Ms Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin:

On the EPG, we will definitely continue to schedule for linear programming. There is a myth that television viewership is dropping, but we have seen the importance of live and local Irish content during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our ratings have been up this year. The commercial market does not reflect this, particularly when we had the tough time in quarters 2 and 3. The EPG is therefore important across all platforms and for all broadcasters in Ireland, including Virgin Media Television, VMTV, and Virgin Media Ireland, VMIE, more generally. It is important for all broadcasters in Ireland to have the EPG listing and that it is recognised and easy to access.

We must look at the demographic of our audience and the shift that has happened due to Covid-19. There has been a shift and an increase in the number of people looking for box sets and looking at other providers, such as Amazon and Netflix. We must adapt to that and we will do so. It will involve what we commission and how we commission, so that we keep our audience with us. It is essential for our growth, but it will not be to the detriment of linear channels.