The government is planning to grant licenses for up to 65 local TV stations. Applications are now in and successful ones will be announced later this year. They will be expected to start broadcasting within 2 years with many expecting to start well before then. Freeview Channel 8 in England is to be used and Sky are proposing a Yellow Button option.
Whether this is a good idea is open to debate. There are plenty of local and regional radio stations and newpapers. Although some of these are under stress with competition from the internet which gives the ability to read and listen anywhere at any time to almost anything.
No doubt not all will succeed but if enough begin there is more chance that some will find a successful formula that can be spread about. Although different places are likely to have different markets.
Interesting times; nothing ventured, nothing gained.
There are two applicants for Preston and these are:
Service name: Metro8 Preston
Contact: Romen Podzyhun
Public address:2 Park Lane, Leeds LS3 1ES
Email address: info@metro8.co.uk
Phone number: London: 0 203 603 9221 x.226
Toronto: +1 416 492 1595 x.226
Website: www.metro8.co.uk
Service name: YourTV Blackpool & Preston
Contact: Tony Carr
Public address: YourTV Blackpool & Preston Ltd c/o Flat 2 The Royals, 11 Links Gate, Lytham St Annes, FY8 3LJ
Email address:anthonydavidcarr@btinternet.com
Phone number: 01253 344 123
Website: www.yourtvblackpoolpreston.co.uk