[opendtv] MPs call for local TV channel on Freeview
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:36:27 -0500
As we can see, localism is politically correct even in the UK. Has there been a
simmering popular demand for such channels, one wonders?
Bert
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http://www.dtg.org.uk/news/news.php?class=countries&subclass=0&id=3565
MPs call for local TV channel on Freeview
80 MPs have signed a Commons motion demanding the Government to introduce a new
network of local TV channels on Freeview and cable, according to United for
Local Television (ULTV).
ULTV's latest Early Day Motion calls on the Government to ensure: "all citizens
have access to a dedicated channel on both Freeview and cable, providing local
news, local discussion, community programming and local advertising."
The motion is sponsored by Austin Mitchell MP, the Labour member for Grimsby
and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Media Group. Austin Mitchell MP said:
"In September Ofcom issued a local media discussion document which said
spectrum could be reserved for local TV. We think it is vital that the
government and Ofcom now take action to ensure that there is a guaranteed space
for the community on our television screens.
"It seems extraordinary to reserve six whole multiplexes for Freeview but not a
single channel for local news and community programming. The support for my EDM
demonstrates there is a strong feeling in Parliament that both the Government
and Ofcom need to take a fresh look at the issues and, at the very least, allow
a breathing space for some digital trials of local TV in the short-term" he
added.
Marilyn Hyndman, a director of NvTv, the community channel for Belfast which is
one of the leading members of the United for Local Television (ULTV) campaign
said: "In our view, cost benefit analysis and consultation on local TV is long
overdue. We believe that existing services such as NvTv can help Ofcom and
government to review the policy options and hope they will engage
constructively with us and our colleagues in United for Local Television to
seek to route a path forward."
DTG Staff 21.10.2009
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