Originally planned from 1988, it wasn't until 1998 when the channel was finally launched, having suffered a number of problems with licensing and ownership beforehand. Canadian communications company Canwest bought a major stake in the station and it was formally launched on 20th September 1998.

In 2000, Granada Media plc acquired 45% of the company, which then enabled the station to broadcast a number of programmes similcast with their channel. This eventually became ITV plc as the English independent channels were rationalised, and then in 2006 Canwest sold its stake to Doughty Hanson & Co.

In 2009 the company became TV3 Group, which as well as TV3 also included the former Channel 6 now rebranded 3e.