Local TV companies to remain on air till 2034 below new Government proposals
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ocal tv companies throughout the nation will stay on air till 2034, below new proposals set out by the Government.
All 34 of the UK’s native TV stations can have their licenses renewed, topic to a assessment of particular person future plans.
Plans set out by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will enable media regulator Ofcom to assessment every station’s plans to proceed assembly the wants of native audiences.
The present licenses are at the moment because of expire in 2025.
Launched in 2013, native TV companies are accessible to fifteen million individuals and are required to indicate various hours of native programming every day.
“While recognising the challenges they have faced, particularly during the pandemic, the Government believes that local TV services continue to play a role in the wider broadcasting ecosystem,” the DCMS mentioned.
“Many services, such as Notts TV in Nottingham and KMTV in Kent, also boost local journalism through training programmes provided in production, news reporting and technical roles, which enable students to gain hands-on experience.”
While recognising the challenges they’ve confronted, significantly throughout the pandemic, the federal government believes that native TV companies proceed to play a task within the wider broadcasting ecosystem
The DCMS has additionally revealed a session inviting views on the alternatives and challenges confronted within the sector “in recognition” of the battle confronted by the shops.
The session is designed to make sure the sector can “continue to serve audiences and be sustainable in the long term”, the DCMS mentioned.
Media minister John Whittingdale mentioned: “Local TV stations from Belfast to Birmingham help to support local journalism, drive the creative economy and foster pride in communities.
“We want to see this continue, so we’ve set out plans for Ofcom to review all services to ensure they’re well positioned to continue serving local audiences with trusted and distinctive content for years to come.”
Ofcom will assessment every station’s proposals for the last decade forward to make sure they will keep their present service and proceed making distinctive exhibits which meet the wants of the native space.
If the plans are authorised by the regulator, companies will likely be allowed to proceed broadcasting till 2034 and retain a number of advantages, together with a outstanding place in digital TV guides.
Should present suppliers select to not renew their licence, or Ofcom decides to not approve a renewal, Ofcom will transfer to a aggressive relicensing course of.