Local TV pushes for spectrum

摘要

Local television operators have stepped up their campaign for Ofcom to reserve at least one channel on the Freeview digital-terrestrial platform to meet public demand for local programming. The move follows the publication last week of further research on uses for spectrum released by digital switchover, which showed that consumers placed greater value on local programming than on services such as high-definition or mobile television (NMM November 29, 2007). In a letter to Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards, United for Local Television, an initiative of commercial, community and lobby groups, urged the regulator to "address the concerns of the existing and aspirant local TV sector" and "enable the roll-out of a new local TV network". United for Local Television advocates that spectrum for local programming be made available by reserving capacity either on an existing or a new national multiplex to ensure countrywide coverage.