RI
My updated proposal...
http://rijowhite.blog.co.uk/2012/07/21/local-and-regional-tv-my-proposal-14160167/
A few changes, via my blog...
We shall soon see if Jeremy Hunt's idea of Local TV can work...I'm not sure it can without changes to Local & Regional media landscapes, hence my proposals.
http://rijowhite.blog.co.uk/2012/07/21/local-and-regional-tv-my-proposal-14160167/
A few changes, via my blog...
We shall soon see if Jeremy Hunt's idea of Local TV can work...I'm not sure it can without changes to Local & Regional media landscapes, hence my proposals.
BR
Not sure I entirely agree with that - a few too many concessions IMO.
For me the solution is quite simple for it to work - refranchsing. ITV wouldn't like it at all, but that's why it would work. I guess to sweaten ITV Plc any refranchising would be done on an affiliate basis with regional affiliates being responsible for local news and getting guaranteed airtime within the schedule (at least one hour a week in primetime), and that would enable ITV PLC to stop moaning about regional commitments as if they're truly not profitable they don't need to bid for them. I think though going the whole hog and putting the full regional licences out to tender would actually breathe a bit of new life into the entire network, not just regional programming - though inevitably no sooner than they go to air they'd be looking to buy each other out once again.
The main thing that complicates refranchising ITV is the digital channels - technically speaking the regional franchise holders have ITV's space on the Digital 3 & 4 Mux (currently used for ITV1, ITV1+1, ITV2 and C5). Not sure how that agreement works on Sky - whether Sky had to provide just the EPG slot or the channel streams too, and if the latter I suspect that only applies to SD. In a way this is an issue that should have been addressed at the birth of digital TV - so rather than rubber stamping the ITV mergers under the ridiculous notion nobody would care about regional content in a digital landscape they should have put some protections in their for the future - for example on the ITV mux as well as the main ITV network they should have had to have one regional based channel.
For me the solution is quite simple for it to work - refranchsing. ITV wouldn't like it at all, but that's why it would work. I guess to sweaten ITV Plc any refranchising would be done on an affiliate basis with regional affiliates being responsible for local news and getting guaranteed airtime within the schedule (at least one hour a week in primetime), and that would enable ITV PLC to stop moaning about regional commitments as if they're truly not profitable they don't need to bid for them. I think though going the whole hog and putting the full regional licences out to tender would actually breathe a bit of new life into the entire network, not just regional programming - though inevitably no sooner than they go to air they'd be looking to buy each other out once again.
The main thing that complicates refranchising ITV is the digital channels - technically speaking the regional franchise holders have ITV's space on the Digital 3 & 4 Mux (currently used for ITV1, ITV1+1, ITV2 and C5). Not sure how that agreement works on Sky - whether Sky had to provide just the EPG slot or the channel streams too, and if the latter I suspect that only applies to SD. In a way this is an issue that should have been addressed at the birth of digital TV - so rather than rubber stamping the ITV mergers under the ridiculous notion nobody would care about regional content in a digital landscape they should have put some protections in their for the future - for example on the ITV mux as well as the main ITV network they should have had to have one regional based channel.
Last edited by Brekkie on 10 November 2012 12:24pm
RI
Interesting theory you've come up with there, something like that should have happened a few years ago. Looking at it now, I guess now it depends what happens with these Local TV franchises. My proposal is probably looking slightly further into the future...and looking at whether both Local and some limited Regional TV could be possible. I do doubt that Local TV can work for as many hours per day as proposed though and besides where would that leave the BBC/ITV's Regional TV spots...
Not sure I entirely agree with that - a few too many concessions IMO.
For me the solution is quite simple for it to work - refranchsing. ITV wouldn't like it at all, but that's why it would work. I guess to sweaten ITV Plc any refranchising would be done on an affiliate basis with regional affiliates being responsible for local news and getting guaranteed airtime within the schedule (at least one hour a week in primetime), and that would enable ITV PLC to stop moaning about regional commitments as if they're truly not profitable they don't need to bid for them. I think though going the whole hog and putting the full regional licences out to tender would actually breathe a bit of new life into the entire network, not just regional programming - though inevitably no sooner than they go to air they'd be looking to buy each other out once again.
