Virgin Media's Ireland AM is calling on businesses to feature in its #BackingLocal Christmas campaign.

The campaign gives businesses the opportunity to promote their service or product on television to the nation in the run up to the festive season. In addition, viewers are invited to nominate their favourite local shop, producer or business.

Every week, for the last eight months, over 200 different businesses from right across Ireland have been highlighted across Virgin Media Television and its social media platforms.

Ireland AM presenter Tommy Bowe said: “Virgin Media’s #BackingLocal campaign is more important than ever and we want to encourage more people to return to shopping locally, in a way that is safe and gives them confidence.  Small businesses – from the local butcher, to the local grocery shop – were there for the nation during lockdown and now they need our support to get back on their feet, especially in the run up to Christmas.”

Bowe added: “If would like to see your local shop, producer or product featured on AM or if you’re a business owner with a great local story, get in touch by emailing BackingBusiness@virginmedia.ie

In Association with

Ireland AM airs on Virgin Media One seven days a week from 7am.

Late Late Business Special

RTÉ is following Virgin Media’s lead by devoting The Late Late Show on Friday November 6 to promoting Irish businesses across various sectors who have had to close their doors and adapt accordingly to survive.

Beyond retail, the programme will also be highlighting the challenges in the entertainment and music industries.

Experts in specific fields including Diarmuid Gavin, Anna Geary, Kevin Dundon, and Roisin Murphy will showcase some of their favourite businesses from the worlds of outdoor and gardening, sports and fitness, food and beverages, and homeware.

Presenter Ryan Tubridy commented: “It takes a lot of guts to start up a business in this country, but it takes even more backbone to keep it alive in the face of a pandemic, and that's what this Friday's Late Late Show is all about.

"Friday night is also meant as a nod of respect to local businesses around the country, and to encourage all of our friends watching to shop local, buy Irish, and keep our friends and neighbours in business," Tubridy added.

According to RTE, companies that the show to be featured will be invited to have their company featured on an upcoming online Late Late Show business directory.

Photo: Ireland AM presenters Karen Koster and Alan Hughes