MUMBAI: UK media watchdog Ofcom has published a consultation on a proposed list of 20 local TV sites across the UK, along with the process of how they will be licensed. Proposed sites have been selected from regions where local TV is technically possible and where there is interest in providing a service. Evidence of strong local demand was also taken into account.

The process of awarding and licensing a local TV multiplex operator that will provide the technical infrastructure for the local stations to broadcast also forms part of the consultation.

This follows the publication of the Government‘s local TV statement: Local TV: Making the vision happen, on 13 December 2011, which resulted in Orders being laid before Parliament to create a statutory framework for local television.
 
Ofcom says that its financial modelling suggests that a minimum rollout of 20 locations will be viable in most scenarios, and so we are proposing 20 sites as a minimum coverage requirement. (In some scenarios a far larger number is possible, but these scenarios assume the multiplex operator being run as a non-profit business, which cannot be taken for granted, so we are proposing a minimum that we consider can be commercially viable.)

It is proposing 20 specific sites for the minimum rollout. These are selected from the sites where local TV is technically possible and we consider there is a potential local service operator, to achieve a range of locations across the UK, and a range of scales of operation. We also take into account evidence of strong local demand.

The 20 sites include Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Cardiff and Edinburgh. Ofcom is proposing that applicants for the multiplex licence should specify how many sites they will build out to on top of this minimum, and that the number of additional sites covered should be a criterion used to distinguish between applicants for the multiplex licence.

The sites to be covered in addition to this minimum should be sites where there is interest from a potential local service licensee. Ofcom expects coverage at any site that the multiplex operator is required to cover to be at least as good as that predicted by our modelling. We would consider requests to extend areas coming from the multiplex operator; and if local service operators wish to extend their areas, the multiplex operator must facilitate this, if the local service pays for the increased cost.

Each of these areas is named for the principal conurbation within the technically-possible coverage area. Some transmission areas cover secondary conurbations too, and where coverage is good enough, we will consider applications for local services targeted at these.
Local multiplex licence conditions and requirements other terms

Ofcom adds that it will seek to ensure that coverage is built-out to the 20 sites in the minimum requirement as soon as possible. Additional sites covered should be built-out as soon as these first 20 are complete.