Ciara Doherty and Claire Brock to leave Virgin Media TV
Journalists Ciara Doherty and Claire Brock are to leave Virgin Media after this weekend, they have told their followers on Instagram.
The exits of the long-serving presenters of The Tonight Show follow Virgin Media’s move last month to cut the current affairs programme from four nights a week to two.
The broadcaster linked the cuts to “challenging market conditions” and the outgoing Government’s decision not to provide funding for its public service content.
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“After 14 brilliant years at Virgin Media Television, I’ve decided to move on from late nights and early mornings to begin a new adventure,” Ms Doherty posted.
“Thank you to my incredible colleagues and friends, to all of our guests and especially to the viewers who joined me along the way,” she wrote, adding that she would be on air from 10.35pm on Friday night for Virgin Media’s election special.
“This weekend I will present my last Tonight Show, as I’ve made the decision to move on from the role, and from Virgin Media Television,” Ms Brock posted.
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside brilliant colleagues and friends over many years in Ballymount,” she said.
“Now is the time for fresh opportunities, fewer late nights... and I’m genuinely looking forward to what’s ahead. Before that, an election!”
Virgin Media Television confirmed the departures, thanked both presenters for their contributions to its output and wished them both the very best.
The two journalists had been alternating the presenter role on the programme, but their work was cut last month after Virgin Media halved the number of shows.
