Ofcom invites applications for first 21 local TV channels

Ofcom today invited applications for 21 local TV channels across the UK.

This follows new duties given to Ofcom by Parliament to license local TV.

The local TV channels will broadcast on a specially-reserved ‘multiplex’; this is a discrete amount of spectrum used for broadcasting over digital terrestrial TV (DTT).

In addition to inviting applicants for 21 stations, Ofcom is today also inviting applications to run the local TV multiplex.

Initial areas for local TV

Following consultation, initial areas identified for local TV channels are:

• Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Grimsby, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Preston, Sheffield, Southampton and Swansea.

As well as broadcasting on DTT, local TV channels may choose to offer their services on satellite, cable and online.

The multiplex operator will be required to cover all of the areas above and to propose which areas additionally to cover; they can select from 44 other areas where coverage is technically possible or make a case for other areas to be added.

Applications

The closing date for applications to run the 21 local TV channels and the multiplex is 13th August 2012. Ofcom expects to make decisions on successful applicants from this autumn

Ofcom’s statement and invitations to apply can be found here.

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