City moves closer to own telly channel

EDINBURGH has moved a step closer to setting up its own local TV station.

The Capital was one of 20 towns and cities across the UK named as “pioneer” cities from an initial list of 65 potential locations identified by the Department of Culture Media and Sport as suitable for establishing local TV stations.

Legislation was laid in the House of Commons yesterday to allow the move to go ahead.

The next stage will be a consultation of up to 12 weeks, with the licences expected to be awarded by the end of this year and broadcasts scheduled to start by summer 2013.

Edinburgh West Liberal Democrat MP Mike Crockart welcomed the move. He said: “UK media have become over centralised and don’t serve local areas the way they should.

“An Edinburgh-based TV station will allow residents to watch news and programmes which are pertinent to their lives.”