Virgin Media claims to be a Public Service Broadcaster. Yet their content choices demonstrate otherwise, often streaming socially harmful material under the guiding principle of “give them what they want” rather than fostering socially uplifting programming. In today’s society, that approach is simply not good enough.

Their presence also poses a threat to the heritage of Irish television, especially if they draw trust and audience share away from RTÉ. While RTÉ is not without its flaws, its leadership will inevitably change over time, and it will continue to serve as a cornerstone of Irish culture. Programmes such as Nationwide, Ear to the Ground, GAA, Prime Time, and Crimecall have all contributed immense social value—something Virgin Media cannot credibly claim.

This review challenges Virgin Media’s claim to public service status, highlighting how such a label risks building false trust to secure public funding and revenue. Ultimately, those funds flow to its foreign parent company, headquartered in Bermuda for tax purposes, rather than being reinvested in Ireland’s cultural or social fabric.