Ofcom has awarded a further set of licences to run local TV services in two areas of the UK.

The new licences are for digital terrestrial TV (DTT) channels in Belfast and Sheffield.

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 licences awarded are:

Belfast: Northern Visions

Channel name: NVTV

Website 

Sheffield: Sheffield Local Television Ltd

Channel name: SLTV/Sheffield Live

Website

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 eight 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.