Ofcom awards second set of local tv licences

Ofcom has awarded the second set of licences to run local TV services in three areas of the UK. The new licences are for DTT channels in Bristol (Made in Bristol) Cardiff (Made in Cardiff) and Norwich (Mustard TV). The awards follow new legislation enabling the regulator to issue local TV licences.
The licences have been awarded for a period of up to 12 years and Ofcom anticipates that some channels may be on air before the end of 2013.

In May 2012, Ofcom invited applications to run local TV services in 21 local areas. In total, 57 applications were received to run the local TV services.

As well as broadcasting on DTT, Ofcom has said that local TV channels might also wish to offer their services on satellite, cable and online.
Ofcom has now awarded five local TV licences, and will make further licence awards in the coming months.