Ofcom opens applications for new local TV channels

UK media regulator Ofcom has invited applications for new local TV channels in seven UK locations – Aberdeen, Ayr, Carlisle, Dundee, Forth Valley, Inverness and Stoke on Trent.

The closing date for applications for the Scottish areas of Aberdeen, Ayr, Dundee, Forth Valley and Inverness, and the English areas of Carlisle and Stoke on Trent, is October 23 2014.

Under 2011 legislation authorizing the use of digital-terrestrial spectrum to deliver local TV services, Ofcom has so far awarded licences for 18 locations across the country. Five local TV channels are already on air.

Separately, Ofcom has awarded two more local digital-terrestrial TV licences, this time for Maidstone and Basingstoke.

The Maistone channel was awarded to Kent Online’s KMTV, while the Basingstoke licence went That’s TV, which has already secured licences for Oxford and Solent and is applying to operate services in Reading, Surrey and Salisbury. The Basingstoke service will be known as That’s Basingstoke.

Ofcom estimates that the local TV licences could reach approximately 175,000 homes in Maidstone, Kent, and 63,000 homes in Basingstoke, Hampshire. The exact coverage at these locations will be confirmed with the local multiplex licensee.