Virgin Media Ireland names Anthony Nilan director of programming

Irish broadcaster Virgin Media Television (VMTV) has promoted Anthony Nilan to the role of director of programming.

Anthony Nilan

The move follows the departure of Aoife Stokes, who had been head of programming for the last four years having previously been the channel’s head of factual.

In his new position, Nilan will be responsible for delivering on VMTV’s public service remit. He will report to Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin, VMTV’s managing director.

He will also oversee the network’s non-news and sport output including commissions, acquisitions, and scheduling for five linear channels, plus VMTV’s VoD service.

Nilan has been upped from his previous role as head of content strategy.

He joined VMTV in 2001 as entertainment and promos lead, before being advanced to channels strategy lead the following year.

Prior to that, he worked for nine years in the independent sector, producing entertainment formats such as The Apprentice, The Voice, and Dragons’ Den for Irish TV.

Nilan said: “VMTV delivers content that represents Irish life and culture and keeps audiences informed and entertained.

“Television continues to be a powerful medium to bring audiences together and I’m excited to work with the team to continue to grow this industry-leading business.”