Newcastle local TV station goes live

The local UK TV station for the Newcastle area has gone live, marking the second local channel launch in the space of a week. 

Made in Tyne and Wear started broadcasting yesterday on Freeview channel 8, Virgin Channel 159 and will be available on the Sky platform on channel 117 from November 24.

The launch comes after local Leeds station Made in Leeds went live last Thursday on Freeview and cable, with the Made TV brand already running local channels in Cardiff and Bristol.

The new channels are the latest in the ongoing rollout of local TV stations across the UK, with broadcast regulator Ofcom having issued licences for 30 local networks.

A second phase of licensing is now underway, with Ofcom inviting applications in July for new licences in seven areas of the UK – Aberdeen, Ayr, Carlisle, Dundee, Forth Valley, Inverness and Stoke on Trent.