The main thing that complicates refranchising ITV is the digital channels - technically speaking the regional franchise holders have ITV's space on the Digital 3 & 4 Mux (currently used for ITV1, ITV1+1, ITV2 and C5). Not sure how that agreement works on Sky - whether Sky had to provide just the EPG slot or the channel streams too, and if the latter I suspect that only applies to SD. In a way this is an issue that should have been addressed at the birth of digital TV - so rather than rubber stamping the ITV mergers under the ridiculous notion nobody would care about regional content in a digital landscape they should have put some protections in their for the future - for example on the ITV mux as well as the main ITV network they should have had to have one regional based channel.
For me the solution is quite simple for it to work - refranchsing. ITV wouldn't like it at all, but that's why it would work. I guess to sweaten ITV Plc any refranchising would be done on an affiliate basis with regional affiliates being responsible for local news and getting guaranteed airtime within the schedule (at least one hour a week in primetime), and that would enable ITV PLC to stop moaning about regional commitments as if they're truly not profitable they don't need to bid for them. I think though going the whole hog and putting the full regional licences out to tender would actually breathe a bit of new life into the entire network, not just regional programming - though inevitably no sooner than they go to air they'd be looking to buy each other out once again.
The main thing that complicates refranchising ITV is the digital channels - technically speaking the regional franchise holders have ITV's space on the Digital 3 & 4 Mux (currently used for ITV1, ITV1+1, ITV2 and C5). Not sure how that agreement works on Sky - whether Sky had to provide just the EPG slot or the channel streams too, and if the latter I suspect that only applies to SD. In a way this is an issue that should have been addressed at the birth of digital TV - so rather than rubber stamping the ITV mergers under the ridiculous notion nobody would care about regional content in a digital landscape they should have put some protections in their for the future - for example on the ITV mux as well as the main ITV network they should have had to have one regional based channel.
Interesting theory you've come up with there, something like that should have happened a few years ago. Looking at it now, I guess now it depends what happens with these Local TV franchises. My proposal is probably looking slightly further into the future...and looking at whether both Local and some limited Regional TV could be possible. I do doubt that Local TV can work for as many hours per day as proposed though and besides where would that leave the BBC/ITV's Regional TV spots...
DV
It continues to intrigue me that we are getting service licences issued, yet we are still without a Mux operator licenced to operate the transmission network.
:-(
A former member
I still believe These local station should work with ITV, Ch4 and BBC1, to provide slots for proper programmes
* Afternoon slot BBC and ITV
* 6pm Local news on itv
* 7.30pm slots on Tuesday 8 Thursdays
* 10.30 slot on BBC and ITV
* Afternoon slot BBC and ITV
* 6pm Local news on itv
* 7.30pm slots on Tuesday 8 Thursdays
* 10.30 slot on BBC and ITV
RI
I agree that could have been the best option (maybe something like Labour's original Regional News proposal but proper Local TV stations like the Tories). I'd personally forget Local TV on Channel 4, just let the current stations with proven Regional capacity provide the capacity for the Local TV stations. I'd imagine as the BBC is already funded by the Licence Fee, the local TV stations on BBC1 would be provided by the BBC (something along the lines of BBC1 Birmingham). As for the Local TV stations on ITV1 (or ITV), I could see the Local TV stations funded by a mix of the Licence Fee, ITV themselves (Through a condition of their Licence.) and hopefully eventually advertising/sponsorship. I can't see these stations making much (if any of) a profit though so maybe these channel's should be run as some sort of a trust (maybe under the brand name Channel 3 Local TV)? These Local TV stations could be run by professionals living within their Local TV franchise area, maybe something a bit like a local BBC?
Regional TV would be totally dead but real Local TV would have truly replaced it. The current plan doesn't really solve anything as I don't see the standalone Local TV stations gaining enough viewers or influence to replace ITV's now inadequate offering (this includes my proposal too, which was trying to make the best of a bad deal).
I still believe These local station should work with ITV, Ch4 and BBC1, to provide slots for proper programmes
* Afternoon slot BBC and ITV
* 6pm Local news on itv
* 7.30pm slots on Tuesday 8 Thursdays
* 10.30 slot on BBC and ITV
* Afternoon slot BBC and ITV
* 6pm Local news on itv
* 7.30pm slots on Tuesday 8 Thursdays
* 10.30 slot on BBC and ITV
I agree that could have been the best option (maybe something like Labour's original Regional News proposal but proper Local TV stations like the Tories). I'd personally forget Local TV on Channel 4, just let the current stations with proven Regional capacity provide the capacity for the Local TV stations. I'd imagine as the BBC is already funded by the Licence Fee, the local TV stations on BBC1 would be provided by the BBC (something along the lines of BBC1 Birmingham). As for the Local TV stations on ITV1 (or ITV), I could see the Local TV stations funded by a mix of the Licence Fee, ITV themselves (Through a condition of their Licence.) and hopefully eventually advertising/sponsorship. I can't see these stations making much (if any of) a profit though so maybe these channel's should be run as some sort of a trust (maybe under the brand name Channel 3 Local TV)? These Local TV stations could be run by professionals living within their Local TV franchise area, maybe something a bit like a local BBC?
