That's TV Scotland Review

That is an interesting read and explains That's TV model. You'd think the story would catch on more as a business is essentially exploiting the BBC and the licence fee payers and making a mockery of 'local TV'.

The quicker Ofcom decides to close down this local TV operation, as in all the licences handed out under the Hunt scheme, the better.

That's TV Humber is similar. I saw one of their news programmes. Every single news story was about Hull... which is odd, considering predecessor Estuary TV was based in GRIMSBY, and the commercials are therefore mostly for Lincolnshire firms instead of East Riding ones.

Though, to be fair, it does make more sense to have a local television station for a city like Hull (urban area pop. 573,300), than it does for Grimsby (88k) plus Immingham (9.6k).

It should always have been advertised as a city TV service for Hull, with that city being the primary editorial focus.

It's not in Ofcom's gift to kill them off. This category was created by Parliament and it would have to be killed off by Parliament.

I still think the basic idea is sound. The implementation, though, has been dire. No signs of a cohesive network operation, sporadic coverage, targetting of cities by proximity to a transmitter (over population or need), useless operators, poor award process, an impotent regulatory regime and lack of backing from any established broadcaster with any real dosh behind them.

The licences must be allowed to run to their end date - else I guess the gov't would have to buy the operators out. Lets see if anybody bothers to renew.

I'll be amazed if they make it to licence renewal date! That's around 5 more years of this pain!

I tuned in last night and they featured a lengthy interview with a Free Church Minister talking about how he felt the Scottish Government's anti-bigotry campaign was targeting Christians. There was no challenge, no right-to-respond, etc. It just felt like an awful man who had been given 3 minutes to rant against minorities and the government. If they continue with features like that, Ofcom will be able to act.

I agree that That's and the rest are painful, and I often wince at the poor technical/editorial/journalistic/compliance quality I've seen, but in the end, it's my choice to tune in (and then out again).

At worst, the Local TV operation does at least provide a quasi-national extra DTT mux. At best, it could be a network of local stations that would be an asset to their respective areas.

Sadly it was organised as a vehicle for political ambition, rather than to serve a need. I am convinced that the need is there - but the incumbent providers are dangerously terrible.

The Broadcasting Code does apply though, so when an 'interview' such as the one described above is put to air there must be consequences.

I'm all for freedom of speech, but a balance must be found.

Ofcom can revoke their licences to broadcast though.

But not just because they feel like it. Britain isn't a banana republic.

Give it time.

I’m probably not missing much, but is it transmitting on Freeview? I’ve been trying to view the channel since the weekend, and each time I try, all I get is a black screen.

Yes, it’s on now. And no, you’re not missing anything 😝

Thanks. I’m not that bothered, just strange it’s a blank screen, but that’s probably more entertaining lol.