "free-to-air" RTÉ channels were approved today by the Minister for Communications.
The new channels, RTÉ Two High Definition Select, RTÉ Aertel Digital, RTÉjr, RTÉ Plus and RTÉ News Now will be added to the current terrestrial channels and all will become available in digital format through Saorview from the end of May.
The new children's channel, RTÉ jr, and news channel RTÉ News Now, will not be allowed to carry advertisements.
The new €70 million digital service, Saorview, will replace the current analogue service which viewers receive through roof aerials, TV top aerials or through their cable service providers.
Minister for Communications Pat Carey said the additional five channels would give increased choice to TV viewers throughout Ireland over all platforms. He also said the closure of the analogue service was on track.
"Consideration of the issues of information and assistance for TV viewers affected by analogue switch-off is being advanced," he said.
RTÉ's director of digital switchover Mary Curtis said the announcement was great news for Irish television viewers and would provide a significant increase in choice. "We will be beginning a comprehensive public information campaign in mid March to explain how people can easily make the switch to the new Saorview service and enjoy the benefits of Irish free-to-air digital television long into the future," she said.
But the announcement was criticised by TV3. In a statement tonight, the station called on the new incoming government to immediately rescind the decision.
"These newly approved channels will extend RTÉ's dominance in media when it is already the most dominant State broadcaster in Europe," the statement said. "This decision extends RTÉ's reach and will be at the direct cost of jobs and investment across all Irish media."
It questioned the timing of the announcement, saying it raised "very serious questions".
