Capital likely to launch local TV service

EDINBURGH is among the 20 locations likely to launch local TV services, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has confirmed.

The list of “pioneer areas” has been chosen from a shortlist of 65 which were identified in the summer to possibly run the schemes.

The aim is to create a series of “commercially viable” stations carrying locally made programmes and news across the UK.

The locations were chosen following a consultation to check the level of interest from potential operators and audiences in areas where it was thought to be technically possible to set up the services. Broadcasting regulator Ofcom will soon conduct a further consultation into how licences will be awarded.

Mr Hunt said: “Local TV will be a fundamental change in broadcasting in this country, meeting a real demand for local news and content.”