- Wales receives its first local TV licence
- New channels for cities of Norwich and Bristol
Ofcom has today awarded the second set of licences to run local TV services in three areas of the UK. The new licences are for digital terrestrial TV (DTT) channels in Bristol, Cardiff and Norwich.
The awards follow new legislation enabling Ofcom to issue local TV licences. The channels will broadcast on a specific ‘multiplex’, a discrete amount of spectrum reserved for local TV broadcasting on DTT.
The second set of licences awarded is:
Bristol: Made in Bristol Ltd.
Channel name: Made in Bristol
Website: www.madeinbristol.tv
Cardiff: Made TV Ltd.
Channel name: Made in Cardiff
Website: www.madeincardiff.tv
Norwich: Mustard TV Ltd.
Channel name: Mustard TV
Website: www.archant.co.uk
Licences are awarded for a period of up to 12 years. It is hoped that some channels may be on air before the end of 2013.
In May 2012, Ofcom invited applications to run local TV services in 21 local areas. In total, 57 applications were received to run the local TV services, along with 4 applications for the local multiplex.
As well as broadcasting on DTT, it is anticipated that local TV channels might also wish to offer their services on satellite, cable and online.
Ofcom has now awarded five local TV licences, and will make further licence awards in the coming months.
A statement setting out the main reasons for the award of the local TV licences referred to above will be published on our website in due course.
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
- Ofcom has provided technical assistance for local TV coverage planning and is overseeing the licensing of local TV services. This follows the Government’s policy statement in December 2011, and our public consultation that closed on 19 March.
- DMOL, the organisation responsible for the management and allocation of channel numbers on DTT, has reserved channel numbers for new public service local TV channels. These will be carried at 8 (England and Northern Ireland) and 45 (Wales and Scotland).
