Independent broadcaster TV3 has appointed Mick McCaffrey as Head of 3 News Ireland.

Mr McCaffrey will lead and develop the news service, providing content across three national television channels.

The moves comes after TV3, which is owned by Virgin Media, completed the acquisition of UTV Ireland.

The company has confirmed it will have three free-to-air TV channels operating under the TV3 Group.

UTV Ireland is to be rebranded as 'Be3' from January 9th.

News across all three channels - 3, 3e and Be3 - is to be provided by a centralised news hub called '3 News Ireland'.

An award-winning crime editor and bestselling author, Mr McCaffrey has 13 years of national news and current affairs experience.

He was also news editor at UTV Ireland for the past two years.

Bill Malone, TV3 Group director of programming, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Mick to TV3 at such an exciting time as the group evolves into a three channel business.

"He brings with him a wealth of experience and I look forward to 3 News Ireland developing as the leading independent television news service in Ireland, providing bespoke news content across our three channels and digital platforms."

Mr McCaffrey will take up his new role with TV3 immediately.