Local TV: How Local, How Independent – and How ‘Beautiful’?

DCMS has released its response to the consultation on local TV that ended in September, including the announcement of the first locations to be licenced. The response basically confirms the previously published framework, however it does attempt to address some concerns raised here and by others. Nevertheless, as this process moves to Ofcom now for further consultations, two new twists should be considered carefully. These are the suggestion to revise the role of independent producers in broadcasting, and the proposed obligations on local TV to carry party political broadcasts (PPBs). Licences are to be granted through a ‘beauty contest’, but the numbers of interested parties are low. These new twists therefore raise a serious question: if the one contestant is too ‘ugly’ will Ofcom be able to use its discretion to not grant a licence.