New Framework for Local TV

The Government has published the proposed framework  for local television and the timetable, aiming for award of the first licences by Ofcom in summer 2012, with 10 to 20 stations up and running by 2015.  Later in the summer, the Government intends to publish an assessment of the potential number of local television licence and local TV areas likely to be offered, underpinned by Ofcom’s assessment of locations with good spectrum coverage. Responses to the consultation are invited by 23 September  2011.

Announcing the proposals, the DCMS stated that:

"The Government is committed to acting to address the technical and commercial barriers to developing new and thriving local TV provision broadcast on Freeview – the digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform. To make local TV feasible, ...a package of geographic interleaved spectrum will be allocated and managed by a new licensed multiplex company. This company will be obliged to build and operate the necessary multiplexes to carry separately licensed local TV services. The number of services that will emerge is subject to spectrum coverage and commercial sustainability. Ofcom will lead the licence award process for each. In addition, [the government] intend to secure appropriate prominence for the local TV services on electronic programme guides, with high numbers on DTT and front page access on cable and satellite platforms. "

The Government’s consultation paper and impact assessment consider the importance of local media for local democracy, Big Society and active citizenship; Local TV's impact upon local newspapers; local advertising; role of the BBC (which could bid for the multiplex) including both partnership proposals and its proposed licence fee contribution to capital costs, operational costs and purchase of local content, subject to further discussions with government, BBC Trust approval and EC clearance on state aid; and  the role of other public service broadcasters. The Government expects support from satellite and cable services, while YouView is due to launch in 2012 and DTT expand their IPTV services. In view of its planned roll out of superfast broadband, the Government envisages that local TV will expand from the pioneer cities and towns with good spectrum coverage in receipt of the first licences and reach across the UK on internet protocol television.

Secondary legislation will be brought forward in the Autumn to reserve spectrum, establish a new licensing regime for local digital television and ensure prominence of the EPG. The Government will also consider whether changes to the primary legislation should be made by the forthcoming Communications Act. After consultation, Ofcom will then determine the most appropriate spectrum for reservation; design, consult upon and run awards process for the multiplex licence and first tranche of licences, taking into account the localness criteria outlined in the paper. After public service broadcasters have reviewed their listings, Ofcom will also consult, issue and enforce EPG prominence through guidance and its statutory code.

For futher information please contact Santha Rasaiah on 020 7632 7461 or e-mail santha_rasaiah@newspapersoc.org.uk.