TV3’s Autumn Schedule: Three Shows Smart Savers Will Love
Mark Whelan
Staff Writer

TV3 has just announced a range of exciting new programmes and faces for its much-anticipated autumn schedule, with a particular focus on consumer issues.

When Liberty Global purchased TV3 for €80 million last July, we were excited to see what new direction Ireland’s largest commercial television broadcaster would take under its new management.

Today, we saw fresh signs of the station’s big plans as a wide and exciting range of new programmes and faces were revealed at TV3’s autumn schedule launch at Dublin’s National Concert Hall.

There were announcements about new slots and presenters for the likes of Red Rock, Gogglebox and Celebrity Masterchef, but this isn’t what caught our attention.

You see, at bonkers.ie HQ, we’re a tad more interested in smart savings than salmon soufflés. And there are some very promising new business and consumer programmes on the way for smart savers out there.

Here are three to look out for.

1 - Pat Kenny’s Return to TV

The big news to come out of today’s autumn schedule launch is that Pat Kenny is to make a return to the small screen and head up a new current affairs programme on Wednesday nights.

TV3’s Colette Fitzpatrick will co-present the programme with Kenny, who is adept at putting everyone from top politicians to big-time CEOs through their paces.

Consumer issues are never too far away from the headlines these days, with crises in the car insurance, bin charges and water charges (remember them?) industries all fresh in the memory.

It’ll be interesting to see how Kenny tackles similar issues when they inevitably arise. We’re also looking forward to his coverage of October’s Budget.

2 - Conor Pope’s Dodgy Dealers

There are only a handful of people in Ireland who regularly have the words “consumer champion” prefacing their name, but Conor Pope is one of them.

The Irish Times journalist will lead a new six-part investigative series called ‘Conor Pope’s Dodgy Dealers’, which will see the man himself confront companies suspected of misleading customers.

We expect this to be entertaining, informative and, for those of us who have felt aggrieved by a company in the past, highly cathartic. Let ‘em have it, Conor!

3 - Agenda with David McWilliams

Ireland’s best-known economist, David McWilliams, is set to return to screens on a new Sunday afternoon programme called ‘Agenda’.

The programme will feature in-depth interviews with high-profile international guests but, most significantly, it will make the inner workings of the nation’s economics easy-to-follow and relatable for the masses.

If only ‘Agenda’ was on air in time to cover the ongoing Apple Tax controversy!

TV3’s consumer-friendly schedule

TV3’s new autumn schedule is jam-packed with entertainment, sport and current affairs and there’s likely to be something in there for everyone to enjoy.

Here at bonkers.ie, we’re delighted to see a large focus on consumer issues and expect Pat Kenny, Conor Pope and David McWilliams to all help shed a brighter light on consumer rights and help guide smart financial decision-making.

Put the kettle on, it’s going to be a good autumn!