Regional TV would be totally dead but real Local TV would have truly replaced it. The current plan doesn't really solve anything as I don't see the standalone Local TV stations gaining enough viewers or influence to replace ITV's now inadequate offering (this includes my proposal too, which was trying to make the best of a bad deal).
Last edited by Rijowhi on 13 November 2012 11:35pm - 3 times in total
NI
Local television is just a terrible idea, plain and simple. The utter lack of actual hard news would be startling to watch. Regional television is still a necessity but no-one seems to want to fork out to reinvest in it. It's bizarre to think the BBC have taken over the mantle in that field when you consider the purpose for creating ITV all those years ago. I have little faith in the Government's plan for these TV stations... they're just simply not going to turn a decent profit. If it turns out to work successfully then I'll gladly take this all back!
DV
Ofcom have withdrawn two of the licences previously offered ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Nottingham
The Ofcom Broadcast Licensing Committee will retake its consideration of the applications for the local TV licence for the coverage area of Nottingham. As a result, the licence award to TV Notts Ltd (previously made on 2 October 2012) is withdrawn. The Broadcasting Licensing Committee will meet to reconsider the applications early in the week commencing 19 November 2012.
Sheffield
The Ofcom Broadcast Licensing Committee will retake its consideration of the applications for the local TV licence for the coverage area of Sheffield. As a result, the licence award to Sheffield Local Television Ltd (previously made on 9 October 2012) is withdrawn. The Broadcasting Licensing Committee will meet to reconsider the applications early in the week commencing 19 November 2012.
Nottingham
The Ofcom Broadcast Licensing Committee will retake its consideration of the applications for the local TV licence for the coverage area of Nottingham. As a result, the licence award to TV Notts Ltd (previously made on 2 October 2012) is withdrawn. The Broadcasting Licensing Committee will meet to reconsider the applications early in the week commencing 19 November 2012.
Sheffield
The Ofcom Broadcast Licensing Committee will retake its consideration of the applications for the local TV licence for the coverage area of Sheffield. As a result, the licence award to Sheffield Local Television Ltd (previously made on 9 October 2012) is withdrawn. The Broadcasting Licensing Committee will meet to reconsider the applications early in the week commencing 19 November 2012.
RI
It does sound a bit like the First Group fiasco doesn't it? I think Local TV can work in this country but I think the approach by the Government is wrong. I liked the idea mentioned on this forum of there being Local TV mini-franchises to totally replace Regional TV on ITV (with BBC producing their own Local TV services). There is also my own mini proposal of totally new mini-local TV trust franchises (funded by the Licence Fee/Local advertising) on Channel 5 (adding something new to our media landscape, broadcasting a couple of hours a day with powers to protect BBC/ITV's own Regional services*).
* With Local TV not able to broadcast when Regional News/limited Regional Programming is on BBC/ITV.
Those weren't won by First Group were they?
A farce already, better off to cancel it now while it can be done quietly before it gets too far down the line.
A farce already, better off to cancel it now while it can be done quietly before it gets too far down the line.
It does sound a bit like the First Group fiasco doesn't it? I think Local TV can work in this country but I think the approach by the Government is wrong. I liked the idea mentioned on this forum of there being Local TV mini-franchises to totally replace Regional TV on ITV (with BBC producing their own Local TV services). There is also my own mini proposal of totally new mini-local TV trust franchises (funded by the Licence Fee/Local advertising) on Channel 5 (adding something new to our media landscape, broadcasting a couple of hours a day with powers to protect BBC/ITV's own Regional services*).
* With Local TV not able to broadcast when Regional News/limited Regional Programming is on BBC/ITV.
Last edited by Rijowhi on 15 November 2012 8:30pm
DV
.... Seems that the Nottingham and Sheffield licences previously awarded, and then withdrawn, have now been awarded back to the applicants to whom they were initially awarded then withdrawn from.
Curiouser and curiouser.
Curiouser and curiouser.