Over 120 MPs back local Freeview plan

chris

More than 120 MPs have backed a call for local television to be given a channel on Freeview.

A Parliamentary Early Day Motion supported proposals from campaign group United for Local Television.

Members want the government to step in and set aside national digital terrestrial sp'ectrum for the services.

"This would become a local TV channel with local programming inserted at all major transmitter points using ‘add/drop’ technology," said the group.

"United for Local Television is calling for Channel 6 to become a UK-wide network of local channels, launching before the conclusion of digital switchover.

"No matter where you live in the UK, Channel 6 would be a local channel offering local news, local programming and local advertising. Channel 6 would also carry ‘networked’ public service content."

The organisation is staking its claim with Ofcom just weeks away from confirming its plans for the digital dividend sp'ectrum. ULT said asking local TV operators to buy sp'ectrum would be "unrealistic and impractical".

The Early Day Motion was proposed by Ian Stewart, chair of the all party parliamentary group on community media.

"UK citizens are amongst the least well served in the entire democratic world for access to local news and information from television," said the MP.

"It is vital that at least one channel (out of a potential 30+ channels on Freeview) is protected as a local channel providing a forum to debate and discuss local issues."