Local Digital Terrestrial Television Licensing Update
In July 2011, the then Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, set out his proposed framework for local television in the UK*, and the Local Digital Television Programme Services Order 2012 was passed
In July 2011, the then Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, set out his proposed framework for local television in the UK*, and the Local Digital Television Programme Services Order 2012 was passed amending the Broadcasting Act 1996 and the Communications Act 2003 to enable the provision of local digital television services. Also passed were the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (Directions to OFCOM) Order 2012, providing for spectrum to be kept available for the broadcast of local television services; and the Code of Practice for Electronic Programme Guides (Addition of a Programme Service) Order 2011, amending s.310 of the Communications Act 2003 to make local television services a 'public service channel', requiring them to be given preference along with the other public service offerings.
On 15th September Ofcom, which has responsibility for licensing local television stations, issued an update to summarise the progress made over the last two years - the headlines are that:
- 30 local television licences have been granted to a number of different organisations across the UK – these include not-for-profit community ventures, as well as commercial ventures involving TV production companies, local newspapers, and the education sector; and
- there are currently six local channels on air (in London, Nottingham, Glasgow, Norwich, Brighton & Hove, and Grimsby), broadcasting local services to a potential audience of 6 million viewers. Ofcom believes that, to date, around 6,400 hours of local programming has been transmitted.
A second phase of licensing is now underway**.
*The framework is available at http://goo.gl/LU9oSN
**For further information regarding the licensing of local television, see Ofcom's website - http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/local-tv/
On 15th September Ofcom, which has responsibility for licensing local television stations, issued an update to summarise the progress made over the last two years - the headlines are that:
- 30 local television licences have been granted to a number of different organisations across the UK – these include not-for-profit community ventures, as well as commercial ventures involving TV production companies, local newspapers, and the education sector; and
- there are currently six local channels on air (in London, Nottingham, Glasgow, Norwich, Brighton & Hove, and Grimsby), broadcasting local services to a potential audience of 6 million viewers. Ofcom believes that, to date, around 6,400 hours of local programming has been transmitted.
A second phase of licensing is now underway**.
*The framework is available at http://goo.gl/LU9oSN
**For further information regarding the licensing of local television, see Ofcom's website - http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/local-tv/