UTV has entered into discussions to buy The Wireless Group.

In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, the directors of UTV confirmed that "exploratory discussions... at a preliminary stage" are in progress.

The Wireless Group's directors added that they "will consider any formal offer on its merits if and when any such offer is made."

UTV holds the licence to broadcast on channel 3 in Northern Ireland. It also owns a number of radio stations including Cork's 96fm and 103fm, Live95fm, Q102, and Juice FM. The Wireless Group owns national AM talk station Talksport and various other local radio stations around the UK.