Virgin Media Television has appointed Zara King as its new southern news correspondent.Zara will replace Paul Byrne who was in the role for 26 years before announcing his departure from the station in early June.Byrne, who was first hired for TV3 and kept the position when Virgin Media took over, announced he was leaving his role after he settled his High Court action against the broadcaster over its decision to bring internal disciplinary proceedings against him.He had sued over what he claimed was a flawed disciplinary process but the claims were denied by the broadcaster.Now, Zara King will take up the new role on October 28, covering the south of the country for Virgin Media News.The Waterford native joined Virgin Media in 2017 and was appointed news correspondent in 2021.She will also continue her role as a presenter of VMTV’s The Group Chat, along with Gavan Reilly and Richard Chambers.Having been born in Cork and raised in Waterford, King is “thrilled” to come back to Munster – “her home region"."I'll continue my work with Virgin Media News, focusing on stories that impact people's lives,” she said."As a journalist, my goal has always been to amplify voices and hold those in power accountable."With a general election approaching, it's crucial to understand voters' expectations for the next Government," she added.Meanwhile, VMTV’s head of news Ruairi Carroll described Zara King as a “fantastic” journalist."Her ability to cover national events, breaking news and personal stories makes her the ideal fit for this role."She knows the region and the issues that matter to our audience and will bring a depth of insight and a fresh perspective that will undoubtedly enhance our news coverage,” he said.Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan's exclusive take on the day's news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.

VIRGIN Media star Zara King “thrilled” landing plum new role as broadcaster reveals personal link to gig. The Waterford native has been appointed as the new Southern News Correspondent.