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Local TV could arrive in 30 more cities

Local TV could arrive in 30 more citiesLocal TV stations could spring up in 30 more cities as the second round of licensing begins. 

Ofcom has kicked off the next round for ‘expressions of interest’ to come in from local broadcasters keen to launch new channels in places including Aberdeen, Basingstoke, Salisbury and York.

Media outlets who want a shot of bringing a Local TV service will need to apply to Ofcom by April 24 this year, with a view to some channels ready for airing by the end of 2014. 

The full list of the 30 locations is: 

Aberdeen Ayr Bangor
Barnstaple Basingstoke Bedford
Bromsgrove Cambridge Carlisle
Derry/Londonderry Dundee Guildford
Hereford Inverness Kidderminster
Limavady Luton Maidstone
Malvern Middlesbrough Mold
Plymouth Reading Salisbury
Scarborough Stoke on Trent Stratford upon Avon
Swansea Tonbridge York

Swansea and Plymouth were initially included in the first phase of Local TV, but Ofcom received no applications in these places. Perhaps now with channels like Mustard TV and Made In Tyne & Wear providing examples of how it can be done, there will be more enthusiasm this time round. 

Should there be successful applications from broadcasters in all 30 cities, this would take the total number of Local TV stations in the UK to 49. To be in with a chance of winning a Local TV licence from Ofcom, potential broadcasters will need to demonstrate a viable commercial plan as well as a commitment to providing a local community voice.

Recently the first phase of Local TV licence awards was completed, with YourTV Blackpool & Preston winning the rights to broadcast in Blackpool and Preston for the next 12 years. The first round of Local TV stations will begin broadcasting by the end of the year. For a full list of where Local TV will be landing first, check out our Local TV feature.

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